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ATVs and regulations

PostPosted: Mon Apr 03, 2006 6:06 pm
by davidk
Below are some laws and penalties regarding TV use.
I know these are accurate as I read/copied them at the library.

All privately owned ATVs must have a state issued registration plate attached. If the owner of the ATV obtained the plate and simply failed to attach it the fine is $50.00. If the owner failed to obtain the required plate the penalty is $300 and/or 90 days in prison. The latter includes an owner who filed for the exemption from registration because the ATV was to be used exclusively on private property they either own or on a parcel for which they have a written contract with the owner (verbal agreements are not valid).
ATVs and other motor vehicles causing damage to private property, including digging up or otherwise breaking the ground or soil, as well as damage to flowers, crops, trees, buildings, etc. are subject to even stiffer penalties. Upon conviction they shall pay a fine of $500 for the first offense. A second and subsequent offenses mandate a fine of $1,000 and suspension of driving privileges for six months. If the offender is under the age of 16 the license suspension shall begin on their 16th birthday. There is also the matter of restitution for the damages.
Even entry into or traveling on a private road or driveway (except to turn around or in the event of an emergency) where a fence, gate or signs express entry is prohibited, is a violation with a mandatory fine of $100.
If these laws were strictly enforced it is virtually assured that the epidemic of ATV violations would disappear. The problem is that most people, especially ATV  and private property owners, do not know the laws and penalties.

PostPosted: Tue Apr 04, 2006 1:15 pm
by JoeP
Good info Dave - thanks.

Clarification please - while not said, these ATV's are not allowed, registered or not, on public township roads under any circumstances.  In order to get to a property where their use is allowed, legal and authorized, they must be transported and unloaded there, not driven on public roads to the authorized private property.

Is the foregoing correct?

Thanks.

PostPosted: Wed Apr 05, 2006 2:47 pm
by davidk
Joe,
There is a provision in the law where a local muni can designate stretches of roads as open to ATV use but they must be posted as such. Otherwise it is a violation to travel on a public road with an ATV, except when simply crossing a road.