As the ATV registry deadline approaches, here’s how the laws have been enforced in Rockford so far

October 10, 2022|By Kevin Haas|In News, Local, Rockford, Top Stories, Featured
The city of Rockford requires all ATV owners to register their vehicles by Nov. 1, 2022. (Photo via Canva)
By Kevin Haas
Rock River Current
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ROCKFORD — The city has issued four citations and impounded two vehicles since adopting new laws in mid-August meant to crack down on the illegal driving of ATVs and dirt bikes on city streets.

One of the citations resulted in a $251 fine, and the other four are still pending in court. There have been no warnings issued or arrests made for violating the new law.

That’s according to data obtained under a Freedom of Information Act request, which sought all enforcement from Aug. 15, when the rule was approved, to Oct. 3, when the request was submitted.

Related: Why do Rockford police rarely chase ATVs? Here’s what the mayor says

However, the citations are not the result of any increased enforcement on ATVs, Police Chief Carla Redd said. Police are allowing for more people to register their vehicles by the Nov. 1 deadline before going forward with any additional measures.

As of Tuesday, 26 owners had registered their vehicles, according to a Freedom of Information Act response.

“We’re trying to give people the opportunity to get their registration complete and things of that nature,” Redd said. “We’re giving a grace period.”

The new rules prohibit ATVs and other non-highway vehicles from being fueled at a gas station unless secured to a truck or trailer bed. The vehicles are now specifically subject to being impounded from public or private property if one was being driven illegally, and owners are required to register their ATV or other non-highway vehicle with the city.

Those vehicles impounded so far were ones caught driving illegally on the streets, Redd said.

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There is no cost to register, and the city is still working to get owners to participate.

“We haven’t had an abundance of registrations come through,” Redd said. “I would imagine you will see a push from City Hall just reminding people to get out there and get it done.”

Unregistered vehicles can be impounded if they’re found to be a nuisance or in violation of other laws.

How to register

To register at no cost, visit rockfordil.gov/atvs.

Commonly asked questions

The city of Rockford put together this set of commonly asked questions about the new ATV laws. Here is there Q&A: 

Why are these revisions about ATVs necessary?

“ATVs on our streets are a safety concern for not only the riders, but everyone they share the streets with. By declaring illegal ATVs nuisances under our ordinance, we are able to provide better clarity to our residents and officers and provide better tools for enforcement.”
How much does it cost to register an ATV?
“There is no cost.”
How often do you have to renew registration?
“Residents would only need to register an ATV once. If the resident moves or has new contact information or the ATV is sold, the information would need to be updated in the registration system.”
Can officers go onto private property to impound an ATV?

“The ordinance specifically allows officers to impound nuisance ATVs from private property. Those are ATVs that have been used unlawfully on public streets or that are unregistered. Officers will be required to follow the proper legal process, including seeking a warrant from a judge.”

This article is by Kevin Haas. Email him at khaas@rockrivercurrent.com or follow him on Twitter at @KevinMHaas or Instagram @thekevinhaas.