LEONARDTOWN, Md. – The safety of roads for all citizens is a top priority for the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office (SMCSO). We continue to receive complaints regarding people illegally operating dirt bikes, off-road, and all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) on public roadways.
Operating off-road vehicles on public roads is illegal and unsafe. These vehicles are not equipped with the necessary lights, signals, and mirrors required for road use, making it difficult for operators to communicate their intentions to other drivers and increasing the risk of collisions. Also, unlike cars, ATVs generally lack essential safety features such as seat belts, airbags, and crumple zones, putting riders at a higher risk of injury in the event of a collision.
To curb unsafe road conditions for all, SMCSO is taking a ZERO TOLERANCE stance regarding the illegal operation of off-road vehicles. Operators could face multiple fines, points on their Maryland Driver’s License, and mandatory court appearances for operating an off-road vehicle on the roadway.
Off-road vehicle owners and parents can face fines for ALLOWING the operation of a dirt bike or ATV on the roadway. Off-road vehicles found operating on public roadways will be towed at the operator or owner’s expense. Teens and young adults who receive citations could be delayed or prohibited from becoming future licensed drivers.
Those witnessing illegal off-road vehicles operating on public roads may submit tips to SMCSOTrafficSafety@stmaryscountymd.gov. Please include the following details in the email:
- Location and time of the illegal operation
- Make, model, and color(s) of the ATV
- Physical description of the ATV operator
- Address where the ATV(s) are kept or stored
- Any pictures or videos you have of the illegal operation
- Your contact information if you wish to be contacted
The St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office is committed to ensuring the safety of our roadways for all citizens.
Ride your atv in Lexington Park police won’t stop you there.
Should’ve been enforcing zero tolerance the entire time
Just post an officer in Ridge on any given day. Should be able to fill a dump truck with unregistered vehicles. Best wishes and be safe.
I don’t understand what zero tolerance means when the rest of the article says could, and can, instead of will face criminal charges, and will have points on their license. I don’t understand what zero tolerance means when the rest of the article says could, and can, instead of will face fines, and will have points on their license.
Liberal bent to the court system.
It’s been illegal for ever. It’s about time the laws were inforced, too many people have been injured. The Police are hindered by not being able to persue when illegal opertors go off line.
Also how about kids and teens driving golf carts around? Nobody never says anything until someone gets hurt..
HOLD PARENTS ACCOUNTABLE IT WILL STOP THEN..
Agreed, they talk a big talk, but do not fix the issues. Called several times, sent pics and still riding through neighborhoods!
Send your tip via email, yep zero tolerance, they’ll get on it right away. Miss Cleo is not around anymore so no physic to tell you where the ATVs are stored. First comment is correct, go to Lexington Park you can ride with impunity. See several ATVs on the road anytime of the day.
Give me a break…of all the issues to make a big deal about. Why are they not making a similar request for informatin relating to texting and driving–a much more unsafe activity.
Zero Tolerance, did that start yesterday? See them on Pegg all the time between Westbury and Pacific.
Zero tolerance against ATVs. What about zero tolerance against car jackings? People that are being violently
killed, injured, due to car Jackings, armed robberies. How many of those suspects are on ATVs or dirtbikes? Your prioritizing the wrong things.