Proposed City of Caro Ordinance No. 484 - Utility Terrain Vehicles (Side-by-Sides) on City Streets

CITY OF CARO ORDINANCE # 484

AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF CARO TO AUTHORIZE THE OPERATION OF UTILITY TERRAIN VEHICLES (SIDE-BY-SIDES) ON CITY STREETS

THE CITY OF CARO ORDAINS:

The Ordinances of The City of Caro, Michigan, is amended by adding Ordinance No. 484 to read as follows:

Utility Terrain Vehicle defined

For the purpose of this ordinance, a Utility Terrain Vehicle (UTV), commonly referred to as aside-by-side, is defined as a commercially manufactured vehicle designed for off- highway use that meets all of the following criteria:

Has a dry weight of not more than 2,000 pounds

Is not more than 80 inches in width

Has an engine displacement of not more than 1,000cc

Is designed to travel on four or more low pressure or non-pneumatic tires

Has a steering wheel

Features non-straddle seating

Has two headlights, a taillight, and a brake light

Has a roll bar or similar structural system or device

Has a seat belt for the operator and each passenger

Has a 17-character VIN or PIN

UTV (side-by-side) operation on city streets and alleys

The operation of a UTV is permitted on the streets and alleys within the City of Caro except M-81 and M-24 unless crossing the same at an intersection.

A UTV operated in the City must be operated:

At a rate of speed not greater than is reasonable and proper having due regard forconditions then existing, and in no event in excess of twenty-five (25) miles per hour

On the far right-hand side of the maintained portion of the roadway

By an individual having on his person a valid motor vehicle operator's license

In a manner which does not interfere with traffic on the road, traveling single file, exceptwhen overtaking another UTV or golf cart, and yielding to vehicular traffic when necessary.

Between the hours of one-half hour after sunrise and one-half hour before sunset

With the operator and all passengers wearing DOT-approved helmets unless the UTV has a manufacturer-designed and installed roll bar above and behind the head

With the driver and all passengers wearing properly fitted and fastened safety belts at all times

With all passengers seated in seating designed and manufactured for a passenger

With a throttle so designed that when the  pressure  used  to advance  the throttle isremoved, the engine speed will immediately and automatically return to idle

With a U.S. Forest Service-approved spark arrester type exhaust system

With a muffler in good working order and in constant operation

With a braking system in good working condition that operates by either hand or foot

In accordance with local ordinances prohibiting excessive noise

In abeyance of all traffic signals, signs, and devices

UTVs must yield to pedestrians when crossing streets and may only cross a street at an intersection and in the most direct line possible.

UTV operation on private property

No person shall operate a UTV in any cemetery, airport, or established public park or recreation area or on private property without the consent of the property owner or his agent

UTV careless operation

No person shall operate a UTV in the City in a careless or negligent manner likely to endanger any person or property

Municipal Civil Infraction

A violation of said Ordinance is a municipal civil infraction and punishable by a fine of not more than $500.00. The City of Caro Police Department is authorized to issue citations.

 A summary of this ordinance shall be published within 15 days after its adoption.

This ordinance shall become effective 7 days upon publication of a summary of its provisions.