RIVERDALE -- It is now legal to drive all-terrain vehicles and off-highway vehicles on Riverdale city streets.
"It is becoming more and more common" for cities to allow ATVs, said Riverdale City Attorney Steve Brooks.
"More and more citizens are using ATVs for recreation, yardwork, snowplowing and general travel," the new ordinance reads.
State law prohibits use of ATVs on all city roads unless the city specifically approves it. Recently, a resident approached the city council asking for permission to drive his ATV on city roads.
The new off-highway vehicle ordinance requires ATV operators to have a driver's license, helmet and proof of registration.
The off-highway vehicle must include such equipment as brakes, a horn and lights. Except when making left turns, operators must drive on the "extreme" right side of the roadway, but not on shoulders, sidewalks or in ditches.
The city council agreed that ATV operators must follow posted speed limits on city streets. The ordinance does not include the use of golf carts, snowmobiles, dirt bikes or farm tractors.
While the new ordinance applies to any city street, highway or road, it does not apply to state roads such as Riverdale Road and South Weber Drive. State law governing off-highway vehicle use on state roads is very similar to Riverdale's new ordinance, Brooks said.
According to state law, ATVs are not allowed on interstates or freeways.
because of the high speeds on those thoroughfares.
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