Columbus council to consider final approval of off-road vehicles

Columbus City Council is set to consider a proposal tonight that would regulate and legalize the use of some recreation vehicles on city streets.

The council gave its first approval to the proposed ordinance earlier this month that would allow the vehicles in certain locations. The change would allow larger golf carts and utility task vehicles with prescribed safety gear and traffic devices on all but the busiest city streets. All-terrain vehicles, dirt bikes, snowmobiles and other recreational off road vehicles would still be prohibited.

The vehicles would not allowed on Central Avenue, Washington Street from 11th to 25th streets, 25th Street from Washington to National Road and Goeller Boulevard from Jonathan Moore Pike to the west Tipton Lakes Boulevard intersection.

And they would not be allowed on sidewalks, trails or bike paths, on state highways or freeways or on other roads posted at more than 30 mph.

All operators must also have a valid driver’s license, be at least 16 and a half years old and the vehicle must be insured with state minimum liability coverage.

The goal is to standardize regulation of the vehicles and align the city ordinances more closely with county ordinances and rules in neighboring communities.

City Council meets at 6 p.m. tonight at Columbus City Hall.