Laws
regarding off-road vehicles being
operated on roadways and private property; St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s
Office to begin issuing citations
The
change of weather has caused an increase of illegally operated off-road vehicles, all-terrain vehicles, and similar
vehicles being operated throughout St. Mary’s County on roadways, private
property, and in residential areas. These vehicles pose a considerable safety
threat to riders and residents, whether on the public or private property.
The St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office has investigated over
545 complaints since 2015 and responded to nearly 300 traffic calls for service
involving off-road vehicles. The Sheriff’s Office will begin issuing citations
to offenders and increase parent responsibility for juvenile riders. The
Sheriff’s Office wants to ensure citizens are familiar with the laws regarding
requirements for off-road vehicles being operated on roadways and private
property not owned by the rider.
The Sheriff’s Office is working in concert with the State’s
Attorney Richard Fritz on this initiative.
The difference between
motor vehicles and off-highway recreational vehicles, as defined by Maryland
Vehicle Law:
Maryland vehicle law defines motor vehicles as vehicles that
are self-propelled or propelled by electric power obtained from overhead
electrical wires and are not operated on rails. Under this definition,
off-highway recreational vehicles (three wheeler, pocket bike, golf cart,
four-wheeler, utility vehicle/side by side)
are not considered motor vehicles.
For purposes of Maryland Vehicle Law only, off-highway
recreational vehicles means a motor vehicle that is
1. motor-assisted or
motor-driven
(i)
is designed to carry
only the operator of the vehicle on a seat or saddle designed to be to be
straddled by the operator or is designed to carry only the operator of the
vehicle and one passenger;
(ii)
Is commonly known as
an all-terrain vehicle, three wheeler, pocket bike, golf cart, four-wheeler,
utility vehicle, also knows as a side by side.
2. A motorcycle that is designed for off-highway
operation and is not eligible for
registration as a Class D (motorcycle) vehicle under this article, commonly
knows as a dirtbike;
3. Snowmobile
The following is
information regarding where off-road vehicles can and can not be driven:
- Any vehicle that is not registered in the state of
Maryland may not be driven on Maryland highways. Maryland vehicle law defines highways as the entire
width between the boundary line of any way or thoroughfare of which any part
is used by the public for vehicular travel, whether or not the way or
thoroughfare has been dedicated to the public and accepted by any proper
authority. This means off-road vehicles are for use on PRIVATE PROPERTY
only, with the permission of the owner/agent. According to Maryland
Vehicle Law, they cannot be operated on public sidewalks, public roads,
streets or highways.
In addition to any other traffic violations observed, the
following are a list of Maryland Transportation Article Charges that one could
face if observed operating an off-road vehicle contrarily to the law.
- 13 402 by
– Driving unregistered motor vehicle - $290/0 points
- 16 101 a
– (Driving, Attempting to Drive)
motor vehicle on highway without required license and authorization – *Must
Appear/5 Points
- 16 101 b
– Operating a (moped, motor scooter) on the highway without required
license or permit – *Must Appear/5 Points. Although, “motor assisted” and
“motor driven,” a moped and motor scooter can be operated on the highway
if the operator has a valid license or a moped permit obtained through the
MVA.
- Knowingly
permitting (child, ward) under 15 to drive motor vehicle on Highway –
$290/5 points
- 17 107 –
Driving Uninsured Vehicle – *Must Appear/5 points
- An
individual operating an off-road vehicle will run the risk of having their
ATV towed and stored by the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office.
*A person issued a MUST APPEAR CITATION will receive a court
date in the mail and must see the judge; there is no pre-set fine.
Anyone with additional questions is asked to contact our
Traffic Safety Unit at 301-863-4816, ext *1456 or by email,
Brian.Connelly@stmarysmd.com.
