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HIGHLAND, Utah (AP) -- All-terrain vehicles will be allowed to drive on city streets in Highland.
The Highland City Council approved their use over the objections of Police Chief Kip Botkin. The council voted three to two in favor of a new ordinance, which had been turned down by a past council.
Botkin warned the council that ATVs weren't designed for use on city streets and that having them share the road with regular vehicles could be a problem. He warned that if ATVs turn too quickly they could flip over.
Council member Kathryn Schramm says motorcycles and bicycles are allowed on the roads and they are just as dangerous, and Councilman Scott Smith said residents should be able to drive ATVs on city roads because it could help them save gas money.
The issue first arose when some residents in the area purchased Japanese mini trucks. The small trucks look like trucks, but are classified as ATVs. Some that bought the mini trucks said they wanted them to run errands around town since they get around 50 miles per gallon, but they soon learned they weren't legal on the streets even though they can be licensed by the state.
Schramm was among those who voted in favor of changing city code to allow the mini trucks on the road as long as they're licensed, but in doing so this now means any licensed ATV can be driven on Highland's streets if the vehicle passes state regulations.
"They have to have turn signals, (the vehicle) has to be licensed and it has to be on display on the vehicle, and it has to be driven by at least a 16-year-old licensed driver," said Schramm.
Schramm says the ordinance also adds some teeth to the penalties for those who drive ATV's that aren't street legal and licensed.
To drive an ATV on city streets, the vehicles must be registered and operated by a licensed driver. They cannot be driven on state roads or go any faster than 45 miles per hour.
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Story compiled with contributions from Randall Jeppesen and the Associated Press.
