Pulaski County’s proposed ATV ordinance is not yet ready for a vote.
The ordinance is designed to allow off-road vehicles on county roadways, largely for the purpose of agriculture. Licensing would be required for the ATV’s through the Bureau of Motor Vehicles under the current ordinance language.
Pulaski County Attorney Kevin Tankersley says they’re working on it.
“In two weeks, I think we could have something that you could pass if you’re interested in that,” says Tankersley. “Getting people to register the vehicles and to prohibit them from getting a fine.”
ATV use to travel and survey fields is currently disallowed under state statute and Pulaski County ordinance, but the legal authority to allow it at the local level exists.
Sheriff Jeff Richwine says he is largely refraining from issuing citations for their use until the ordinance has been finalized. Preventing miscommunication and unequal application of the law by Pulaski County Sheriff’s Deputies is one of the reasons being cited for the ordinance’s development.
Under law, it’s a Class C infraction to operate an Off Road Vehicle on local roadways without a legal framework to do so, locally. Chief among the issues is whether golf carts should be included in the ordinance language.
Commissioner Larry Brady says the ordinance should be able to help farmers.
“We’re trying to do that for y’all, trying to allow for the authorization of ATV’s, but it’s another layer of paperwork,’ says Brady. “But hopefully it will benefit y’all.”
Richwine also says golf carts are exempted from the Title 14 legislation – which regulates ORV use on roadways.
The Pulaski County Commissioners are expected to vote on the matter within the next two meetings.
