Waukegan police outline rules, enforcement options for low-speed and off-road vehicles

Sergeant Alex Raspes of the Waukegan Police Department reviewed state statutes, city ordinances and enforcement options for low-speed electric bicycles, gas-powered low-speed bikes, mopeds, ATVs, recreational off-highway vehicles and golf carts during the Public Safety Committee meeting on Sept. 15.

Raspes summarized vehicle classes and the corresponding legal requirements. Electric bicycles function like bicycles and generally do not require a license or insurance, with some classifications capable of up to 28 miles per hour. Gas-powered low-speed bicycles are limited to 20 mph and require riders to be at least 16. Motor-driven cycles require a motorcycle endorsement, title, registration and insurance; mopeds require only a standard driver's license. "It is unlawful for any person to drive or operate a nonhighway vehicle upon any street, highway, or roadway in this state," Raspes read, noting the Illinois Administrative Code and state statutes that set reciprocity and registration rules.

Raspes cited a specific statutory provision (11-14-26.1 in the meeting transcript) that allows local governments to authorize nonhighway vehicles on roadways through an ordinance or resolution, and requires posted signage and interjurisdictional agreement if multiple authorities share control of a street; allowed use on roadways is limited to those with speed limits of 35 mph or less. He also summarized physical limits cited in statute for ATVs and recreational off-highway vehicles (for example, maximum widths and dry weights for certain categories) and said drivers need a valid driver's license and insurance when those vehicles are operated on streets where they are expressly authorized.

On towing and seizure authority, Raspes cited state provisions and the city’s administrative seizure ordinance (transcript reference to 11-208.7, 11-13-02c and municipal ordinance 15-45.2) covering administrative seizures and statutory grounds for towing (stolen vehicles, arrested drivers, suspended registration and other statutory provisions).

Aldermen pressed for enforcement and outreach. Alderman Florian described repeated park incidents involving small motorized bikes and asked whether additional towing authority or penalties could deter dangerous riding. Alderman Felix asked whether business video and private cameras can be used; Raspes said camera footage is helpful even if it does not always identify a rider, and that recorded contacts can support later impoundment or enforcement. Alderman Bolton and others urged an informational campaign to inform residents that many of these vehicles are not allowed on city streets or in parks; Raspes supported an educational push followed by enforcement and said officers are being trained on distinctions among vehicle classes so they can apply appropriate charges and towing where permitted.

The committee did not adopt any ordinance changes at the meeting. Members directed staff to prepare public information and continue enforcing applicable statutes and city ordinances; several aldermen asked that outreach specifically target parents and neighborhoods where juveniles use mini-bikes and ATVs.