Chief’s Corner By Chief Steven J. Wojnar Dudley Police Department Four-wheel vehicles, dirt bikes, or snow mobiles in the winter, can be seen traveling on or along public ways from time to time. This is an issue during the summer months, when children are out of school, and many people are out riding. These vehicles are not allowed to operate normally on the streets without the appropriate registration requirements. I was asked to provide people with some information about these vehicles traveling on the roads. Most of the recreational vehicle laws are covered by Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 90B. These vehicles are generally restricted to off road travel and there are registration and other laws of use in place which promote their safe operation. One, which applies to the operation of recreational vehicles on the roads, is under Chapter 90B Section 25. This section addresses their ability to travel across roadways. Recreational vehicles must come to a full and complete stop before crossing any road. When they cross, they must do so in a fashion which is as direct as possible. They must not interfere with the free movement of vehicular traffic on the road and they must yield the right of way to all vehicular traffic when making the crossing. The penalty for a violation of this law is a maximum $100 fine or up to sixty days in jail or both. These vehicles are also prohibited in such places as rail trails and conservation areas. People operating in these locations are trespassing and criminal charges could apply. This is particularly true if damage occurs or if places, such as wet lands, are disturbed. Recreational vehicles are fun. |
I used them myself in my younger years. They need to be operated in the proper locations while exercising the appropriate safety precautions. The best practice is to use caution, operate in the correct locations, wear proper equipment, and always be aware of your surroundings. This will best prevent accidents, damage, and injuries. Thanks again for your questions and comments. Please send them to me at the Dudley Police Department 71 West Main St., Dudley, Ma. 01571 or email at swojnar@dudleypolice.com. Opinions expressed in this weekly column are those of Chief Wojnar only and unless clearly noted, do not reflect the ideas or opinions of any other organization or citizen. |
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