Did You Know There’s a City in Illinois Where You Can Legally Drive UTVs on Streets?

It all started when I first saw a UTV driving around town.

I couldn't believe it. I thought that it was an incredible boss move to be cruising the streets when I'm almost sure doing that is illegal.

Then I saw another and one day I saw a UTV parked outside of a restaurant, then another and another until I figured it all out this past weekend.

A family friend cruised down the street and pulled into my driveway. I finally had to ask what the heck is going on with UTVs? That's when it all made sense to me, UTVs are now legal to drive in Byron, Illinois.

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How awesome/weird is that, because apparently, it's totally OK, as long as you play along with the rules.

City of Byron:

The City Council voted recently in favor of allowing for the operation of utility terrain vehicles (UTVs) on Byron city streets. A permit must be obtained from the City of Byron in order to operate a UTV in the city limits. Permits will be available at City Hall beginning April 1, 2022. The permit will be issued on a calendar year basis. Initial permits will be issued for a fee of $100.00, and will be renewed annually for $50.00.

Now I could be wrong here, but there aren't too many if any that allow for UTVs on the streets. If so, it's the first I heard of it.

I did a quick Google search and found this from someone who calls themselves ATV Man:

Unfortunately, it is unlawful to operate an ATV or UTV on any street, highway or roadway in Illinois.  You may cross a roadway at an angle of approximately 90 degrees where quick and safe crossing is available.

That said, ATV Man did mention the prohibited use of UTVs on city streets "does not apply where a local ordinance or resolution has been adopted that permits ATV or UTV operation on local roadways."

When you consider the cost of gas these days, cruising a UTV around town is a more economical bet. How long before other towns start doing the same?