Paw Paw enacts ATV ordinance

The Paw Paw Town Council adopted an ATV ordinance at their Tuesday, September 4 meeting.

The Paw Paw ATV ordinance bans the operation of an all-terrain vehicle on any public road or highway within the Town of Paw Paw, whether or not the road contains a center line.

The roads affected by the town's ordinance are designated public roads or highways over which the Town of Paw Paw has supervisory control or management and care of the public road or highway.

The Paw Paw ATV ordinance also permits ATVs to cross a public road or highway at an angle of about 90 degrees to the direction of the public road where there is no obstruction preventing a quick and safe passing. The ATV operator must have a valid driver's license to do so.

Addition to existing

ordinances

The ordinance is an addition to state and county ordinances that already exist. It also complies with existing ordinances regarding the use of safety equipment which includes helmets.

Paw Paw Town Councilman Ed Ridgeway made the motion to approve the ATV ordinance and Councilman Steve Moreland seconded the motion. The ATV ordinance had three readings prior to its adoption.

Citizens raised concerns at the meeting about the noise from ATVs in town. One resident asked if ATVs ripping and running in the alley beside his home was allowed. The noise was sometimes heard in the middle of the night. Others indicated that the alley in question connected to their property too.

Banned on private

property?

The town council is looking into the possibility of banning ATVs on private property in town since the ATVs can be considered disturbing the peace.

There would need to be three public hearings on that addition to the ATV ordinance, said Ridgeway and Town Magistrate Gina Brack.

The issue of banning ATVs on private property may be considered at the next town council meeting, which is scheduled for Monday, October 1 at 7:30 p.m.