Crime & Safety
Iroquois County, IL Alert: Sheriff Warns Golf Carts Off County Roads
Iroquois County, IL – The Iroquois County Sheriff’s Department is warning residents after receiving complaints about adults and youths operating golf carts, ATVs and UTVs on roads where authorities sa
By Sophie Caldwell · 2026-10-02T17:33:19.443Z
Iroquois County, IL – The Iroquois County Sheriff ’s Department is warning residents after receiving complaints about adults and youths operating golf carts, ATVs and UTVs on roads where authorities say the vehicles are not permitted.
According to the Iroquois County Sheriff’s Department, complaints have involved vehicles traveling from the Bayles Lake and Lake Iroquois area along County Road 200N into Loda, where the route becomes Washington Street.
The sheriff’s department said golf carts, ATVs and UTVs are not permitted on Iroquois County roads. The vehicles also cannot be operated in municipalities that do not have ordinances specifically allowing them.
Where a town or village has adopted an ordinance permitting golf carts, ATVs or UTVs on designated streets, the sheriff’s department said drivers must be at least 16 years old and possess a valid driver’s license .
Officials specifically urged parents not to allow children to operate vehicles unlawfully on public roadways, citing safety concerns for both young drivers and others using the roads.
The department referenced Illinois statute 625 ILCS 5/11 1426.1, which addresses the operation of non highway vehicles on streets, roads and highways.
Under the statute, non highway vehicles include ATVs, golf carts, off highway motorcycles and recreational off highway vehicles. Illinois law generally prohibits their operation on public roadways except where specific legal exceptions apply.
The sheriff’s warning comes as officials seek to address the reported activity before it results in a crash or other roadway safety issue.
Residents should check applicable local ordinances before operating a golf cart, ATV or UTV on municipal streets and should not assume permission in one community applies to county roads or neighboring towns.