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Residents and court debate residency rule in Gallatin County UTV ordinance
Summary
At a second reading of an off‑road UTV ordinance, speakers questioned a proposed residency requirement, citing state statute language they said allows registration where a vehicle is principally operated; county officials said they cannot conflict with state law and will follow KRS and KACO guidance.
At the meeting’s second reading of an off‑road UTV ordinance, residents and court members debated language that attendees said could require a Kentucky driver’s license and Kentucky residency to register UTVs.
John Widnow asked to discuss the UTV rules, prompting a discussion about whether the county ordinance should limit registration to Kentucky residents. An unidentified speaker said at the prior meeting the first reading required a Kentucky driver's license and Kentucky residency to register a UTV.
An unidentified speaker read from the UTV Act as spoken at the meeting ('KRS 1 86 0 2 0'), saying that if an owner does not reside in the Commonwealth the motor vehicle 'shall be registered with the county clerk of the county in which the motor vehicle is principally operating.' That speaker said this language indicates non‑resident owners who principally operate a vehicle in the county should be eligible to register it locally.
Court participants and others cautioned that the county cannot be less restrictive than state law. One court speaker said, "if state law allows for Kentucky residents only, only, we cannot be less restricted," noting that local rules must conform to state statutes and to counsel guidance from KACO. Participants discussed reciprocal registration arrangements with neighboring states and the interplay of license, residency and plate rules.
No formal amendment or vote on the ordinance was recorded in the transcript segment provided. Court members signaled a continued review of statutory language and counsel guidance before finalizing any residency restrictions in the county ordinance.
