WENTZVILLE, Mo. – A plan to legalize utility terrain vehicles (UTVs) and recreational off-highway vehicles (ROVs) on Wentzville city streets could soon became a reality.

On Wednesday, the Wentzville Board of Aldermen voted 4-2 to pass an ordinance allowing UTVs and ROVs on city streets under certain conditions. The measure mirrors existing rules for golf carts, allowed on Wentzville roads since 2020.

The ordinance would limit use of UTVs and ROVs to subdivisions with speed limits of 25 mph or lower, while allowing crossings at roads with speed limits up to 35 mph.

Drivers would need a valid license, insurance, a VIN number, seat belts for rear-facing seats, a rear-view mirror, a parking brake and and working lights or reflectors at night. Drivers would also need to be at least 18 years old.

While the UTV/ROV ordinance recently cleared the Wentzville Board of Aldermen, Mayor Wentzville Mayor Nick Guccione vetoed the measure soon after, according to Mid Rivers Newsmagazine.

Guccione has been a strong opponent, citing safety and enforcement concerns. He said his position aligns with many residents, police and fire officials, and the Recreational Off-Highway Vehicle Association.

“I don’t see the greater good of the community this is for,” said Guccione during the Sept. 10 Wentzville Board of Aldermen meeting.

The Board of Aldermen could override the veto at its Sept. 24 meeting with a two-thirds majority. If the same 4-2 edge holds, the ordinance would take effect, despite the mayor’s objections.

Supporters, including Ward 2 Alderman Robert Hussey, argue that subdivision-only use at low speeds is comparable to golf cart regulations. Hussey added that responsibility should ultimately fall on drivers and parents.

“If their child is driving in UTV or golf cart illegally, then they should be ticketed and they should be summoned to court,” said Hussey. “People have to have personal responsibility for their actions, and that is what is, and that is my stance,”

Opponents on the board, including Ward 3 Alderman Michael Hays, question how the ordinance could impact public safety. “This should not happen and is not going to make our streets safer,” said Hays. “We’re just going to live with this and hopefully, if there are any deaths, we can live with that too.”

Meanwhile, City Attorney Jim Hetlage and Police Chief Paul West shared at the Sept. 10 meeting that enforcement could be tricky in handling potential violations involving children who drive UTVs or ROVs without their parents’ knowledge.

Currently, fines for golf cart violations can reach $500, and penalties for UTV and ROV violations would likely be similar.

Addressing concerns for law enforcement, Ward 2 Alderman Jordan Broviak – citing Wentzville police data – noted that between 2020 and September 2025, Wentzville police logged 495 calls related to golf carts and ATVs, only around 0.001 percent of all service calls.

The push for UTVs and ORVs on Wentzville streets is possible because Missouri lawmakers updated state statutes in 2013, giving municipalities authority to permit UTVs, ATVs and other off-road vehicles on city streets within their jurisdiction under local ordinances.