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Hastings council hears mixed views on allowing UTVs and golf carts on city streets
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Summary
Residents and council members debated whether to allow UTVs/golf carts on certain city streets. Proposals included registration, inspections, insurance and daylight-only operation; opponents cited safety, state travel restrictions and enforcement challenges.
Council members and members of the public debated a possible Hastings ordinance to allow UTVs and certain golf carts on city streets, with speakers offering both operational suggestions and safety objections.
Public commenters outlined models used elsewhere. Sandra Tout, a resident of Good Samaritan Village, urged restrictions such as permitting operation on streets with 35 mph or lower speed limits, requiring turn signals, lights, horns and proof of liability insurance, and issuing a yearly sticker or plate. "They can only be used on certain streets, not highways or main city streets...and may require a driver's license," she said.
Tyler Long, who works for a local Polaris dealer, proposed an ordinance with annual inspection and registration through the police department, proof of liability insurance, operation limited to sunrise–sunset and a 30 mph maximum, and a ban on operating on Highway 6, Burlington Avenue and Highway 281. He argued licensing fees could fund enforcement rather than taxpayers.
Council members expressed safety concerns and practical limits under state law. A council member recounted a family fatality involving an off-road vehicle and said younger drivers and vehicle crashworthiness pose risks. City staff and other councilors noted state statutes generally limit off-road vehicles to field-to-field travel and prohibit operation on state highways; bringing a UTV into town across county roads may be illegal without trailering. One council member said such constraints could make the farmer-commuter scenario impractical.
Council also heard that the state legislature is considering bills that could change nighttime operation rules by allowing headlights to authorize after-dark use; staff said those bills are only in early committee stages. The council did not vote on an ordinance and asked staff to collect public input and provide additional information, including any relevant state-action updates.
The council encouraged citizens to submit comments by email if they feel strongly about the issue; no formal action was taken.
