DARLINGTON - The Lafayette County Sheriff's Department reminded residents Tuesday of proper ATV practices after an increase in ATV and UTV use throughout the county.
In a public notice, Lafayette County Sheriff Reg Gill, Darlington Police Chief Jason King and warden Nick Webster of the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources cited recent UTV crashes in the county and "the ever increasing volume of ATV/UTV operation throughout all of Lafayette County" as the impetus to remind ATV and UTV operators to drive responsibly.
The notice reminds drivers that ATVs are only allowed on roads that are properly labeled to be "open to ATV/UTV traffic." Furthermore, save for a handful of exceptions, it is illegal to drive an ATV or UTV on a state highway.
In addition, drivers are reminded that all ATV trails have a maximum speed limit of 30 mph unless posted lower. Driving on ATV trails is prohibited between 1 and 5 a.m., although some municipalities may impose more restrictive hours.
Seatbelts are mandatory in UTVs and violations incur a fine of $232. Any passenger or driver under the age of 18 must wear a helmet while in an ATV or UTV, and nobody under the age of 16 is permitted to drive.
Finally, the legal intoxication limit for an ATV or UTV is .08, the same as an ordinary vehicle.
"We do not want to see the privilege of this recreational activity jeopardized by the poor choices of a small portion of those who participate," it said in the notice. "We are seeking the cooperation of all of you who participate in, and local business establishments who benefit from ATV/UTV recreation, to assist us by reminding others to operate responsibly."
In a public notice, Lafayette County Sheriff Reg Gill, Darlington Police Chief Jason King and warden Nick Webster of the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources cited recent UTV crashes in the county and "the ever increasing volume of ATV/UTV operation throughout all of Lafayette County" as the impetus to remind ATV and UTV operators to drive responsibly.
The notice reminds drivers that ATVs are only allowed on roads that are properly labeled to be "open to ATV/UTV traffic." Furthermore, save for a handful of exceptions, it is illegal to drive an ATV or UTV on a state highway.
In addition, drivers are reminded that all ATV trails have a maximum speed limit of 30 mph unless posted lower. Driving on ATV trails is prohibited between 1 and 5 a.m., although some municipalities may impose more restrictive hours.
Seatbelts are mandatory in UTVs and violations incur a fine of $232. Any passenger or driver under the age of 18 must wear a helmet while in an ATV or UTV, and nobody under the age of 16 is permitted to drive.
Finally, the legal intoxication limit for an ATV or UTV is .08, the same as an ordinary vehicle.
"We do not want to see the privilege of this recreational activity jeopardized by the poor choices of a small portion of those who participate," it said in the notice. "We are seeking the cooperation of all of you who participate in, and local business establishments who benefit from ATV/UTV recreation, to assist us by reminding others to operate responsibly."