Daffodils at Village Hall with text over it reading Motor-Driven Vehicle Regulations

Village Board to Consider Motor-Driven Vehicle Regulations

The Village of Deerfield Board of Trustees is reviewing a proposed ordinance to regulate the use of motor-driven vehicles, such as scooters and bicycles that are powered by an electric or gas motor and not a pedal, on public streets, sidewalks, and other public spaces in Deerfield. The proposal is in response to resident complaints and reports of accidents involving these vehicles.

The ordinance is scheduled for first reading and discussion on May 5, with final consideration expected on May 19. Village Board meetings are held on the first and third Mondays of each month at 7:30 p.m. at Village Hall.

What’s Included in the Proposal?
The ordinance defines “motor-driven vehicles” as any vehicle for which the State of Illinois does not issue a title document, does not issue license plates or registration documents, and is a solely powered electric or gas driven wheeled vehicle, motor driven cycle (with an engine of less than 150cc), or other similar vehicle, and includes all Low-Speed Electric Scooters. This includes electric scooters and motorized bikes. It does not apply to motorized wheelchairs, children’s toy vehicles, or traditional bicycles and pedal-assisted e-bikes.

Key Provisions of the Ordinance:

Riders of high speed electric scooters must be at least 16 years old and have a valid driver’s license. Riders of low speed electric scooters must be 18, in compliance with State law.
Motor-driven vehicles would be prohibited on sidewalks, bike paths, parks and other public property.
Use would be restricted to streets with speed limits of 25 mph or less. This would prohibit use on Deerfield Road, Waukegan Road, Lake Cook Road and Wilmot Road, for example.
Vehicles must follow rules of the road, as defined by the Illinois Secretary of State.
Exemptions include toy vehicles used by children and mobility devices for individuals with disabilities.

Penalties for Violations:

Fines for violations would start at $100, and parents or guardians may be responsible for minors who break the rules.

Student CRC Member Application Now Open

The Village of Deerfield Community Relations Commission (CRC) is seeking applications for one open Sophomore Student Commissioner position on the Commission. Applicants should be involved in (or have an inclination for) community and civic activities including, but limited to: athletics, individual and community-based service, organizational projects, and service for the overall betterment of the community as a whole. Applicants should be a current sophomore.

Applications are due Thursday, May 15, 2025. Interviews will take place June 3-5. Learn more and apply today.

Public Works Open House May 17

Join the Village of Deerfield and Deerfield Park District from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. on Saturday, May 17, for a kid and adult friendly Open House at Deerfield’s Public Works Facility, 465 Elm Street. Parking is available at the Patty Turner Center, 375 Elm Street.

This event is free for all ages and will feature:

Tours and Exhibits
Fun Giveaways
Hands-On Activities
Touch-a-Truck
Prizes
Vendors & Education
Public Works Merchandise
Free compost toolkits
Hefty ReNew bags

For more information, contact the Public Works Department at 847.317.7245.

Photo of an artist at a public art open house discussing her painting of Deerfield Square.

Calling All Artists: Submissions Wanted

The Village of Deerfield’s Fine Arts Commission is seeking submissions for two exciting public art opportunities — including the mural installation on the east-facing wall of the AT&T building on Deerfield Road.

Artists ages 14 and up are invited to submit original digital designs that reflect Deerfield’s vibrant, welcoming community. Selected artists will receive a $200 honorarium and the mural will be displayed for one year. Proposals open May 2 and are due by May 31.

The Village is also accepting artwork loans for public display in Village Hall, Public Works, the Deerfield Library, Park District facilities and the sculpture park. Submit up to three ready-to-hang pieces for yearlong exhibition. The deadline for artwork submissions is May 31. Learn more about both programs.

Celebrate International Compost Awareness Week with Giveaways

Celebrate International Compost Awareness Week by picking up complimentary compost for your garden, flowerbeds, landscaping or lawn. Compost will be available May 16–18 at the Deerfield Metra Lot at Elm Street and Sunset Court. Please bring your own buckets. Limit 20 gallons per household while supplies last. Brought to you by the Village of Deerfield and SWALCO.

Also, stop by Village Hall May 5–9 to pledge to join Deerfield’s curbside composting program. You’ll receive free educational materials, native seeds, stickers, coloring books and a kitchen compost pail to help you get started.

In 2024, Deerfield composted 729.35 tons of organic waste — that’s about 1.6 million pounds diverted from landfills. Let’s keep growing that number together.

Compost will be available May 16–18 at the Deerfield Metra Lot at Elm Street and Sunset Court. Please bring your own buckets.

Cop on a Rooftop May 16

The Special Olympics Illinois Cop on a Rooftop event will be held on Friday, May 16, from 5 a.m. to noon at Dunkin' at 499 Lake Cook Road. Deerfield Police volunteers and Special Olympics athletes will be onsite collecting donations and raising awareness to support the Illinois Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics. Last year the Police Department raised approximately $4,100 for this great cause and they have a fundraising goal this year of $5,000. Dunkin’ coupons, Special Olympics merch and DPD swag will be available. You DONUT want to miss this event! You can also make a donation online.

Stay Informed on Village Board Meetings

Do you want to stay up-to-date on what the Village Board will be discussing at meetings? Click here to view upcoming agendas, previous agendas and meeting minutes for the Board of Trustees and other Village boards and commissions.