HomeMy WebLinkAboutDiscussion List for Transportation Committee 2.0ATV/UTV ORDINANCE – Points of Discussion
Where can ATVs/UTVs operate?
• All City streets?
• Only select routes?
• Inversely, specify which streets are NOT open?
Winnebago County: Allows operation on all Winnebago highways and roadways.
Berlin: All streets, roads, and public alleys, including all state trunk highways if approved by
DOT.
(Note: Operation on state trunk highways needs to be approved by DOT)
Time Limit on Operation
• Can operate at any time?
• Restriction on certain times of day?
• Restriction to certain months?
Winnebago County: Can operate at any time
Berlin: No operation between 10:00pm to 6:00am
Staff Recommendation: No operation between 10:00pm to 6:00am
Maximum Speed Limit
• Max 35 mph
• Just follow speed limit
Winnebago County: Follow speed limits
Berlin: Max 35
Staff Recommendation: Follow speed limits
Who can close routes?
• Council?
• Chief of Police?
• City Manager?
Winnebago County:
• Permanent closure – highway commissioner can permanently close after review with
the highway committee for reasons such as repeated, validated complaints from
residents, damage caused by ATV/UTVs, an increase in ADT, or roadway accidents.
• Temporary closure – highway commissioner or sheriff can close for construction,
emergencies, parades or events.
Berlin: “The City or its designee reserves the right to close or modify routes within its
jurisdiction at any time.”
Staff Recommendation:
• Permanent closure, for any reason, needs to be by council.
• Temporary closure, for any reason, can be done by police chief.
Age Limit/Driver’s License
• State law allows individuals as young as 12 to ride, provided they are accompanied by a
parent or guardian over 18. If not accompanied, the individual must be 16 to ride on a
roadway.
• State law does not require a driver’s license.
Winnebago County: 16, Driver’s License Required
Berlin: 16, Driver’s License Required
Staff Recommendation: 16, Driver’s License Required
Insurance
• State law does not require ATVs to have insurance.
Winnebago County: $10k for property damage, $25k for injury or death of one person., $50k for
injury or death for more than one person (these are state requirements under § 344.61)
Berlin: State requirements under § 344.61
Staff Recommendation: State requirements under § 344.61.
Seatbelts
• Under state law, UTVs are required to have seatbelts. ATVs are not.
• There is no requirement under state law that seatbelts are worn.
•
Winnebago County: All drivers and passengers must wear seatbelts “if the vehicle is so
equipped”
Berlin: Silent
Staff Recommendation: Wear seatbelts if the vehicle is equipped with them.
Lights
• State law requires headlamps and tail lamps. UTVs under state law are required to have
brake lights. ATVs are not.
• There is no requirement under state law that either ATVs or UTVs have turn signals, but
operators under state law are required to give hand signals when turning.
Winnebago County: All ATV/UTVs must have fully functional headlamps, tail lamps, and
brake lights.
Berlin: Fully functional headlights, taillight and brake lights.
Staff Recommendation: Headlamps, tail lamps, and brake lights.
Riding
• Single file riding
• “Cruising” prohibited. (Running a part of a roadway multiple times, per day, back and
forth…)
• Prohibition on Open Alcohol (Wis. Stat. 346.935 doesn’t apply to ATVs)
Winnebago County: Ordinance requires single file riding.
Berlin: No requirements
Staff Recommendation: Single file riding, prohibit cruising and prohibit open alcohol.
Issues not discussed above, because they are covered under state law
• Registration – Generally required to be registered with DNR
• Helmets – Required for persons under 18
• Operation – Must operate on right side of roadway
• Noise – required to have mufflers