For the purpose of this chapter, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.
CITY. The City of Decatur, Indiana.
DRIVER’S LICENSE. A valid license to operate a motor vehicle issued by the State of Indiana or any other state.
FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY. Liability insurance coverage on a UTV in an amount not less than required by Indiana law for motor vehicles operated on public highways in the State of Indiana.
HIGHWAY. A US Highway under the jurisdiction and control of the State of Indiana and/or the United Sates Federal Government, including US 27, US 33 and US 224.
MUNICIPAL BOUNDARY. The existing corporate limits of the City of Decatur and future annexations thereto.
OPERATE. To exercise any control over the function or movement of a utility terrain vehicle or recreational off-highway vehicle.
STREET. A street, alley, park or parking area under the jurisdiction and control of the City of Decatur.
UTILITY TERRAIN VEHICLE (UTV). A four-wheeled motor vehicle also known as a recreational off-highway vehicle (ROV), which is a small one to six person four-wheel drive off-road vehicle as defined by I.C. 14-8-2-233.5. More specifically, all-terrain vehicles defined by I.C. 14-8-2-5.7 are not permitted for use by this chapter.
(Ord. 2022-8, passed 5-3-2022)
The operation of a UTV on streets within the municipal boundary of the city is hereby authorized only so long as the UTV is registered, operated, insured and equipped as hereinafter required. Failure to register, operate, insure and equip a UTV as required herein shall constitute a violation of this chapter and any subsequent codification of this chapter in the Decatur City Code of Ordinances. Violations shall be punishable by fines, costs and penalties as hereinafter set forth. No UTV may be operated on a highway, as defined herein, except for the purpose of crossing a highway, perpendicularly, at an intersection with a city street. UTVs must obey posted speed limits and may not be operated in excess of 30 mph. An operator of a UTV on a city street shall obey all traffic rules and regulations adopted by the State of Indiana and/or the city. All operators must use turn signals, either by turn signals installed on the UTV or through the use of hand signals in the event the UTV is not equipped with turn signals. No UTV may be operated or parked on city sidewalks or trails. UTVs must travel single file on city streets. All state motor vehicle laws and regulations must be followed at all time. No section of this chapter is intended to conflict with state law.
(Ord. 2022-8, passed 5-3-2022)
Only a person, over the age of 18, with a valid driver’s license shall be authorized to operate a UTV on a city street, which license must be in the possession of the operator while operating the UTV. Operation without a valid driver’s license on a city street shall constitute a violation of this section. It shall also be a violation of this section for a UTV owner to authorize or permit a person without a valid driver’s license to operate a UTV on a city street.
(Ord. 2022-8, passed 5-3-2022)
At all times during the operation of a UTV on city streets, proof of financial responsibility covering the UTV and its operation, in accordance with minimum statutory standards as defined by I.C. 9-25-4-5, shall be kept in or on the UTV. Failure to keep such proof of financial responsibility in or upon the UTV shall constitute a violation of this section by the owner of the UTV. Failure to do produce proof of financial responsibility, when requested by a law enforcement officer, shall constitute a violation of this section by the operator.
(Ord. 2022-8, passed 5-3-2022)
Loading...