Following a new state ordinance, the City of Jefferson may consider amending its ordinance to fit more in line.

The new state law allows for all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and off-road or utility vehicles (UTVs) to be on city and county roads. There are requirements in order to be in compliance with the new law, including the vehicle must be registered and displayed on the vehicle, the operator must be at least 18 years old, have proof of insurance, speed must not exceed 35 miles per hour and have two working headlights and brakelights. 

Jefferson Police Chief Mark Clouse says the City Council adopted an ordinance a little over one year ago that prohibits ATVs within city limits and only UTVs are allowed, including golf carts. Another difference is the city ordinance allows the UTV operator to be at least 16 years old. 

Last month, Jefferson resident and business owner Tim Pound requested at a city committee meeting to adopt the new state law and allow ATVs to be operated in town. Clouse expresses his concerns if the City allows ATVs to be operated in town.

“Those vehicles were truly never designed to be on a street, basically like a snowmobile. A lot of uncontrolled intersections in town, people don’t do to the best of their abilities to pay attention going through those. And I just have a fear of ATV versus car (crashes). I understand motorcycles are the same thing, but I just have some concerns with the ATVs.”   

The item is part of Tuesday’s agenda for the street committee to discuss at noon at Jefferson City Hall Council Chambers.