Ballard County advances street-legal side-by-side ordinance on first reading

Ballard County Judge Executive Todd Cooper and members of the county court carried a first reading of a proposed ordinance to allow licensed, street-legal side-by-side utility vehicles (UTVs) on county roads, while excluding certain state highways, officials said.

Supporters argued the change would capture tourism dollars and allow residents who pay taxes and insurance to use licensed vehicles on suitable county roads. One board member in favor said, "If you're gonna pay taxes on something, I do. I have some rights of some sort," urging the court to adopt option 1 of the draft ordinance.

Opponents raised safety concerns for narrow or high-speed corridors, especially Highway 286. A board member opposing broad access described portions of 286 as hazardous, saying in the meeting that the stretch is "a death trap" and expressing reluctance to place younger drivers on that highway in side-by-side vehicles. Members discussed limiting permitted routes and requiring state-style licensing and inspections.

The ordinance’s first reading includes language requiring that covered vehicles be licensed and inspected; several members emphasized the measure is not a blanket allowance for off-road four-wheelers. Court members encouraged residents to comment through the county Facebook page and website ahead of the second reading, scheduled for next month.

The measure was advanced on a voice vote to a second reading. Details including final permitted routes, inspection standards and enforcement roles for state police will be decided in further meetings.