ATV Ordinance in effect in Johnson, Lawrence and Martin are one vote away

By Roberta Cantrell
BSN Editor

The Lawrence County Fiscal Court met in special session Friday, Aug. 1, to hear the first reading of the new county ordinance involving All-Terrain Vehicles (ATV’s).

The first reading passed and was mirrored with the same ordinance Johnson County voted on and had in place once Senate Bill 63 became a law on June 27. The ordinance has also passed its first reading in neighboring Martin County as well.

The counties are stating that street-legal special purpose vehicles shall be allowed to the extent permitted by the ACT on all highways that are located within the jurisdictional limits of the counties.

Exceptions: Street-legal special purpose vehicles shall not be allowed to operate: (a) On any highway, or portion thereof, located within the jurisdictional limits of the counties unless allowed by this ordinance. (b) On any highway, or portion thereof, that is a controlled access system, including but not limited to an interstate or parkway; or (c) On any highway, or portion thereof, where the United States Department of Agriculture prohibits special purpose vehicles.

In order to be street-legal there is a list of safety requirements that must be checked off in Johnson and will also be required in Lawrence and Martin if their ordinances are passed.

According to the new Kentucky State Law the vehicle must be equipped with essential safety features, be registered, insured and pass an inspection.

SB 63 requires a $10 annual registration fee and a $25 fee for the certified inspection to be paid to the sheriff’s office before titling.

The ATV’s will be subject to taxes like any other motor vehicle possibly including back taxes and sales tax.

Street-Legal Special Purpose Vehicles (SLSPVs) will be capped at 20 miles per trip on highways with center line markings.

“Special purpose vehicle” covers all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), utility terrain vehicles (UTVs), minitrucks, pneumatic-tired military vehicles and full-size, purpose-built vehicles. Street-legal vehicles exclude vehicles primarily used for farm or agricultural activities or low-speed vehicles. To qualify as a Street Legal Special Purpose Vehicle (SLSPV), your ATV must be outfitted with specific safety equipment: One headlamp, tail lamp and brake lamp; A license plate light and one rear red reflector; Rear turn signals (red or amber) and a braking system beyond a parking brake; Rearview mirrors on both sides and a working muffler; A horn or warning device; Either a windshield or protective eyewear for the operator; A speedometer with illumination; A roll bar or roll cage; Federally approved seatbelts for all passengers; Tires with a minimum tread depth of 2/32 of an inch.

Johnson County Clerk Jennifer Lucas said her office has already registered 15 ATV’s since the law took effect.

Martin County will hear the second reading during their regular scheduled meeting Aug. 21, and Lawrence County will do the same Aug. 19.