Greencastle approves UTV ordinance

After several false starts and tabling of the ordinance, the Greencastle Common Council approved an ordinance pertaining to the use of utility terrain vehicles on city streets. 

Since November, the council has debated what to do with the ordinance, which was first proposed by former Councilman Cody Eckert, who stated he was introducing a proposed ordinance aimed at providing uniformity and flexibility for residents who did not want to use cars. In December, January and February, the measure was tabled, forcing council to take action last night. And, it did just that with a 4-3 vote. Councilors David Masten, Mark Hammer and Darrel Thomas voted against the measure, while council members Vincent Aguirre, Katherine Asbell, Stacie Langdon and Tina Nicholson voted in favor. 

Mayor Lynda Dunbar, who had been a supporter of the ordinance said the next step is for the signage to be purchase and once the sings come in, the city street department will put them up, with a goal of having everything in place by July 1 at the latest. 

Aguirre was also pleased the measure passed. 

Aguirre said now that the measure is behind the council, it is time to focus on more pressing matters. 

Under the measure, the UTV vehicles would be allowable to navigate city streets and would require proper signage around the city. According to the proposed ordinance, the UTV must have a dry weight of no more than 2,500 pounds, be designed for travel on at least four non highway or off highway tires, be designed for recreational use by one or more individuals, have the ability to operate at the posted speed limit and be equipped with safety belts for all passengers, have side mirrors or a rear view mirror, a traditional steering wheel, two headlights and turn signals and a brake light. 

In addition, all drivers shall meet the following requirements: Be at least 18 years of age or older, possess an Indiana driver's license, have insurance, wear a seatbelt and all passengers must wear a seatbelt. Furthermore, the ability to use the UTV on city streets comes with a $100 registration fee for inspection and processing. The permit may be renewed for additional one year periods upon payment of a renewal fee of $35, which shall be paid annually. The permit cannot be transferred to other vehicles or owners. 

The ordinance also states the vehicles cannot be used on city streets from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m., cannot be driven on sidewalks, pathways or city grass and cannot be driven on Veterans Memorial Highway. 

The proposed ordinance also comes with punishment for those who do not comply with the first offense coming with a $100 fine. A second fine would be $250 and a 60 day suspension from using UTV vehicles on city streets. A third violation results in a $500 fine and a lifetime suspension. 

The ordinance does not include golf carts, ATVs, three or four wheelers and slow moving vehicles.