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Council discusses enforcement and outreach for low-speed-vehicle ordinance
Summary
At the April 13, 2026 Helena City Council work session, members debated enforcement of the city's low-speed-vehicle ordinance — including a $100 initial fine — and agreed to prioritize public education through the city website, social media and targeted emails to permit holders before pursuing ordinance changes.
At its April 13 work session, the Helena City Council discussed enforcement and public education for the city’s low-speed-vehicle (LSV) ordinance, including its $100 initial fine and how to inform permit-holders about restrictions.
Mayor Billy Rosener said the ordinance “does not have the necessary teeth,” noting that the first fine is $100 and escalates for repeat offenses. Police Chief Mike Wood urged clearer public information about the ordinance’s restrictions — for example, prohibiting underage drivers and driving on state or county streets — to reduce violations.
The discussion focused less on immediate legal changes than on outreach. Rosener suggested using the city website and social media and emailing permit-holders to explain fines and permitted uses; Councilmember Cathy Hammann recommended distributing material at upcoming local events and monitoring complaint levels before considering ordinance amendments.
Councilmember Dennis Wilson asked whether ordinance violations also violate state law; Chief Wood replied they do “not necessarily” because the city ordinance specifically addresses driving on state/county streets and state-law implications vary. Clerk Madison Harris confirmed that the information about fines and restrictions had been included in the original registration packet when permits were issued.
The council did not vote on amendments. Members directed staff-level outreach and agreed to monitor whether complaints persist before proposing changes to the ordinance.
