Colfax chief issues ATV update

All Terrain Vehicles (ATVs) with four wheels can be operated on city streets under provisions of the state model traffic ordinance, Colfax Police Chief Rick McNannay reported July 21 to the city council. McNannay presented city council members with an 18-page packet on the state regulations for ATV and Ultra Terrain Vehicle use on public streets.

The topic has been on the table for several council sessions with the status of ATVs uncertain after the last round. Many of the snow clearing operations in Colfax during the winter are done with ATVs fitted with plows. McNannay reported these vehicles could be legally operated on streets under provisions of the state’s model traffic ordinance which Colfax has adopted.

He added the council could consider other requirements, such as blinking warning lights, to increase safety for the plows which often cross sidewalks and alleys while clearing off parking lots.

McNannay reported the basic steps require UTV and ATV owners to obtain certification for licensing as an on-road and off-road vehicle. The certification shows the vehicle has been checked to determine if it has the lights and other equipment required to be operated on public streets. Certification can be done at dealerships or repair shops.

McNannay said the certification tags for public road use must be on the licenses before they are driven on city streets. Also, the operators of the vehicles must have drivers licenses and insurance coverage.

ATV operators are required to wear helmets and goggles in accordance with state requirements for motorcycle operators.

Also, youngsters under five cannot ride in UTV or ATV vehicles on public streets.

Again, McNannay noted the state provisions apply to roads with speed limits up to 35 mph. That means county roads and state highways outside of the city limits are not open for ATV-UTV use because their speed limits are higher.

McNannay also told the city council that requirements for a golf cart zone include street markings of where the zone begins and ends. He anticipates marking the zone at the ends of the two main streets in the North Flat, in the Cedar and Oak streets area. Golf cart operators are required to use seat belts on public roadways and they are limited to daylight hours for street use.