Side by side utility vehicles are also known as UTVs, SBSUTVs or SxS. They are increasingly popular as a replacement for quad bikes because of their enhanced safety features. They are vehicles which can carry passengers, travel off-road, tow a trailer, carry small cargo or equipment and manoeuvre around obstacles and over rough terrain. They have a steering wheel, pedals, harness seat belts, doors, a cargo net, a crush protection device (CPD), and most have a tray back for carrying small loads at the rear of the vehicle.

This publication is a guide to safely using side by side utility vehicles including the pre-start safety check, routine servicing, driving on slopes or through sand, water and mud, loading and towing, and when loading and unloading the vehicle from the back of a truck or trailer.