Council approves first reading of ordinance allowing street-legal special purpose vehicles on 35 mph roads

Hopkinsville City Council passed on first reading an ordinance authorizing the operation of street-legal special purpose vehicles within the city on streets with posted speed limits of 35 miles per hour or less, and imposing equipment and safety restrictions consistent with state law.

The ordinance, introduced as Ordinance 24-2025, cites the Kentucky General Assembly's Senate Bill 63 (codified in relevant KRS sections) as authorizing local governments to adopt such ordinances. The municipal text specifies that vehicles must meet state equipment requirements and that operators must be properly licensed under the applicable Kentucky statutes. The ordinance also requires passengers under age 18 to wear protective helmets while the vehicle is in operation within city limits.

Council members asked no substantive follow-up questions during the first reading. The clerk called the roll after a motion and second; the roll call showed unanimous support from members present and the chair announced that the ordinance passed on first reading. The ordinance states it will take effect after passage and publication according to law and reserves the city's right to impose additional restrictions.

Key provisions read to council include the definition references to KRS chapter 186 and the citation of Senate Bill 63, authorization limited to designated highways, the 35 mph speed-limit restriction, operator licensing per KRS 186.410 (as referenced in the draft), and the helmet requirement for passengers under 18.

The ordinance now proceeds toward a required second reading and publication to become effective.