Off road vehicles to be allowed on Bartholomew County roads

Off road vehicles and golf carts will soon be allowed on many Bartholomew County roads. That comes after County Commissioners approved a new ordinance yesterday.

The change will allow residents to drive UTVs or other recreational vehicles on any county owned roads in the unincorporated areas of the county. Golf carts would be allowed on streets within enclosed neighborhoods in unincorporated parts of the county, but not on other county roads.

The vehicles will not be allowed on state or federal highways, including State Roads 7, 9, 11, 46 or 58, nor on U.S. 31 or Interstate 65. Unlike other counties that have approved the off-road vehicle uses, Bartholomew County will not be charging a registration fee.

Commissioners said they are open to reinstating the ban, if necessary, on some extremely busy county roads.

Sheriff Chris Lane says deputies will be looking for those violating the new rules including not allowing children to drive the vehicles on roads, the use of helmets and anyone driving drunk.

After being approved on second and final reading Monday, the ordinance will now go into effect on August 28th, commissioners said.