With warm weather comes an array of such activities as driving dirt bikes and ATVs.
In preparation of this, the Topeka Police Department put out information on how to stay safe and within the law while operating these vehicles.
“Operating ATVs and dirt bikes on city streets is not only illegal in many cases, it creates serious safety risks for everyone on the road,” police chief Chris Vallejo said in a statement. “Our priority is protecting the public, and we will continue to enforce these laws to reduce preventable injuries and crashes.”
What does the law say about operating ATVs and dirt bikes?
Following are laws, requirements and applicable offenses and/or fines related to operating an ATV or dirt bike on city streets:
- Driving an ATV on city streets is a traffic infraction and has a $70 fine.
- If you’re illegally operating a “low-speed” vehicle like an ATV or a dirt bike, it can carry a $70 fine depending on the case.
- Operating a dirt bike without a valid, up-to-date Class M motorcycle license is a Class B misdemeanor, which has a $150 fine.
- Dirt bikes driven on public roadways must meet have headlamps, stop lamps and other required safety equipment. If they don’t comply with the law, it’s a traffic infraction with a $70 fine.
- Driving a motor vehicle without insurance is a Class B misdemeanor and a $300 fine if it is your first offense. If it is your second or subsequent offense, it’s a Class A misdemeanor and an $800 fine.
