(A) No person shall drive any vehicle upon a public sidewalk except as a necessary means of access to property adjacent thereto and, when necessary, for snow removal. During snow events, garden tractors, compact utility tractors, and all-terrain vehicles/utility task vehicles (hereafter ATV/UTV) are allowed to operate on public sidewalks, when in compliance with this chapter.
(1) Garden tractors and compact utility tractors shall not exceed 25 h.p. or 1,600 lbs.
(2) ATV/UTVs shall not exceed 1,600 lbs.
(3) The following shall also apply:
(a) The operator shall be at least 16 years of age; and
(b) The operator shall have a valid driver’s license and otherwise comply with the State Motor Vehicle Code, being 625 ILCS 5/11-501.01 et seq.
(4) The width of the plow shall not exceed 72 inches.
(5) While operating under this section, garden tractors, compact utility tractors, or ATV/UTVs shall be equipped with, but not be limited to: mufflers, headlights, and a slow-moving vehicle sign attached to the rear.
(6) A garden tractor, compact utility tractor, or ATV/UTV will be allowed to cross the street at an intersection after being unloaded from a trailer or to continue removing snow on the next block; otherwise, these vehicles shall be hauled on a trailer from property to property. At such an intersection, the vehicle shall comply with the State Motor Vehicle Code, being 625 ILCS 5/11-501.1 et seq., and the vehicle must yield to pedestrians and other traffic.
(7) No person shall operate a garden tractor, compact utility tractor, or ATV/UTV at a speed in excess of ten mph nor shall any garden tractor, compact utility tractor, or ATV/UTV be operated at a speed greater than is reasonable and proper for the existing conditions.
(8) No person shall leave a garden tractor, compact utility tractor, or ATV/UTV unattended on public property while the motor is running or the keys are in the ignition switch.
(9) No person shall operate a garden tractor, compact utility tractor, or ATV/UTV while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
(B) Either the operator or someone acting for the operator shall immediately notify a law enforcement office whenever a garden tractor, compact utility tractor, or ATV/UTV is involved in an accident involving city infrastructure resulting in injury or death to anyone or property damage amounting to $1,000 or more.
(C) A peace officer may stop and inspect a garden tractor, compact utility tractor, or ATV/UTV to determine that the unit is operating in compliance with this chapter and any other applicable city, county, or state code.
(D) Nothing in this section shall be construed as an assumption of liability by the city for any injuries to persons or damage to property which may result from the operation of the garden tractor, compact utility tractor, or ATV/UTV.
(E) It is unlawful to move snow from any public property, including parking lots and driveways, onto city streets. Persons removing snow from public sidewalks should obtain authority from the Street Department on where to put snow.
(Ord. 15 (Series 2015-2016), passed 1-19-2016) Penalty, see § 151.99