Drivers of ATVs and UTVs who use Shawano County roadways will soon have a new set of rules to follow.
After months of work, the highway and parks committee adopted the changes Aug. 5, and the public safety committee followed Aug. 6, with the county board expected to adopt the new ordinance Aug. 20.
“Persons 16 years of age or older must possess a valid driver’s license to operate an ATV or UTV on a county highway,” Sheriff George Lenzner said.
The driver must also have the license with him or her while driving on county roads.
“No person under 16 years of age may operate an ATV on a designated county route unless he or she is accompanied by his or her parent or guardian,” Lenzner said.
The law already requires UTV drivers to be at least 16 to drive on roads. The minimum age is 12 for ATVs, according to the Department of Natural Resources’ laws.
“Open containers of alcoholic beverages or other intoxicants are prohibited for ATV operators or passengers while operating on any ATV/UTV designated route within Shawano County,” Lenzner said.
The changes are being made in response to documented safety concerns and incidents involving ATV/UTV use.
“These are the routes on the roadways,” the sheriff said. “They are not going to affect anything on a trail.”
The ordinance notes that a golf cart is not an ATV or UTV, and the operation of golf carts on county roads continues to be prohibited.
Existing enforcement and penalty provisions contained in the existing law are also in need of updating.
Fines will vary from $25 to $500 plus court costs. Lenzner said that means a $25 fine will be about $200, and a $500 fine will cost nearly $1,000.
Lenzner said deputies would not immediately begin to cite drivers once the ordinance gets final approval.
“We want to use these first few months to educate the public,” he said. “I don’t want to go out and start issuing citations the day after it’s passed.”
The city of Shawano is expected to adopt a similar ordinance for ATV/UTV drivers on city streets.
kpasson@newmedia-wi.com
