Spencer County adopts ordinance to allow street-legal specialized utility vehicles, follows state guidelines initially

Spencer County Fiscal Court approved a second reading and adoption of a special-purpose vehicle ordinance on June 16, opting to follow state Department of Transportation guidelines when they take effect.

Why it matters: The ordinance will permit properly equipped, street-legal specialized utility vehicles (commonly called side-by-sides or UTVs) to operate on county roads to the extent allowed by the state. County officials said they opted to adopt the ordinance now and then conform to state-issued specifics rather than wait for final state rules.

The court debated whether to delay adoption until the state published its final guidelines. Several commissioners urged caution because state rules could alter allowable roads, speed limits and other details. The court amended its motion to state it would "follow the state guidelines initially," and then voted on the ordinance. A roll-call vote produced a 4–2 result in favor of adoption.

Under the action, vehicles must meet minimum equipment and licensing standards required by the state: a minimum speed capability (discussed at 25 mph in the meeting), registration, insurance and safety devices were among items the court referenced. County staff said enforcement and inspections would involve the sheriff’s office; inspectors will check vehicles before they can be licensed for road use.

Practical effect: Commissioners said the change is intended to accommodate residents who want to legalize side-by-side vehicles for road travel while ensuring safety and alignment with state law. The ordinance allows the county to opt out or adjust local routes later if state rules or local circumstances require it.