The original title of this story incorrectly stated that the new Kewanee City Act allows the use of all-terrain vehicles on city streets.

In fact, according to the decree, all-terrain vehicles are prohibited from driving on the street, and the decree does allow UTV-Utility Task Vehicles. UTV is considered to be safer and has added equipment options such as seat belts, roll cages, doors and windows.

Thanks to the action of the City Council on Monday, Kewanees will soon be able to drive golf carts and multi-purpose terrain vehicles (UTV) on most city streets.

But first, the owners of these vehicles need to pay $75 to get a city license plate. This will require a police visit.

The committee passed a decree authorizing the operation of "qualified off-highway vehicles" on local streets.

According to the decree, the police have "determined that a qualified unlicensed private car can be safely operated on the streets of Kewanee."

Before they can drive these vehicles on the street, the owner needs to contact the police station. Police Chief Nicholas Welgat told the committee on Monday that a police officer would visit the owner of a golf cart or UTV instead of driving an unlicensed vehicle to the police station.

The officer will inspect the vehicles to ensure that they have all the equipment required by Illinois law: seat belts, horns, brakes, steering gear, tires, rearview mirrors, front and rear red reflector warning devices, and slow-moving rear vehicles for each passenger. Signs, front lights visible at least 500 feet, red tail lights visible at least 100 feet, brake lights, turn signals, windshields, and any other safety equipment required by law.

To obtain a permit, the owner must also show proof of insurance. Welgat said that the insurance premium for a golf cart is about $100 per year; for UTV, it's about twice that.

These licenses must be renewed every year at a cost of $75.

These vehicles cannot be driven on the city’s state or federal highways, therefore Main Street and Tenney Street, Route 34 on East Street and Railroad Avenue, and West Sixth Street will be closed to vehicles.

The City Council also decided to ban golf carts and UTV from East Street to South Street; and all districts and South Street.

According to the regulations, golf carts and UTV can pass through these streets, but cannot drive on them.

Drivers driving these vehicles must comply with all Illinois traffic laws (including holding a valid driver’s license), and if these laws are violated, the police may revoke the city’s driver’s license.

The decree also stated that all-terrain vehicles (ATV) are still not allowed to drive on city streets.

Congressman Chris Colomer said that he received feedback from citizens that they are happy to be able to drive golf carts around the city, which has been allowed for many years in many other communities.

"People say we are finally out of the Stone Age," Colomer said.