One day after a request was made to the Christian County Fiscal Court to allow certain UTVs, ATVs, and other side-by-sides on county roads, State Sen. Brandon Storm, of London filed Senate Bill 63 on Thursday that would allow these types of vehicles to operate legally on public roads under specific conditions.
The bill outlines a framework to increase transportation flexibility, reduce costs, and spur economic growth, particularly in rural regions like eastern Kentucky. The proposal would exclude low-speed vehicles and golf carts.
Storm worked with Backroads of Appalachia to address unique needs in rural areas like eastern Kentucky, where off-road vehicles are widely used for farming, logging, and outdoor recreation. He said legalizing these vehicles for expanded road use would provide greater transportation options and help residents save on travel costs. It would also encourage regional tourism and recreation, bolster local economies, and create new opportunities for small businesses.
Under the bill, vehicles must meet safety requirements to be street-legal, such as having functioning headlights, brake lights, turn signals, mirrors, windshields, or goggles for drivers, and proper tires.
They would be prohibited on interstates and major highways but allowed on smaller roads with center-line markings for trips up to 20 miles. Local governments and state agencies would retain the authority to impose additional restrictions.
The bill would also require vehicles to be registered and insured and display a motorcycle license plate.
On Tuesday, Jason Hale addressed the Christian County Fiscal Court on behalf of a large Facebook group called “Christian County For Side-By-Side Legalization,” where more than 350 county citizens have rallied toward this effort.
Hale said he, and several others, have had effective conversations with police and emergency officials in Hopkinsville and Christian County as well as Trigg County Treasurer Lucy Kyler — about local laws, regulations, and possible permitting revenues for the community.
Judge-Executive Jerry Gilliam said the concerns would be shifted to the fiscal court’s road committee, and a recommendation sought after another presentation.
