Tuesday May 19, 2020
At last night’s city council meeting, the Norfolk City Council passed an ordinance to allow UTVs within
corporate city limits of Norfolk. 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.
This ordinance was developed after extensive consideration by the Norfolk Police Division and elected
officials. 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.
All guidelines and restrictions will be strictly enforced for the safety of everyone.
The equipment requirements include:
-Fit statutory definition of UTV. Does not include trail and youth models, ATVs, golf carts or low-speed
vehicles. (Based on original design. Modifications to change definitions do not apply.)
-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 Monday-
Friday 8-5, where it will be inspected for the above listed items. Once it passes inspection, police
records staff will collect a $50.00 registration fee and issue a plate that needs to be attached to the rear
of the UTV, and a registration to be kept available as needed. A copy of these requirements and
restrictions will be provided during registration. (Registration will be available after Wednesday May 20,
2020)
Additional operating guidelines will apply. They include:
-Applies only to Norfolk corporate city limits.
-Operated only between sunrise and sunset.
-Headlight and taillight must be on.
-Total number of occupants cannot exceed designed capacity.
Service ~ Honor ~ Commitment
-Safety equipment (seatbelt) must be used if equipped.
-Cannot operate above 30 MPH (or slower if speed limits is below 30).
-Driver must be 18 yrs. old and have a valid driver’s license or farm permit.
-Must obey all regular traffic laws.
-Can cross at intersections, but cannot operate on state highways (Hwy 81, Hwy 275, Hwy 35).
-Registration is for calendar year with all plates expiring 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. (Other community registrations are not
recognized.)
As this is new for the city of Norfolk, we are asking everyone to follow the guidelines provided to
prevent the need for re-evaluating the ordinance. 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.
-Vehicle can be impounded.