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Fiscal Court hears first reading on street-legal side-by-side ordinance; adopts 16+ passenger minimum
Summary
The court took the first reading of Ordinance 25-07 to allow street-legal special-purpose vehicles on county highways consistent with state law and voted to require passengers to be at least 16 years old; the ordinance remains at first reading for further refinement.
Russell County Fiscal Court conducted a first reading of Ordinance 25-07 on Aug. 11, proposing local rules to allow operation of street-legal special-purpose vehicles (commonly called side-by-side vehicles) on county highways to the extent permitted by state law.
Court staff read the ordinance’s text, which incorporates state definitions and restricts special-purpose vehicles from controlled-access highways (interstates/parkways) and from travel on certain sections when prohibited. The reading also included a provision limiting travel distance in some circumstances.
Magistrates then discussed passenger age and liability. Concerns focused on vehicle build standards, seat-belt enforcement and whether passengers younger than typical licensed drivers should be allowed. After debate, a magistrate moved to require that occupants (passengers) be 16 years old or older. The court approved that motion by voice vote.
Because this was a first reading, the ordinance’s final language — including how the passenger-age restriction will be enforced and any exemptions — will be reviewed at a subsequent meeting. County staff said the ordinance will be updated as needed for a second reading.
