FRANKFORT, Ky. — A politician in Laurel County wants to allow some off-road vehicles, such as ATVs and UTVs, to be driven on the street in certain situations.
Some say riding a four-wheeler or side by side through the rolling hills of Kentucky’s Appalachian region is the best way to see the area. In Kentucky, ATVs, UTVs, mini trucks, and other vehicles like them are not allowed to be driven on public roads. There are some exceptions, like when crossing the street, doing farm work, or moving snow. Sen. Brandon Storm (R-London) wants to make the law a little less strict.
Sen. Storm told FOX 56, “This isn’t for travel between states.” “This is not for traveling on major highways.” As you said, it’s only for 20 miles in case that’s what everyone needs.
Storm has introduced Senate Bill 63, which would allow these vehicles to be driven on smaller roads with center lines as long as they are licensed, insured, have a motorcycle license plate, and meet other safety standards. The bill would not affect cars that move slowly, like golf carts.
“Your lights must be on.” You need to have stoplights. To turn, you need to have signs. You need to have mirrors. You must have shades or windshields. You need to have good tires. Again, the goal is to make sure that only safe cars can use the roads, Storm explained.
Storm said that this kind of change could make rural transportation more useful and help businesses that depend on these vehicles, like tourism companies that show off the hundreds of miles of trails in the area.
“You often have to be on a public road to get from one trail system to the next system of trails.” “And this is a situation that makes that possible,” Storm said.
Although the bill has only begun the legislative process, politicians from both parties in East Kentucky have already shown their support for it.
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