Use of golf carts or ATVs on city streets are dangerous and may be illegal

From The TrussvilleTtribune staff reports

TRUSSVILLE –With plans to open two new neighborhood elementary schools in Trussville, some parents are are discussing new ideas for transporting their children to school. While novel, some of those plans may not be legal without a substantial monetary investment.

Recent social media comments would indicate that some parents living in neighborhoods close to the new elementary schools may be considering the use of golf carts or all terrain vehicles to take their children to schools.

According the Trussville police captain Jeff Bridges, those vehicles must be street legal which would come at a price. Not conforming to the law could be even more expensive.

Bridges said the use of all terrain vehicles, go carts, golf carts and dirt bikes on city streets could be problematic.

“Use of any of these vehicles on a public road or highway is unlawful,” Bridges said. “All vehicles must be properly registered with the State of Alabama, have a tag attached to the rear of the vehicle and all required lights in working order.  Helmets and shoes must be worn when driving or as a passenger on any motorcycle.”

Bridges said the majority of the problems in Trussville are juveniles driving four wheelers or ATVs.

In most cases, persons under the age of 16 are prohibited from driving any motor vehicle on the public road or highway unless accompanied by a parent or legal guardian and be enrolled in a driver-training program.  Any owner of a motor vehicle that permits a child under the age 16 to drive a motor vehicle on the public road or highway can be charged with a misdemeanor.

“To shorten this up, if the driver is unlicensed, the vehicle does not have a current tag, headlights, brake lights, a mirror and a horn is not present, it is unlawful to be operating on the public road or highway,” Briges said. “Any violations will be dealt with according to court jurisdiction, juveniles will be handled in Family Court located in Birmingham, in most cases.  Adults may receive a citation and in both cases the vehicle may be impounded at the expense of the owner.”

Even if made street-legal, there could still be dangers. Bridges cited accidents from the use of these vehicles on private streets in Trussville as reason for caution.

“We’ve had tragic accidents in some neighborhoods with private roads in this city,” Bridges said. “That’s a terrible thing for families to deal with and should really cause everyone to stop and think about the consequences of using these vehicles in a way that they are not designed to be used.”

Four wheelers and ATVs can be dangerous if not used properly, in an “off road” environment. The manufacturer recommends that a safety course be completed before any riding begins.  They also recommend the following age restrictions:

*50cc ATV for 6 to 12-year-old children

*13 to 15 years of age, up to 90 cc

*16 and older is any ATV

If you have any questions or concerns, contact Captain Jeff Bridges at 661-4018.