Lewis County establishes rules for street legal special purpose vehicles

The Lewis County Fiscal Court convened for a special meeting on May 19, 2025, to discuss the implementation of regulations concerning street legal special purpose vehicles. The meeting focused on defining the criteria for these vehicles and outlining the rules for their operation within the county.

The court began by establishing a clear definition of a special purpose vehicle, which includes all-terrain vehicles, utility terrain vehicles, mini trucks, and other specially built vehicles. A key point of discussion was the requirements for a vehicle to be considered street legal. These requirements include the presence of multiple safety features such as headlamps, brake lamps, turn signals, a braking system, and a roll bar or roll cage, among others.

The court emphasized that operators of street legal special purpose vehicles must possess a valid operator's license, vehicle registration, proof of insurance, and a valid inspection from the Lewis County Sheriff's Office. Additionally, these vehicles must be registered with the Lewis County Clerk and insured similarly to motorcycles.

The meeting also addressed the designated highways where these vehicles would be permitted. It was noted that street legal special purpose vehicles would be allowed on all highways within Lewis County, with specific exclusions for streets in the city of Vanceburg and certain school zones during pickup and drop-off hours. Furthermore, the ordinance prohibits these vehicles from operating on controlled access highways and areas where the USDA restricts their use.

In conclusion, the meeting resulted in a comprehensive framework for the operation of street legal special purpose vehicles in Lewis County, aimed at ensuring safety and compliance with traffic regulations. The court plans to monitor the implementation of these regulations and make adjustments as necessary to enhance public safety and vehicle operation standards.