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Carbondale council adopts ordinance permitting government-owned UTVs on city streets
Summary
An ordinance adding Chapter 17 to Carbondale's code to allow government-owned utility task vehicles (UTVs) to operate on city streets for official business passed unanimously; the council emphasized the rule applies only to government vehicles used for official purposes.
The Carbondale City Council on Oct. 8 adopted an ordinance amending Title 18 by adding Chapter 17 to the Carbondale Revised Code to permit government-owned utility task vehicles (UTVs) to be driven on city streets.
City staff and councilmembers said the change is intended to allow municipal and Southern Illinois University personnel to use UTVs lawfully while performing property maintenance and emergency operations. Councilmember Stanfield moved to adopt the ordinance (item 8.1); Councilmember Colombo seconded. The council voted by roll call: Councilmember Stanfield: Yes; Councilmember Colombo: Yes; Councilmember Lowes: Yes; Councilmember Maxwell: Yes; Mayor Carolyn Harvey: Yes.
Councilmembers and staff gave examples of operational needs that the change would support. A councilmember recounted using UTVs and ATVs during a search for a missing person on the West Side, calling the vehicles useful for searches. Staff noted the ordinance applies strictly to government-owned vehicles used for official purposes; a councilmember emphasized that privately owned UTVs are not covered by the change.
City staff also said current practice included trailering UTVs or operating them on roads in ways that could risk a citation because state statutes restrict operation of all-terrain vehicles on highways. The ordinance aims to align local code with practical operational needs for city and university personnel.
