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County holds first reading of updated off‑road vehicle rules for county‑maintained roads
Summary
Commissioners heard the first reading of a draft ordinance tightening requirements for side‑by‑side and off‑road vehicles using county‑maintained roadways; sheriff's office to review draft before public hearing.
Boone County commissioners conducted the first reading of a draft ordinance updating rules for side‑by‑side (UTV) and other off‑road vehicles on county‑maintained roadways.
Highway staff said the existing ordinance (Ordinance 20 25‑07) was overly broad and allowed any vehicle classified by the State of Indiana as an off‑road vehicle, without specifying necessary safety equipment or clearer operational conditions. The proposed revision clarifies required safety equipment, retains the existing permit length and continues to require the Department of Natural Resources permit before a county permit is issued. The draft has been circulated to the sheriff’s office for review.
County staff said the action at this meeting was the first reading and that notice for the public hearing will be published before the next meeting.
Why it matters: The ordinance governs whether and how off‑road vehicles can operate on county roads, balancing recreational use with public safety and highway compatibility.
What’s next: Staff will finalize the draft addressing sheriff’s office comments, publish notice of the public hearing, and bring the ordinance back for a vote at the next meeting.
