Dickinson commission approves first readings of traffic code updates, tightens rules for UTVs and off‑road vehicles

The Dickinson City Commission on July 1 approved first readings of updates to Chapter 58 of the municipal code that implement recent state changes to traffic law and add locally stricter limits on off‑highway vehicles.

City Attorney Zwanko and Police Chief Ciani presented the changes, which the city said reflect both the most recent legislative session and local enforcement concerns. Zwanko said the ordinance updates reflect changes the Legislature adopted this year and earlier, including new infraction definitions and higher fines for certain offenses. “The Dickinson Municipal Code does allow for the demolition of a certain structure if it is deemed to be uninhabitable or unsafe or dangerous, and that is pursuant to Dickinson Municipal Code 8‑1‑84,” Zwanko told the commission while reviewing related municipal code authority. (See the votes summary for motion details.)

Chief Michael Ciani led the discussion of off‑highway vehicles, saying the Police Department and community have seen an increase in ATVs, dirt bikes and UTVs — “side by sides” — operating in the city. Chief Ciani described a statutory gap that allows a 12‑year‑old who has completed a state certified UTV course to operate a side‑by‑side on streets under state code; the city’s amendment would require anyone operating a UTV in the city limits to carry a valid driver’s license. “We’re addressing that in this section and we’re going more restrictive than the actual state code and requiring anyone that’s operating a UTV to have a [valid] driver’s license in their possession,” Ciani said.

The proposal also would prohibit use of ATVs, dirt bikes and snowmobiles within city limits except for narrow exceptions (inclement weather or emergency, snow removal, parades and other authorized events). Ciani said enforcement is largely complaint‑driven and acknowledged practical limits: “It’s difficult enforcement either way but at least this brings clarity that you cannot operate this in the city limits, period.” Council members pressed on details such as helmet requirements, signage or amber lights for vehicles used in snow removal, and whether the ordinance would push riders from streets onto sidewalks; Ciani and staff said the draft bans operation in the city generally, not just on public streets, and that scooters and other e‑vehicles are addressed elsewhere in municipal code.

Commission discussion included safety concerns and support for stricter age and licensing requirements. Commissioner Baer said he supports the licensing and helmet requirements, noting prior accidents involving minors. The commission approved the first reading and will return the item for a second reading where final language and enforcement details can be amended.

The first‑reading vote was taken as part of the July 1 meeting; refer to the votes summary for the motion, mover/second and vote tally. The ordinance is identified in the packet as amendments to Chapter 58 (traffic and vehicles) with a separate section specific to off‑highway vehicles.