March 29, 2024

Sully considering making ATVs, golf carts street legal

Sully has a reading next month to make ATV's and golf carts street legal

ATVs and golf carts may soon start rolling up and down the streets of Sully — legally — if a new measure approved earlier this week by the city council is finalized.

The measure passed its first reading Monday evening, 4-1, the second — and possibly final — reading of the new city ordinance is set for next month. The only “no” vote was cast by councilman Brent Vander Molen, who said he is “very opposed” to the measure.

“The only reason I don’t want it is because it’s going to cause chaos in town, and we don’t need the headache,” Vander Molen said. “That’s the only reason I voted no. This was only the first reading. It might get passed the second time.”

Vander Molen also explained the requirements that would be needed for a person to be able to drive a golf cart or ATV in town.

“You would have to be licensed through the [Iowa Department of Natural Resources],” he said. “In order to do that, you have to have a valid driver’s license, proof of insurance [and] a bill of sale with the VIN number on it.”

Sully isn’t alone in proposing this new ordinance. Small towns all across the country are adopting similar ordinances. As gas prices have risen, the popularity of golf carts as an energy-efficient means of taking short drives within town also has increased.

Industry leaders say the majority of golf carts are purchased to operate away from golf courses today.

Staff writer Ty Rushing may be contacted at (641) 792-3121, ext. 426, or at trushing@newtondailynews.com.