By Charles Romans
Carter County Times
Kentucky SB 63, which was passed by the Kentucky General Assembly and took effect on June 27 of this year, permits counties and cities to pass ordinances which allow or restrict the operation of special purpose vehicles in their jurisdictions. According to the Kentucky Association of Counties (KACO), special purpose vehicles include all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), utility terrain vehicles (UTVs), minitrucks, pneumatic-tired military vehicles, and full-size special purpose-built vehicles. Low-speed vehicles as defined in KRS 186.010 are not included in SB 63.
When passing ordinances such as this, local governments typically mirror the language, including permissions and restrictions, used by the state. However, as in this case, those local governments have the freedom to restrict or permit these vehicles to certain areas and impose additional safety regulations if they choose.
Carter County has already passed an ordinance allowing these vehicles on county roads, and cities like Olive Hill and Grayson are establishing their own independent ordinances. The City of Grayson held the first reading of their ordinance regulating these vehicles at their scheduled meeting for the month of September, on September 9. They then passed that ordinance in a special called meeting on Monday, September 22.
Grayson Mayor Troy Combs said that he sees several benefits to the ordinance allowing the special purpose vehicles on city streets.
“These vehicles are smaller than the average car,” Combs said. “So, they are more mobile. City streets often become congested, and I think people like to have the option, especially during events and parades, so they can access parking and drive through town easier.”
Combs also said another benefit of these smaller and more agile vehicles would apply directly to older residents of the city who might appreciate the freedom of mobility they allow, including greater participation in city-wide events.
“These types of customized vehicles provide these residents with a level of accessibility that I see as a benefit,” Combs said.
Mayor Combs said that some detractors might see the passage of the ordinance as allowing these vehicles free reign to go anywhere with no restrictions, but that would not be the case.
“They (SPV’s) have to observe all of the same laws as any other vehicle that is legally on the road,” Combs said. “They have to pass the standard requirements for lights, tags, registration, and seatbelts. If you don’t have these things, you won’t be allowed to operate them.”
Morgan May, the Owner of Dirt Slingers Offroad Park, is one of the business owners who supported the passage of the ordinance.
“I see it as a positive thing,” May said. “A lot of people enjoy using these vehicles both for entertainment and for doing work around their properties. And if someone is out on their vehicle and wants to get a bite to eat or something to drink, they don’t want to have to drive home, get in their car or truck, then drive back into the city.”
People who use these special purpose vehicles, May said, really enjoy the freedom of operation and would definitely frequent more city businesses while they were out driving if they were allowed on city streets.
Contact the writer at charles@cartercountytimes.com
I would hope they will make it mandatory if people are out on such vehicles at night they have reflectors lights and reflective clothing on.