VILLAS – Recently, Lower Township Police Department has received a high number of complaints regarding off-road motorcycles and ATVs being operated on public roadways and on private property. Lower Township Police Department would like to caution residents and visitors, that there are a number of regulations relating to the operation of snowmobiles, all-terrain vehicles (ATV), and dirt bikes.
Operators of these vehicles have an obligation to familiarize themselves with these laws in their entirety. Although not a complete list of all the laws pertaining to the operation of snowmobiles, ATVs and dirt bikes, a brief summary of some of the more frequently violated regulations are as follows;
– Except as otherwise provided, no snowmobile, ATV or dirt bike shall be operated or permitted to be operated on or across a public highway or on public lands or waters of this state unless registered with the registration number visible at all times. The registration certificate shall be subject to inspection by any law enforcement officer on demand and shall be on the vehicle at all times while in operation.
– A person under the age of 14 shall not operate or be permitted to operate any snowmobile, ATV or dirt bike on public lands or waters or across a public highway. A person less than 16 shall not operate on public lands or waters or across a public highway on a vehicle with an engine capacity greater than 90 cubic centimeters.
– A person less than 18 years of age who operates a snowmobile, ATV, or dirt bike which is registered in this state shall produce upon demand, a certificate indicating that the person successfully completed a safety education and training course.
– No person shall operate a snowmobile, ATV, or dirt bike on the property of another without receiving the consent of the owner of the property and the person who has a contractual right to the use of such property.
– It shall be unlawful for any person to operate or ride as a passenger on any snowmobile, ATV, or dirt bike without wearing an approved protective helmet.
– It shall be unlawful for any person to operate a snowmobile or ATV that is not equipped with working headlights, taillights, brakes and proper mufflers as supplied by the motor manufacturer for the particular model, without modifications, nor shall any person operate any snowmobile, ATV, or dirt bike in such a manner as to cause a harsh, objectionable or unreasonable noise.
– No snowmobile, ATV, or dirt bike shall be operated or permitted to be operated unless the owner thereof has obtained a policy of insurance. Proof of insurance, as required, shall be produced and displayed by the owner or operator of such snowmobile, ATV, or dirt bike upon request to any law enforcement officer or to any person who has suffered, or claims to have suffered, either personal injury or property damage as a result of the operation of it by the owner or operator.
– Owners and operators of snowmobiles, ATVs, and dirt bikes shall, when operating such across a public highway or on public land or waters, comply with the following provisions of chapter 4 of Title 39 of the Revised Statutes: 39:4-48 through 39:4-51; 39:4-64; 39:4-72; 39:4-80; 39:4-81; 39:4-92; 39:4-96 through 39:4-98; 39:4-99; 39:4-100; 39:4-104; 39:4-129 through 39:4-134; 39:4-203.
Every law enforcement officer in the state, including authorized officers of the Division of Motor Vehicles, Department of Environmental Protection, Forest Rangers, State Park Police, Municipal Police and other designated officers and employees shall enforce these laws within their respective jurisdictions.
Lower Township Police Department will be taking a zero tolerance approach to the enforcement of all traffic and criminal laws pertaining to the improper use of snowmobiles, ATVs and dirt bikes. Violations will result in the impoundment of the vehicle in addition to other appropriate enforcement actions.
For additional information regarding ATV laws, visit the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission at http://www.state.nj.us/mvc/.
Cape May – Governor Murphy says he doesn't know anything about the drones and doesn't know what they are doing but he does know that they are not dangerous. Does anyone feel better now?
