Las Cruces considers temporary ban of UTVs on city streets to slow virus spread

LAS CRUCES, New Mexico -- The Las Cruces City Council on Monday discussed the possibility of a one-year ban on Utility Task Vehicles, or UTVs.

"Do we put our public safety officials, police on the line to stop these individuals needlessly?" asked Mayor Ken Miyagishima. "We want to limit contact with the public."

Citing the governor's stay-at-home order and the need to social distance during Covid-19, Ordinance #2928 would place a one-year moratorium on UTVs on city streets.

"Recreational vehicles are not required for transportation to and from essential businesses," reads the ordinance. "Therefore, the proposed ordinance places a one-year moratorium."

After the city council voted to allow UTVs on city streets in March, Mayor Miyagishima said there has been an increase of All-Terrain Vehicles, or ATVs, on city streets - which have never been allowed.

Greg Valles, Sr. told ABC-7 that his UTV is registered and insured with seatbelts, headlights, taillights and many of the safety requirements of a normal car.

"You can go to Walmart and there could be 100 people in Walmart - that's a mass gathering," said Valles Sr. "But God forbid 4 people or 3 people or 2 people are on a UTV. 'It's the end of the world... we have to ban them.' It makes no sense."​

Miyagishima said that Monday was just a first reading of the ordinance. He said it would likely be voted on at the May 18th council meeting.

You can watch Monday's council meeting discussion in the video player below.