UTV drivers legally can drive streets
Line up for your inspection and sticker, UTV drivers, and then away you go down Decatur streets – legally.
City council gave final okay to the legalization ordinance at its latest meeting. But first people wanting to operate their Utility Terrain Vehicles and All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs) on city streets will need to register them at the Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV), then have them inspected by city police.
Police Chief Leonard Corral Jr. told city council at its recent meeting that he ordered stickers to be placed on vehicles to show that they have been inspected. Once the stickers arrive, Corral will set up a special day to do the inspections.
He said he will make the announcement on the department’s Facebook page.
Corral and Deputy Chief Chris Brite will do the inspections, the chief said, “as our officers are busy and I want to keep them on the board.”
There will be no charge for the inspections.
The ordinance has been
a long time coming as Corral and city officials stressed the need to “get it right” without having to constantly make changes.
Even so, a couple of minor changes had to be made to the ordinance before final passage.
Jacob Rutschilling of the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) pointed out two minor flaws. In one, the Decatur ordinance banned use of the UTVs on city streets from midnight to 5 a.m., but he pointed out the state law says it must be midnight to 6 a.m.
The ordinance is on the police department’s website.
The books were closed on the subject of numerous council meetings by Mayor Dan Rickord, who said, “It doesn’t matter what you are driving out there, the first thing is safety. Keep yourself and your neighbors safe.”
The chief, mayor and others in city government have frequently remarked about the numerous phone calls and message they have received by people wanting to know when the legalization will come. Well, it’s now here.