Councilor Plans 'Aggressive' Law on ATV Use

Driving off-road vehicles in Attleboro is illegal unless done on a private property with the owner's written permission, as per state law that also does not allow them to be driven on public property expect at a handful of places. Local enforcement of this prohibition on all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and other off-road vehicles has been difficult, Police Chief Kyle Heagney said at a neighborhood meeting last month attended by about 40 people. This situation could change.

City Councilor Jay DiLisio said at Tuesday night's council meeting he is drafting an ordinance that is "a little more aggressive than we're used to and sends a message saying 'hey, you can't be doing this.'" DiLisio said he is working with Chief Heagney, Council President Frank Cook, City Solicitor Robert Mangiaratti and others on the draft, and it should be ready for council committee discussion next month.

DiLisio told Patch the ordinance would be focused on enforcement, rather than adding anything new to the existing state regulations limiting ATV use.

Among those attending last month's neighborhood meeting were ATV enthusiasts, property owners bothered by ATV use, Chief Heagney and other police officers as well as elected leaders. Enthusiasts said there should be a city-owned property designated for ATV use. Property owners complained of the vehicles' noisiness and potential danger.

DiLisio said Tuesday the most disturbing thing he has heard from constituents is about ATVs moving onto roads and "darting out in front of city school buses and [people]." He also said, "There's a population of extremely responsible riders."