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Monroe County adopts ordinance allowing certain utility vehicles on specified county roads
Summary
The Board approved Ordinance 2026-24 to permit four‑wheeled utility‑type vehicles on many county roads if they meet minimum safety requirements and are excluded from higher-traffic and state highways; penalties remain under state law.
Monroe County commissioners on July 2 adopted Ordinance 2026-24, adding Chapter 35 to the county code to allow certain four‑wheeled utility‑type vehicles on county roads under strict safety and roadway restrictions.
The ordinance permits vehicles that have at least four wheels, can reach 35 miles per hour, carry insurance, are driven by licensed drivers and include safety equipment such as seat belts, a roll cage, brake lights, turn signals, headlights and mirrors. It expressly excludes state roads, interstate highways and a list of higher-traffic county roads identified on a GIS map supplied with the ordinance.
County legal described the measure as a narrow expansion, emphasizing that traditional off‑road ATVs, three‑wheelers and golf carts remain prohibited. “One, they have to have at least four wheels. Two, they have to be able to operate at least 35 miles per hour. They have to be insured. The driver has to have a driver’s license,” county counsel said while outlining the vehicle standards and restricted roadways.
The map presented at the meeting highlights parts of arterial routes around Bloomington where UTVs remain banned; the list focuses on roads with higher vehicle counts and routes used for commuting. Commissioners said they coordinated with highway and sheriff’s offices during drafting and intend to notify law enforcement and post guidance on the county website once the ordinance is signed.
Public commenters who attended office hours and the meeting generally supported the change. One resident who addressed the board called it the “right move” and urged the county to publish the road map so owners can easily check where UTV use is permitted.
The ordinance takes effect immediately upon signature. County officials said they will monitor for safety issues and are prepared to amend the roadway exclusions if field experience suggests changes are needed.
