Whitewater city officials have announced that city-owned roads, unless posted otherwise, are open to all-terrain vehicle (ATV) and utility-task vehicle (UTV) traffic.
An ordinance approved by the Whitewater Common Council, opening the roads to ATV and UTV use, applies to city-owned roads within both Walworth and Jefferson counties, according to the release.
According to information on the city’s website, an ordinance approving use of ATVs and UTVs on city-owned streets in Jefferson County was approved in November of 2021. An ordinance approving ATV and UTV use on all city streets, including those located in both Jefferson and Walworth counties, was approved in March.
Before the ordinance could be placed into effect, the ordinance required the installation of street signs.
According to information released Thursday by city officials, the ordinance became effective on Thursday. A map, as provided on the city’s website, showing roads within the city that are open to ATV and UTV use is here: https://whitewaterwi.org/gis/2023/ATV_UTVRoutes2023.pdf.
While most streets within the city of Whitewater are approved for ATV and UTV use, the release notes that streets around the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater campus, which are considered “non-city” streets, are among those that prohibit ATV and UTV use.
ATV/UTV riders are required to abide by applicable city regulations and Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) laws, the release stated.
Regulations and laws will be enforced by all law enforcement agencies working within the city, including the Whitewater Police Department, including the issuance of citations under Wisconsin State Statute section 66.0113, according to language within the ordinance. The full statute is here: https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/statutes/statutes/66/i/0113. Additionally, language within the ordinance states the following: “penalties set forth in section 23.33 (13)(a) Wis. Stats., are adopted and incorporated by reference herein.”
Language within section 23.33(13)(a) outlines circumstances under which forfeitures of $250, $500, and $1,000 could be applicable.
As provided within the release, a list of city and state regulations follows:
• ATVs/UTVs shall be operated on the paved surface on the extreme right side of the roadway.
• ATVs/UTVs may be operated on paved surfaces only, unless yielding the right of way.
• ATV/UTV operators are required to have applicable liability insurance.
• ATVs/UTVs shall not be operated at a speed greater than the posted speed limits.
• ATVs/UTVs may not be operated on any city street without fully functional headlights, taillights and brake lights.
• ATVs/UTVs may not be operated on any city street between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m.
• No person may operate an ATV/UTV on any city street without a valid driver’s license and shall display the license on demand from any law enforcement officer or official as defined by state statutes.
• The operation of an ATV/UTV shall be limited to traveling on a direct route from the initial starting point to a specific destination in the city. Operating ATV/UTV vehicles on city streets for other purposes is prohibited.
• ATV/UTV operators shall slow to a speed of 10 miles per hour or less and yield the right-of-way when traveling within 100 feet of a person who is not on an ATV/UTV, a snowmobile or a motorcycle.
• ATV/UTV owners may not authorize any person to operate an ATV/UTV if the person is prohibited from operating an ATV/UTV as defined by state statutes, incapable of operating the vehicle because of a physical or mental disability or under the influence of fermented malt beverages, intoxicating liquor or controlled substances.
• All ATV/UTV operators and passengers under the age of 18 are required to wear a minimum Department of Transportation standard ATV or motorcycle helmet with the chin strap properly fastened.
For more information regarding DNR regulations, visit: https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/ATV/Regulations.
The full ordinance approved by the Whitewater Common Council in March is here: https://www.whitewater-wi.gov/DocumentCenter/View/3505/1145-Allowing-the-Operation-of-ATV-UTV-on-City-of-Whitewater-Streets.
Whitewater Municipal Building, file photo/Kim McDarison.
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