Argos Town Council members reached a decision about allowing utility vehicles on roads within the town limits when they met earlier this month.
Members noted that the vehicles would be under the same regulations as golf carts. In order to operate a UTV on the town’s roadways, an individual would need a valid driver’s license and their vehicle needs to be insured. It would also have to have working head and tail lights, turn signals and a flashing yellow light installed on top.
The owner of the vehicle is also required to register with the Town. The registration fee is $25 to be registered for four years. Anyone 60-years-old or older is not subject to a registration fee.
Before coming to a final decision, there was some discussion about the speed limitations since UTVs can typically go much faster than your average golf cart.
The question was whether the town’s existing golf cart ordinance specifies that a vehicle should not be able to exceed 25 miles per hour or if the driver is just required to stay below that speed, regardless of the vehicle’s capability.
After referencing the existing ordinance, it was noted that the language states a vehicle can not be driven at a speed over 25 mph within the town limits, not that it isn’t allowed reach that speed in general.
With that clarification made, members took a unanimous vote to amend their golf cart ordinance to allow for UTVs.
Residents should keep in mind that council members just voted to amend the ordinance so it isn’t technically in effect just yet. Once the document is altered, it will come back before them to receive approval.
