An ordinance recently enacted by Scott County Commissioners would make motorists liable for up to a $500 fine if they drive on flooded roadways. The ordinance allows the Scott County Highway Superintendent to temporarily close a county highway due to flooded conditions.
According to the ordinance, any county highway which has floodwater crossing the full travel width of the roadway shall be a closed county highway. There is no minimum depth of floodwater required. If a portion of the county highway is clear of floodwater, and can be traveled upon safely, as determined by the county highway superintendent, the county highway shall be considered open.
Road signs specifying the restriction on use of the county highway and specifying the penalties imposed on violation of this chapter at each end of that part of any designated county highway and at intersecting roadways.
Any motorist who fails to comply with a temporary closure or restriction or who tampers with or removes a barricade erected closing the roadway commits a violation.
Further, if any motorist drives onto flooded roadway and requires the assistance of a tow truck because of a temporarily closed county highway, the tow truck company shall notify the Scott County Sheriff’s office of the violation of this Ordinance.
Violations of the ordinance can result in a fine of up to $500 plus attorney fees and court costs.
