Lake Butler Community Page News Tidbits

The Union County Sheriff’s Office recently released the following notice via their Facebook Page:

In Florida, an ATV, ROV and OHM cannot be operated on a public road, street or highway! (The only exception is that they may be operated on an unpaved public roadway where the posted speed limit is less than 35 miles per hour and only during daytime hours) (Fla. Stat. 316.2123)

An ATV, OHM or ROV operator under 16 years of age must be supervised by a licensed driver at all times and must wear a helmet and eye protection. In addition to direct supervision, those under 16 who wants to operate the off-highway vehicle on public land must also pass a safety course (Fla. Stat. 261.20(3)).

The operator of an off-highway vehicle may not carry a passenger unless a vehicle is specifically designed by the manufacturer to carry an operator and a single passenger (i.e. two rider ATV or side-by-side).

Anyone who violates the above mentioned laws commits a noncriminal traffic infraction and is subject to a citation and a fine over $100.00 and can be prohibited from operating an off-highway vehicle on any public lands. The fine for the second or subsequent violation is not less than $500.00 (Fla. Stat. 261.20(6)).

Our agency has received numerous complaints recently all over the county on this above violations. Our agency, along with the Florida Highway Patrol, will be increasing our patrol and ENFORCEMENT actions for these violations!

We understand that many people drive these off-road vehicles in a safe manner, but it is illegal to operate them on a paved public road, street or highway as stated in Florida Statute! We will be enforcing this to prevent injuries and/or possible death while illegally operating these on our roads. Please share this with those you know that own and operate these types of vehicles.

Definitions:
ATV: All-Terrain Vehicle is any motorized off-highway or all-terrain vehicle 50 inches or less in width, weighing less than 1,200 pounds, designed to travel on 3 or more tires with a seat designed to be straddled.

ROV: Recreational off-highway vehicle is any motorized recreational off-highway vehicle 60 inches or less in width, having a dry weight of 1,500 pounds or less, designed to travel on 4 or more non-highway tires and unlike an ATV, having a non-straddle seating and a steering wheel (FL. Stat. 261.03(9)). Motorized go-karts and golf carts also fall into this category.

OHM: Off-highway motorcycle is any motorized vehicle used off the road/highway that has a seat or saddle for the use of the rider and is designed to travel with not more than two wheels in contact with the ground.