Ogden council adopts ordinance letting city police enforce traffic rules on school property

The Ogden City Council voted unanimously Aug. 26, 2025, to adopt an amendment to Municipal Code Title 10 that authorizes city police to enforce vehicle- and traffic-related provisions on Ogden School District property within the city limits.

Ogden City Police Chief Subhi told the council the ordinance implements authority authorized by state code for a school district to request local enforcement. “Pursuant to Utah code annotated section 53 8 6 0 4 … any city ordinance related to the control of vehicular traffic … is adopted as regulation governing vehicular traffic and parking on all Ogden City School District property located within the corporate limits of the city,” Chief Subhi read into the record while summarizing the proposed ordinance.

Why it matters: The change gives officers the power to stop drivers and enforce moving-vehicle violations on school grounds — an ability Chief Subhi said the department lacked previously. He described the driving force as campus safety: “This isn’t about enforcement. It’s a tool to take action if needed,” Subhi said, adding the department plans an education-first approach and will refer habitual or severe offenders for formal enforcement.

Key facts and scope: Chief Subhi said the ordinance adopts enforcement of a range of motor-vehicle provisions as they apply on school district property, referencing the state and city traffic statutes named in his presentation. He said the department averages 19 vehicle accidents per year on school property from 2020 to 2024 and that, as of mid-2025, there have been 14 accidents with four months remaining in the year. He also said high schools accounted for the highest number of incidents, followed by elementary schools, then junior highs.

The chief explained limits and examples: certain criminal offenses (driving under the influence, reckless driving, leaving the scene, negligent or automobile homicide) can already be enforced on private property under broader law; the proposed municipal ordinance adds the city’s traffic-control rules on school sites so officers can stop and educate before accidents occur. Subhi noted some traffic offenses, such as reckless driving, have statutory definitions (for example, repeated violations or extremely high speeds) that may limit immediate application absent those statutory elements.

Council action: Council Member Hyer moved to adopt the proposed Ordinance 2025-27; the motion was seconded and passed by voice vote with all members present voting in favor. Chair Marsha White said she appreciated the education-first approach.

Implementation notes: The ordinance takes effect once final administrative steps are completed and city staff complete any required signoffs with the school district. Chief Subhi said the department would emphasize education and collaboration with school staff; enforcement would be used for habitual or dangerous behavior.