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Keith McCord Reporting It's probably not the most important ordinance on the books, but Salt Lake City has a new law aimed at Ice Cream trucks, a law that other cities might also consider having.
When it's really hot outside, as it was today, to a kid there's nothing better than to hear the ice cream truck coming down the street. And effective this summer, these trucks need to be licensed to operate in Salt Lake City.
Deeda Seed, SLC Communications Dir.: "About five years ago, residents throughout the city started to complain about the noise that was being emitted from ice cream trucks."
They also complained that drivers didn't follow basic traffic safety rules.
Deeda Seed: "They were frequently stopping in the middle of the street to sell ice cream to children, they were backing up."
So now, there's a new law that the city will enforce. The trucks should have a business license number displayed on the outside, drivers must wear an ID; and a "Child Crossing" sign must also be displayed.
Deeda Seed: "Trucks are not allowed to sell ice cream in the middle of street. They must be parked legally against the curb when they're selling ice cream."
And as far as the music is concerned, trucks can't play it between the hours of 10 a.m. and 8 p.m. And there's also a distance limit too.
Deeda Seed: "We should not be able to hear it from 330 feet away. So it can't be obnoxiously loud."
As far as the songs themselves, there are no restrictions. The city says the bottom line here is safety of the children. Residents who see ice cream drivers who do not appear licensed, or are not following basic safety rules can contact city hall.
Violators of the new ordinance can be charged with a misdemeanor, which carries a maximum $1,000 fine and six months in jail.
