The Derby City Council on Jan. 14 adopted an ordinance amending the municipal code to disallow utility task vehicles (UTVs) and micro utility trucks from operating on city streets.

Hannah Baker, assistant to the city manager, told the council she presented two options: (1) prohibit UTVs and similar special-purpose vehicles on city streets, or (2) allow them under a registration and safety requirement similar to the golf-cart ordinance. "State statute says that they need to be intended to be operated on the highway, or any highway in the state. And these are off highway vehicles, and so they cannot be plated," Baker said, explaining why the state will not register such vehicles for highway use.

Baker summarized two community surveys: the city’s online poll (123 responses) and an Informer survey (442 responses). Both surveys skewed against allowing UTVs on city streets; in the city survey 60% opposed allowing UTVs. Concerns recorded in the surveys and comments included speed and safety, underage drivers, noise, visibility, and accident risk.

Council debate was lengthy and split. Council member Molt moved to adopt option 1, disallowing UTVs and micro utility trucks; the motion was seconded and, after further discussion among council members, passed. Mayor Stacks cast the deciding vote when the council was otherwise tied; the mayor announced the motion carried.

Arguments against allowing UTVs cited safety and enforcement: council members noted UTVs can reach higher speeds than golf carts, have a higher center of gravity that increases rollover risk on paved surfaces, and may tempt drivers to use higher-speed streets. Council member Molt said the differences between golf carts and UTVs are significant and called the question a "quagmire," concluding he would vote no on letting UTVs operate on city streets.

Supporters of allowing UTVs advanced different points: some council members said the vehicles can be safer than golf carts (seat belts, roll cages), provide an alternate mode of transportation, and could bring local economic activity. Several members suggested a time-limited pilot (12–18 months) so the city could reassess after real-world experience.

Enforcement and scope: Staff and council discussed enforcement complexity and the police department’s role; the city’s existing golf-cart ordinance (adopted in 2023) remains unchanged. Baker noted that if the council had chosen to allow UTVs, the city would require registration with the police department, driver licensing checks and required safety equipment, and would restrict operation to the same 30-mph streets allowed for golf carts.

Outcome and next steps: The council approved the ordinance to disallow UTVs and micro utility trucks on city streets. Council members also discussed that the council retains the authority to revisit the ordinance and may bring the issue back for consideration in the future if conditions or community preferences change.