Public cautioned on use of ATV's on roadways

A rise in the popularity of multi-purpose all terrain vehicles has sparked safety concerns for the West Fargo Police Department. Up scaled ATVs with names like Razor, Rhino and Mule are making their way more frequently onto the roadway. Lacking the required safety features present on cars, trucks or low speed vehicles, the ATVs place the passengers and the motoring public at risk for injury or death.

West Fargo Ordinance 13-0304 requires that a motor vehicle being operated on the roadway be registered and display a distinctive plate issued by the state. To become eligible to be registered the vehicle must be equipped with specific equipment. Failure to display the proper registration plate is an infraction and the driver is subject to a twenty dollar fine. A vehicle lacking proper equipment may also be impounded.

Motor vehicles may be registered as a conventional vehicle or as a low speed vehicle. Conventionally registered motor vehicles may be operated any where open to the public. Low speed vehicles are restricted to roadways where the speed limit is 35 miles per hour or less.

1. As used in this section, unless the context otherwise requires:

a. “Low-speed vehicle” means a four-wheeled vehicle that is able to attain a speed, upon a paved surface, of twenty (20) miles per hour [32 kilometers per hour] in one (1) mile [1.6 kilometers] and not more than twenty-five (25) miles per hour [40 kilometers per hour] in one (1) mile [1.6 kilometers] and may not exceed one thousand five hundred (1,500) pounds [680.39 kilograms] in unloaded weight.

b. “Operate” means to ride in or on and control the operation of a low-speed vehicle.

c. “Register” means the act

of assigning a registration number to a low-speed vehicle.

2. A person may not operate a low-speed vehicle on a highway on which the speed limit exceeds thirty-five (35) miles [56.33 kilometers] per hour. The operator of a low-speed vehicle may make a direct crossing of a highway on which the speed limit exceeds thirty-five (35) miles [56.33 kilometers] per hour if the crossing is made so the operator can continue on a highway on which the speed limit does not exceed thirty-five (35) miles [56.33 kilometers] per hour.

3. A low-speed vehicle must be equipped with headlamps, front and rear turn signal lamps, tail lamps, signal lamps, reflex reflectors on each side as far to the rear of the vehicle as practicable and one red reflector on the rear, brakes, a parking brake, a windshield, a vehicle identification number, a safety belt installed at each designated seating position, an exterior mirror mounted on the operator’s side of the vehicle, and either an exterior mirror mounted on the passenger’s side of the vehicle or an interior rearview mirror

13-2001. DEFINITIONS.

2. All-Terrain Vehicle. For purposes of this Chapter “all terrain vehicle” shall mean any motorized off-highway vehicle 50 inches or less in width, having a dry weight of 1,000 pounds or less, traveling on three or more low pressure tires, designed for operator use only with no passengers, having a seat or saddle designed to be straddled by the operator, and handlebars for steering control.

13-2002. SEVERABILITY. Invalidity of any section clause, sentence or any provision of this chapter shall not affect the validity of any part of this ordinance which can be given effect without such invalid part or parts.

13-2003. PROHIBITED OPERATION. It shall be unlawful for any person to drive or operate any snowmobile, all-terrain vehicle, or off-road motorcycle within the city limits of the City of West Fargo, North Dakota, except under the following circumstances:

1. When loading or unloading such vehicle onto another vehicle or transporting the vehicle from one place of storage to another. When loading, unloading or transporting any such vehicle as authorized by this subsection, the motor shall be operated at the lowest rate which will allow movement of the vehicle at walking speed; or

2. When such vehicle is being used as a utility vehicle for purposes which include but are not limited to the maintenance of lawns and gardens, snow removal, agriculture, participating in a sanctioned parade, or inspection of public works in remote areas; or

3. When such vehicles are used by law enforcement officers for law enforcement purposes; or

4. In case of an emergency.

5. In an area south of Interstate 94 which is zoned agricultural, as long as the vehicle is not on a street right of way, other than a road ditch.

Source: http://www.westfargopioneer.com/articles/index.cfm?id=14924§ion=Opinion

---

Add this page to your favorite Social Bookmarking websites