July 5, 2019 at 4:09 p.m.
Rhinelander ATV/UTV ordinance now in effect
Rhinelander ATV/UTV ordinance now in effect
By By River News Staff-
The final two steps needed to make operation of ATVs in Rhinelander legal - the publication of the ordinance and the placement of signs at the entrances to the city - were completed July 2, Rhinelander police chief Lloyd Gauthier announced via press release Wednesday afternoon.
The Rhinelander Common Council passed the ordinance on a 6-2 vote June 24.
According to Gauthier's press release, the police department would like to point out the following items in the ordinance. (The public is also encouraged to read the entire ordinance at https://dnr.wi.gov/topic/atv/).
• Operation is allowed on all city streets except for Lincoln Street and Stevens Street (north of Dwight Street).
• Operate at the posted speed limit of 25mph.
• Operate single file and to the right most portion of the lane of travel for motor vehicles.
They should not operate in marked bike lanes.
• Cruising is prohibited.
• Exhaust system/muffler modifications prohibited.
• Stay on paved surfaces.
• Functional headlights, tail-lights, and brake lights.
• No operation between 11:59 p.m. and 5:00 a.m.
• Head gear required for those under 18 years old.
• Accompanied by adult for those under 16 years old.
• Requires a valid motor vehicle operator's license on person.
• Insurance is required.
• WI DNR requires ATV operators at least age 12 and born on or after January 1, 1988 must possess a valid ATV safety certificate.
• WI DNR requires UTV operators at least 16 and born on or after January 1, 1988 must possess a valid ATV/UTV safety certificate.
• All ATVs and UTVs must display current Wisconsin registration decal or possess a temporary operating receipt or possess a copy of a signed registration application from a dealer. Required to have a rear registration ID plate attached.
Additionally, Wisconsin state statute 340.01(35) definition of "motor vehicle" includes ATVs and UTVs, therefore, Chapter 346 Rules of Roads apply. Which require operators to obey all traffic rules and regulations. This also includes 346.075 Overtaking and passing bicycles. Operators shall exercise due care when passing, leaving a safe distance, but in no case less than 3 feet clearance.
According to the City Hall Facebook page, mayor Chris Frederickson was expected to celebrate the new ordinance with a special, inaugural "Mayor's Ride" through the city Wednesday evening.
"After driving through the city, we plan to conclude downtown, where we hope everyone will enjoy the food, drinks, and hospitality of our community's many fine establishments," the Facebook post states. :It only seems right to end this way as a big part of the 'promise' of this opportunity was the opportunity for economic impact in Rhinelander businesses."
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