01/10/2024
For everyone that wants to ride into bluefield wv. The ATV ordinance, also approved by the city board on a second reading, would require the off-road ATV and UTV vehicles operated in city streets to be licensed and for the operator to have a driver’s license and to carry liability insurance. It specifically states that no person may operate any motor vehicle, all-terrain vehicle, utility-terrain vehicle, motorcycle, off-highway vehicle or off-road vehicle on any city street, road or alley without first obtaining a vehicle registration plate and a motor-vehicle liability policy.
Heltzel said the ordinance also states such vehicles must be operated by a person with a valid drivers license. He said this is to protect both the operators of the off-road vehicles and other people who are on roadways should there be a collision with damages or injuries.
“One of the problems we have is there is a lot of ATV usage on city streets,” Heltzel said. “And most of the time it is by people who are underage. They don’t have a valid driver’s license and they aren’t carrying liability insurance.”
West Virginia code also provides regulations as it relates to such off-road traffic.
According to state code, ATVs are allowed to drive on roads with a center line for no less than 10 miles and only if they are traveling to places for gas, food or supplies. They are required to use the shoulder of the road, and if there isn’t a shoulder, to stay on the right lane and to travel at speeds no greater than 25 mph. ATVs and UTVs that are properly registered are allowed to travel no more than 20 miles on a roadway for gas, food or supplies.
A third ordinance approved by the board on a second reading provided amended definitions for city code for all-terrain vehicles, motorcycles and other off-road vehicles. The third amended code further states that the city believes it to be a nuisance and a danger to the public at large for any unlicensed, unregistered or uninsured all-terrain vehicles, u