Vineland revises its ATV law

Kristi Funderburk

VINELAND -- The city is getting stricter on its all-terrain vehicle law in an effort aimed to prevent injuries and deaths.

City Council voted 4-1 last Tuesday to amend the city's motor vehicle ordinance. Now, it better defines types of recreational motorized vehicles and clearly restricts the use of ATVs in public parks and recreational areas, City Solicitor Alfred Verderose said.

"They are dangerous," he said. "This is the time to try to save someone's life."

The initial ordinance was unclear about its ban of four-wheelers on public property, Verderose said. Riders could have interpreted the law to mean they could ride on any public land as long as they weren't reckless or negligent, he said.

"Before it was sort of vague," Verderose said. "We've had complaints from farmers in East Vineland, certain residents and so forth."

Now, the vehicles are banned from public parks and recreation areas. And they must be at least 500 feet from any dwelling whenever they're used, Verderose said. A violation could lead to a $250 fine.

There are cases when it's fine to drive an ATV on certain public property, such as if the city holds an event specifically for the vehicles, Verderose said. But even then, he said, the new revised law requires the rider must be at least 14 years old, use proper equipment, and ride a stock bike, or one that hasn't been souped up.

Also, the ordinance now has separate definitions to differentiate ATVs, motorcycles and motorized sport bikes. All three initially were included under one definition, and the change better clarifies which vehicle can be used where, Verderose said.

Councilman Doug Albrecht cast the lone dissenting vote against the ordinance changes, saying they went too far. "I can picture the kid who built that go-kart who races around his house again and again and again," he said.

Council President Pete Coccaro, who voted for the changes, said: "If this board can save one life or spare a few calls to the Police Department, it's well worth it."

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Source: http://www.thedailyjournal.com/article/20100719/NEWS01/7190312

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