Road commission considers ATV ordinance

St. Joseph County Road Commission Board members are being asked for input into the concept of an ordinance related to all-terrain vehicles.

At the behest of county commissioner Allen Balog, the matter was discussed at the road commission’s meeting last month. As a springboard to discussion on the idea, Balog brought for review a copy of Midland County’s ordinance.

If St. Joseph County passes an ordinance, ATV drivers would be required to have a valid driver’s license, wear a helmet, have headlights and taillights on the vehicle, and drive only on county roads. They could cross state highways, but otherwise not drive on or along them.

Balog said the change would make St. Joseph County a friendlier place to the vehicles, as the only option for many is to put their ATV on a trailer and head north.