ATV rides bring hefty fines, warn police

Beth Hurd

The Johnston Police Department’s Traffic Division wants to make sure residents know of the hefty fines and fees that can result from the use of All Terrain Vehicles (ATVs) and Recreational Vehicles, if caught riding them in prohibited areas.

The penalties are outlined in a Town Council ordinance passed in 2005, and include a $100 fine for the first offense, $200 for a second offense and $300 for any subsequent offense.

The Ordinance says that ATVs are strictly prohibited from public streets, public parks, walkways and grassy areas or in any other areas within town where motor vehicles are not allowed. Included in the ordinance is that no person shall ride on private property, whether posted or not, in such a manner that disturbs, disrupts, annoys or interferes with the quality of life of surrounding residents.

The issue has become more serious since nice weather has begun, and ATV riders have been caught as recently as Tuesday, April 20.

“We just had a call today, on Pine Hill Road,” Lt. Marc Boisvert said Tuesday. “Obviously it’s school vacation; we’ve had them on Central Avenue near the landfill, on Tech Hill, along Greenville Avenue where they ride under the power lines along Route 295.”

Signs are posted in most of the problem areas in town, but police have found young people riding two and three to an ATV, wearing shorts and flip flops and no helmets.

“The people who ride these aren’t outlaws; we’re watching out for their safety,” said Officer David Slinko, who owns and rides his own ATV.

Last year, the town almost had an ATV-related fatality along Route 295.

“During the spring and summer this becomes a serious nuisance for all residents having to deal with these types of vehicles being operated at all times of the day and night making loud noise traveling the streets or on private property,” Boisvert said.

To combat illegal riding, the Johnston Police Department intends to post more signs around town. They are also aware of where many of the ATV riders park their trucks and trailers, which often leads them to catch the offenders.

“The weather is nice, so they’re coming out of the wood work,” the lieutenant added.

The town ordinance mandates that the ATV be impounded until the case is adjudicated. In that event, storage fees are incurred at the owner’s expense.

“It’s often a minimum of two weeks before it goes to court, so you’re talking storage fees, as well as the tow fee and the fine,” Boisvert explained. “Sometimes the fees add up to more than the value of the ATV.”

Cases are heard in Johnston Municipal Court. Boisvert says the offenders are often from other nearby towns including Smithfield and North Providence.

Boisvert said Smithfield has a similar ordinance.

The Johnston Police Department owns two ATVs, purchased with federal grant money, which are used to monitor the off road areas that are known to attract the riders. There are currently six officers certified to ride the ATVs, which are trailered to sites for patrol.

These officers and the vehicles have been called on to help with search and rescue efforts in neighboring towns. In the past year, they were used to search for a missing Glocester police officer.

The ATV ordinance, and others issued in regard to noise, is categorized as “Quality of Life” issues in the town.

“We have two noise ordinances, one for mufflers on vehicles, and for other loud noise,” said Boisvert, noting that some restaurants have special permits issued for outdoor music.

The town still faces these types of complaints, even with the ordinances. The same is true for illegal hunting and fishing as well as illegal and out-of-state dumping, which is monitored by a JPD detail paid for by the Rhode Island Resource Recovery Corporation.

To gauge these complaints, JPD has a noise meter.

If you have any questions, you can contact Captain Daniel Parrillo or Lt. Marc Boisvert. Copies of the ordinance can be obtained at the Johnston Town Hall or the Johnston Police Department.

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Source: http://www.johnstonsunrise.net/view/full_story/7181438/article-ATV-rides-bring-hefty-fines--warn-police?instance=home_news_right

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