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Kennett officials discuss enforcing state statute and city ordinance on motorized bikes and ATVs
Summary
Police Chief told council state statute prohibits some motorized vehicles on sidewalks; council discussed enforcement challenges including probable-cause limits, park signage and parental liability for underage drivers.
Kennett City officials discussed enforcement of state law and city ordinance covering motorized bicycles, mopeds, four-wheelers and similar vehicles on sidewalks, streets and in parks at the July 2 meeting.
Police Chief King Wilson said state statute prohibits some motorized vehicles on sidewalks and that the city also has an ordinance to cite violators. “Basically, state statute prohibits the use some motorized vehicles on any sidewalk,” the chief said. “We do have something to fall back on. There's also a city ordinance that covers that as well.”
Council members and staff described enforcement challenges. Officers need probable cause to stop some vehicles, and Chief King Wilson said the city’s tolerance for underage operation will be zero when it can be clearly determined. “If it's an underage driver, we can actually stop the parents for allowing an unauthorized person to operate a motor vehicle,” he said, adding that municipal court and the courts determine specific penalties.
The council asked staff to return with a legal and safety proposal. Steve, the city administrator, said staff will work to propose an approach that is both “legal and safe.” Officials also said parks will have signs that restrict motorized vehicles to authorized users and suggested the city could seek targeted ordinances or commercial enforcement for repeat commercial mowing violations.
No ordinance or formal change was adopted at the meeting; staff were asked to develop options for council consideration.
