Barren County Fiscal Court approves first reading of ordinance to let special-purpose vehicles use county roads

Barren County Fiscal Court held the first reading of Ordinance 700 on Oct. 3, moving the measure forward that would allow special-purpose vehicles carrying state-issued tags to be driven on county roads.

The action came after a motion by Tim Durham and a second from Tim Coomer; the court conducted a roll call and members voted yes. Presiding Judge led the discussion, saying the ordinance mirrors those adopted by neighboring counties and clarifying its local effect: "Currently, now they can get the tags, but they still cannot drive them on our roads without having this ordinance passed," the judge said.

Why it matters: the measure changes local permissibility for a class of vehicles whose owners previously could obtain state tags but not operate on county roads. Officials said the ordinance is intended to align county rules with a state option and to respond to interest from local businesses. The judge described the plate as similar to a motorcycle plate and noted registration moves the vehicle into property tax status.

Court members and staff noted operational limits in the ordinance, including mileage and roadway-marking restrictions that may limit where and how far such vehicles may be driven. One county speaker urged residents to read the published ordinance carefully after adoption to ensure compliance with center-line and mileage rules.

What happens next: the judge said this was the ordinance's first reading; the second reading is scheduled for Oct. 21, at which point the court may adopt or amend the ordinance.