(A) Operation on roadways. All-terrain vehicles, mini-trucks and utility task vehicles may be operated on designated roadways in the city in strict compliance with this traffic code. It is unlawful to operate these specific vehicles upon roadways as follows:
(1) At a speed in excess of ten mph;
(2) Other than in single file on a roadway;
(3) Carelessly or recklessly; and
(4) In a manner that damages any public rights-of-way.
(B) Private property. It is unlawful to operate an ATV, mini-truck or utility task vehicle on private property without the permission or consent of the owner or occupant.
(C) Minimum age of operator. It is unlawful for any person under 16 years of age to operate an ATV, mini-truck or utility task vehicle on any public street in the city unless he or she has, in his or her immediate possession, a valid driver’s license or possesses a valid vehicle safety certificate and is accompanied by a person 18 years old or older on another ATV/off-highway vehicle.
(D) Sidewalks and boulevards. It is unlawful to operate an ATV, mini-truck or utility task vehicle on a sidewalk or boulevard; except that, an operator may cross a sidewalk, boulevard or other right-of-way to obtain access to a street or alley if the crossing is made at an angle of approximately 90 degrees to the direction of the sidewalk, boulevard or right-of-way to all pedestrian or vehicular traffic which constitutes an immediate hazard.
(E) Hours of operation. It is unlawful to operate an ATV, mini-truck or utility task vehicle within the city limits between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m., except when entering or leaving the city.
(F) Equipment. It is unlawful to operate an ATV, mini-truck or utility task vehicle unless it is equipped with the following:
(1) At least one clear headlight attached to the front, with sufficient intensity to reveal persons and vehicles at a distance of at least 100 feet ahead during the hours of darkness and under normal atmospheric conditions, when the vehicle is operated between the hours of one-half hour after sunset to one-half hour before sunrise, or at times of reduced visibility. The headlamp shall be so aimed that glaring rays are not projected into the eyes of an oncoming vehicle operator. The vehicle shall also be equipped with at least one red tail lamp having a minimum candlepower or sufficient intensity to exhibit a red light plainly visible from a distance of 500 feet to the rear during hours of darkness and under normal atmospheric conditions;
(2) Standard mufflers which are properly attached to the vehicles and which reduce the noise of operation of the motor to the minimum necessary for operation. No person shall use a muffler cutout, by-pass, straight pipe or similar device on a vehicle. The apparatus shall not be audible for a distance more than 500 feet from the place or places where such devices or apparatus will be located; and
(3) Brakes adequate to control the movement of and to stop and hold the vehicle under any condition of operation.
(G) Operation of vehicles by minors. Vehicle operators who are minors and who wish to operate vehicles within the city limits are subject to the following conditions in addition to those required of adult operators.
(1) No minor under 16 years of age shall be permitted to operate a vehicle in the city.
(2) All minors at least 16 years of age but less than 18 years of age may operate a vehicle subject to the restrictions set forth above if the minor possesses a valid driver’s license and wears a safety helmet approved by the Commissioner of Public Safety.
(3) Effective 1-1-2006, anyone born after 7-1-1987 and is 16 or older must complete an independent study course component of vehicle safety training before operating a vehicle on public lands.
(H) Prohibitions on owner. It is unlawful for the owner of an ATV, mini-truck or utility task vehicle ATV/off-highway vehicle to permit it to be operated contrary to this traffic code.
(Ord. 7, passed 5-5-2014; Ord. 7, passed 6-1-2015) Penalty, see § 10.99