ATV/UTV petition to allow street use spurs heated debate at Lovington meeting

A petition backed by roughly 170 residents asking Lovington to adopt an ordinance permitting ATVs and UTVs on city streets under state law prompted a lengthy, at-times heated discussion before the commission.

Daniel Johnson, representing the petitioners, said the proposed ordinance would let properly equipped and registered off-road vehicles be used for family outings and local errands, and modeled the draft on an ordinance from nearby Eunice. He emphasized safety equipment requirements and the community stewardship of riders.

Opponents — including multiple residents and at least one commissioner — raised repeated enforcement and safety concerns: the presence of off-road tires not rated for highway speeds, children riding unlicensed vehicles, frequent speeding on local streets, and insufficient police staffing to police additional vehicle activity. The police chief noted he has observed off-road tires in town and expressed concern about highway-rate suitability. Supporters countered that registered, insured vehicles with safety equipment could be regulated and that the ordinance would actually provide clearer rules and safety requirements compared with the current informal situation.

No ordinance vote was taken; commissioners asked staff to gather more information on enforcement capacity, equipment standards, and examples from other jurisdictions before a formal proposal returns to the agenda.

What’s next: Staff will collect comparative ordinances, consult with police on enforcement and staffing implications, and return recommendations to the commission if requested.