Board advances model traffic code after heated debate on off‑highway vehicles

Lake County commissioners voted to approve the first reading of Ordinance 2026‑02, which adopts the 2024 Model Traffic Code with local amendments, after a prolonged discussion centered on the county's approach to off‑highway vehicle (OHV/OV/UTV) use.

The ordinance update, which staff said brings the county code up to date and clarifies delegated authority for road closures, towing and parking enforcement, drew the most debate over language limiting where OHVs may operate. The board decided to remove the subsection that lists explicit prohibited OV uses and schedule further work on how the county wants to regulate permits, registration, and enforcement ahead of a second reading.

Sheriff Specman told the board the changes "do give us some clarity and the enforcement actions necessary," adding that the rewritten language should help deputies enforce problem behavior more consistently. Commissioners repeatedly weighed competing goals: preserving rural access and users who rely on OHVs for errands, while limiting reckless or disruptive riding in town.

Commissioners flagged three paths: keep the code's tighter prohibitions, leave a broader "reasonably necessary access to lawful off‑highway use" standard that preserves enforcement discretion, or remove OV language entirely and address the subject in a separate work session. Several board members urged exploring a local registration program to help manage safety and liability if the county eases prohibitions, but staff said local capacity would need to be created first.

The motion that passed at first reading adopted the model code with amendments and explicitly pulled the OV subsection for separate discussion. The board directed staff to return with options — including possible registration models, enforcement implications, and community outreach — before adopting a final ordinance.