ANSI/OPEI B71.9-2022: Multipurpose Off-Highway Utility Vehicles

ANSI/OPEI B71.9-2022: Multipurpose Off-Highway Utility Vehicles is an American National Standard that establishes the equipment, configuration, and performance of multipurpose off-highway utility vehicles (MOHUVs).

What Is a Multipurpose Off-Highway Utility Vehicle?

ANSI/OPEI B71.9-2022 defines a MOHUV as having the following characteristics:

• intended to transport a person(s) and/or cargo, with a top speed in excess of 25 mph (40.2 km/h);
• 2030 mm (80 in) or less in overall width;
• designed to travel on four or more wheels, two or four tracks, or combinations of four or more tracks and wheels;
• using a steering wheel for steering control;
• with a non-straddle seat;
• with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating of no more than 1814 kg (4000 lb), and
• with a minimum cargo capacity of 159 kg (350 lb).

What Does ANSI/OPEI B71.9-2022 Not Apply to?

ANSI/OPEI B71.9-2022 applies specifically to MOHUVs as defined above. It specifically excludes in its scope vehicles that are defined in other standards, such as in:

• ANSI/ITSDF B56.8-2019: Safety Standard For Personnel And Burden Carriers
• ANSI/OPEI Z130.1-2020: Golf Cars – Safety And Performance Specifications (read more in our post ANSI/OPEI Z130.1-2020: Golf Cars Safety Specifications)
• ANSI/OPEI Z135-2020: Personal Transport Vehicles – Safety And Performance Specifications
• ANSI/SVIA 1: Four-Wheel All-Terrain Vehicles – Equipment, Configuration, and Performance Requirements (Vehicles known as ATVs)
• ANSI/ROHVA 1: Recreational Off-Highway Vehicles (Vehicles known as ROVs)
• SAE J 2258-2022: Light Utility Vehicles
• SAE J 2358-2022: Low-Speed Vehicles
• ASTM F2011-02(2018): Standard Specification For Safety And Performance Of Fun-Karts
• ASTM F2007-07a: Standard Practice For Design, Manufacture, And Operation Of Concession Go-Karts And Facilities

ANSI/OPEI B71.9-2022 also does not apply to any vehicle that complies with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards or vehicles commonly known as “dune buggies” or industrial trucks.

What Tests Does ANSI/OPEI B71.9-2022 Cover?

To meet some of these performance features and determine the unique characteristics of a MOHUV model, ANSI/OPEI B71.9-2022 details important testing procedures. The vehicle used in these tests should conform to the manufacturer’s intended specifications, and a test operator, weighing 98 kg (215 lb) ± 1%, should carry out much of the process. If the test operator weighs less than this amount, the standard advises adding additional weight to the operator’s seat. Similarly, if certain test procedures require a weight equivalent instead of an actual test operator, the Test Occupant Equivalent Weight should be 98 kg (215 lb) ± 1%.

The vehicle should be tested in four configurations: at curb weight, at curb weight plus a test operator, at curb weight plus a test operator and one passenger, and at GVWR (gross vehicle weight rating). The test course, used for determining maximum speed, brake performance, dynamic stability, and handling, should be “a straight, horizontally flat surface sloping less than 1.0 degree (1.7% grade)” and long enough to allow for maximum speed to be achieved.

However, since the testing is intended to evaluate the performance of off-highway utility vehicles, additional testing courses are necessary to carry out all procedures. For sloped surface testing, ANSI/OPEI B71.9-2022 recommends the use of a “slope that is at least 11.3 degrees (20% grade).”

Other than performance, ANSI/OPEI B71.9-2022 emphasizes safety. This includes not only the proper Type 2, 3-point seat belts that conform to SAE J 2292-2021 – Combination Pelvic and Upper Torso Operator and Occupant Restraint Systems for Off-Road Work Machines, but also occupant side retention devices, handholds, and detailed safety and information labeling.

ANSI/OPEI B71.9-2022: Multipurpose Off-Highway Utility Vehicles is available on the ANSI Webstore.