Will County committee advances restrictions on low-speed vehicles on county roads

At a special ad hoc ordinance review meeting, the Will County committee discussed proposed revisions to Chapter 75 governing motorcycles, bicycles and low-speed vehicles and voted to send the chapter to the executive committee for further review.

Member James Richmond raised safety concerns about allowing low-speed vehicles — vehicles that he described as “glorified golf carts” — on roadways where posted speeds reach 25, 30 or 35 mph, saying the county lacks many low-speed streets and the changes would mainly affect villages and townships. Richmond warned of potential liability and risks to children who, he said, “you see, young children driving without helmets.”

Staff counsel (Mack) explained that state law constrains county authority. Mack told the committee the county’s jurisdiction under the highway code applies only to county-owned roads and that townships and municipalities retain authority within their own streets. That, Mack said, limits the county’s ability to adopt a uniform ban or allowance across all local roads.

Frankfort Township Road Commissioner Bill Carlson, who identified himself as president of a Will County township association, told the committee that there is a legal distinction between registered low-speed vehicles and ordinary golf carts. “The golf carts are totally illegal. 100%,” Carlson said, and he described low-speed vehicles as registered and equipped with brakes, turn signals, windshields and seat belts but warned that they still create liability exposure on rural roads.

Members debated whether townships should adopt local resolutions when the county cannot exercise authority. Several members said townships could pass prohibitions by resolution, while municipalities may regulate municipal roads. After discussion, the committee voted to forward Chapter 75 to the executive committee for final consideration and possible amendment.

The next procedural step is executive committee review; if approved there, the chapter will be scheduled for consideration at a future county board meeting.