NORFOLK - UTV owners in Norfolk can now drive them on city streets. 

 

At last night’s city council meeting, the Norfolk City Council passed an ordinance to allow UTVs within the corporate city limits of Norfolk.

 

The Norfolk Police Division says this is for limited vehicles and does not include ATVs.

 

UTV use on city streets is only allowed after being inspected and obtaining proper registration from the Norfolk Police Division.

 

Vehicles allowed will need to meet specific equipment requirements, and be operated according to current laws and several new guidelines that are from both state law and city ordinance.

 

The equipment requirements include:

 

-Fit statutory definition of UTV. It does not include trail and youth models, ATVs, golf carts, or low-speed vehicles.

 

-Proof of ownership.

 

-Verify VIN.

 

-Forest Service approved spark arrestor

 

-Adequate muffler without modifications.

 

-No exhaust cutouts or bypasses.

 

-Working brakes.

 

-Operational headlight, taillight, brake light, and turn signals.

 

-Bicycle safety flag mounted 5 feet above ground attached to the rear of the vehicle.

 

-Liability Insurance.

 

-Factory safety equipment, i.e. seatbelts, must be intact.

 

 

 

Anyone wanting to register a UTV will need to bring the vehicle to the Norfolk Police Station, where it will be inspected for the above-listed items.

 

Once it passes inspection, there will be a $50 registration fee and issue a plate that needs to be attached to the rear of the UTV.

 

(Registration will be available after Wednesday, May 20, 2020)

 

 

 

Additional operating guidelines include:

 

-Applies only to Norfolk corporate city limits.

 

-Operated only between sunrise and sunset.

 

-Headlight and taillight must be on.

 

-The total number of occupants cannot exceed the designed capacity.

 

-Safety equipment (seatbelt) must be used if equipped.

 

-Cannot operate above 30 MPH (or slower if speed limits are below 30).

 

-The Driver must be 18 years old and have a valid driver’s license or farm permit.

 

-Must obey all regular traffic laws.

 

-It can cross at intersections, but cannot operate on state highways.

 

-Registration is for the calendar year with all plates expiring on December 31st of that year.

 

-Any plates issued on or after December 1st will receive the next year’s expiration.

 

-Accidents over $1000 or with injury will be handled like a regular vehicle accident.

 

-Restrictions do not apply during use in approved parades.

 

-UTVs need a Norfolk registration to be operated in Norfolk.

 

 

 

Violations can have the following consequences:

 

-Regular traffic violations match that fee schedule.

 

-UTV violations range from $250-$500

 

-UTV registration can be suspended or revoked. 

 

-The vehicle can be impounded.