ATV FREEDOM DAY - There Are Some Glitches

(05/26/2004)

Today is ATV Freedom Day, with a few glitches. The West Virginia Legislature passed an ATV law which allows the recreational vehicles to travel on thousands of miles of state highways without a center line. They can also travel on highways with a center line, but they must be ridden on the shoulder at a speed not to exceed 25 miles per hour and not travel more than 10 miles, from trailhead to trailhead. Some officials are saying the new law could be an enforcement problem. Riders under the age of 18 must wear a helmet, no questions asked, including their use on private property. There are some restrictions for double riding. Starting in September, the state will offer mandatory ATV safety classes to any rider under the age of 18. In order to legally ride an ATV, you must take a safety course before the start of the year - 2005. There is still confusion regarding the enforcement of titles and insurance on ATVs. An Eastern Panhandle sheriff expects Jefferson, Morgan and Berkeley counties will jointly ban ATVs on all paved roads, because they consider them a safety hazard mixed with other vehicles. Counties with comprehensive plans can elect to ban the vehicles. Kanawha County is likely to join the ban, saying they are safety hazards.

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