Rowan County holds first reading of ordinance to allow street-legal UTVs with restrictions

Rowan County Fiscal Court held a first reading of an ordinance to adopt the 2025 Kentucky Act Chapter 89 locally and permit certain street-legal special-purpose vehicles — commonly called UTVs, side-by-sides or mini trucks — on county highways under defined restrictions.

The ordinance as read by the chair permits these vehicles "to the extent permitted by the act" but excludes controlled-access highways such as interstates and parkways and any highway where a federal or USDA grant prohibits their operation. It also states that such vehicles may not travel more than 20 miles on highways with centerline pavement markings and that vehicles built under federal highway programs are not eligible.

Members emphasized safety and enforcement details during discussion. A speaker noted that the county sheriff already performs inspections and that vehicles must meet equipment standards including mirrors, turn signals and roll cages; the ordinance also requires inspection, licensing and insurance. One member said, "They have to be licensed. Insured. Inspected," and another added that the sheriff has "already been doing inspections already." Another raised concerns about whether farmers would remain exempt; the transcript recorded, "Farmer's still exempt."

Supporters cited neighboring counties' practices and trail connections as reasons to adopt local rules, while some members questioned the local need, saying they had not seen problems in Rowan County previously. The chair summarized that the court will hold a second reading on August 19, 2025, before final action.

The first reading establishes local parameters consistent with state law and sets inspection and equipment requirements; enforcement and final details will be subject to the second reading and any amendments.