FORTVILLE — Officials have approved rules for using two additional kinds of non-traditional vehicles in town, joining the regulations for golf carts that have been on the books for years.
The new rules apply to snowmobiles and what are referred to as “utility task vehicles” such as the popular John Deere Gator model.
When used in town, both types of vehicles must have headlights, taillights, a braking system and be properly registered in accordance with state law. Operators must be 18 or older, have a valid driver’s license and proof of insurance. They must obey traffic laws and can’t travel on sidewalks, trails, walking paths or perimeter trails unless posted for such use. They also can’t travel through parks, except for on the streets that run through them.
Town council members approved the rules by a narrow vote earlier this week, with Becky Davis, Tonya Davis and Fritz Fentz opting in favor and Robert Holland and Libby Wyatt opting against.
Fentz said his support stemmed from a campaign promise he made on utility task vehicles.
“All the town is asking is if you’re going to have one of them, to check in,” Fentz said of non-traditional vehicles, pointing to the requirement that they be registered per state law.
The Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles is responsible for titling and registering off-road vehicles and snowmobiles operated in the state.
Holland and Wyatt expressed concerns over the new rules after they were first proposed, mostly regarding snowmobiles, while Becky Davis and Tonya Davis said they don’t think there will ever be enough snow or snowmobiles in town for it to ever be a serious problem.
According to the recently added rules, snowmobiles can only travel on roads with speed limits of 20 mph or slower, except when crossing roads with a higher speed limit. They’re only allowed on town roads for getting to areas for recreational riding. Operators must wear a helmet and protective and safety gear. The rules don’t apply to retail snowmobile outlets or private property.
Utility task vehicles must have seat belts, be inspected by the Fortville Police Department and have an effective muffler. They can only travel on roads with speed limits of 30 mph or slower, except when crossing roads with a higher speed limit. Riding within 100 feet of a dwelling between midnight and 6 a.m. is prohibited, except where a property owner has given permission. The rules don’t apply to construction sites, retail utility task vehicle outlets or private property.
Patrick Bratton, Fortville police chief, is confident his department will be able to enforce the rules. The utility task vehicle regulations are similar to the ones for golf carts, he said, which have been in place for years.
“It’s something that we can certainly manage,” he said. “I don’t see an influx of utility vehicles into the community.”
Off-road vehicles and snowmobiles can be used on Hancock County roads, as long as operators are 18 and insured and their vehicles are properly registered.
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Fortville’s new rules on snowmobiles and utility vehicles include:
–They must have headlights, taillights and brakes
–They must be properly registered
–Operators must be 18 or older, have a valid driver’s license and proof of insurance.
–Operators must obey traffic laws.
–Snowmobiles can only travel on roads with speed limits of 20 mph or slower. For utility vehicles, the speed limit is 30 mph.
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