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.