East Providence outlaws off-road vehicles on public city streets

This new ordinance is effective immediatley.

EAST PROVIDENCE, R.I (WLNE) – On Tuesday night, the East Providence City Council passed an ordinance that would make it illegal to operate off-road vehicles such as ATVs and snowmobiles on city streets.

Wednesday morning, East Providence Mayor, Bob DaSilva, and Council President, Robert Britto officially signed the ordinance, saying it is effective immediatley and the city will have a ‘no tolerance policy’ for illegal/ unregistered vehicles on city roads.

East Providence is the third city to outlaw off-road vehicles, following Providence and Cranston.

WHAT DOES THIS ORDINANCE CHANGE?

East Providence officials say this ordinance prevents officers from having to engage in any chases with the illegal vehicle, which often endangers the entire community. The new ordinance requires all off-road vehicles to be registered with the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management, even if the vehicle is on provate property.

And so with the new ordinance, now the officer will be able to identify the vehicle and seize it at the driver’s home.

The exception to the ordinance would allow off-road vehicles to be driven on private property that is 2.5 acres or greater.

The penalty of violating the terms is having the vehicle impounded or a fine of $500.

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