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Council amends traffic code to allow limited UTV and golf-cart street use; measure passes 5–2
Summary
Council approved Bill 2024-84 to amend the traffic code to add a definition for utility vehicles and allow UTVs and golf carts exceptions on city streets; golf carts would not require a driver's license while UTVs would. The ordinance passed 5–2.
Neosho City Council approved changes to the city code that add a new definition for utility vehicles and create narrow exceptions allowing utility vehicles and golf carts on certain city streets.
Council discussion centered on safety and licensing requirements. Under the approved language, golf carts will not be required to carry a driver's license to operate on designated streets; by contrast, utility task vehicles (UTVs) will require a valid driver’s license or permit. Staff and the city attorney said the current ordinance text was clarified for consistency and to provide explanatory recitals for council context. The measure attracted dissent from two members and passed on a roll call vote, 5–2.
Supporters pointed to other municipalities’ practices and framed the change as providing predictable, limited local allowances rather than broad, year-round privileges. Opponents voiced safety and enforcement concerns. The council did not adopt additional enforcement funding in this session; implementation will rely on existing traffic enforcement and any follow-up guidance from staff.
