Council Clears Way For UTVs, OHVs On City Streets

The Sullivan City Council on July 20 approved a series of bills that allows utility vehicles and off-highway vehicles to be operated on the city streets, assuming it is properly licensed and insured.

The council approved the bills 5-1.

Here is a breakdown of various vehicles:

Utility Vehicle

A utility vehicle is any motorized vehicle manufactured for off-highway use, which is more than 50 inches but no more than 80 inches in width.

It has an unladen dry weight of 3,500 pounds or less, travels on four or six wheels and is used primarily for landscaping, lawn care or maintenance.

Anyone using a UTV in the city must have a valid license and drive under 45 mph.

No person may operate a UTV in a careless manner or under the influence of alcohol.

OHV

A recreational off-highway vehicle is defined as any motorized vehicle more than 50 inches but no more than 80 inches in width with an unladen dry weight of 3,500 pounds.

The vehicle is primarily used to access off-road trails.

Anyone operating an OHV must have a valid license, display a lighted headlamp and tail lamp; wear a seat belt; be equipped with a roll bar or roll cage and comply with all state laws.

Motorized Bicycle

Motorized bicycles are defined as having an automatic transmission, a cylinder capacity no more than 50 cubic centimeters that produces less than three gross brake horsepower and capable of propelling the device at a maximum speed not to exceed 30 mph.

Motorized bikes cannot be operated without a valid license or on a public thoroughfare designated as part of the federal highway system.

ATV

All-terrain vehicles are not allowed on city streets.