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Yerington holds first hearing on off‑highway vehicle ordinance that would allow limited on‑street travel and set $250 minimum fine
Summary
At a first hearing the City Council reviewed a proposed ordinance creating Chapter 16 to allow certain off‑highway vehicles on designated routes, prohibit use during 10 p.m.–6 a.m., require visible registration and helmets, and set a minimum fine of $250; the Public Safety Committee recommended the ordinance.
The Yerington City Council conducted a first hearing on a proposed ordinance (Bill No. 434) to add Chapter 16 to the Yerington Municipal Code regulating off‑highway vehicles (OHVs) and utility terrain vehicles (UTVs) within city limits.
Interim City Manager Jerry Bryant told the council the ordinance was developed by the Public Safety Committee and fills a gap in local code by adopting Chapter 490 NRS provisions for OHV operation and by designating specific roads where OHVs/UTVs may travel "for the limited purpose of allowing off highway vehicles and utility terrain vehicles to reach private or public areas that are open for the use of off highway vehicles." The draft lists permitted routes (for example, Goldfield Ave., Main Street and Bridge Street segments), prohibits OHV/UTV operation between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m., and establishes a minimum fine of $250 for violations.
City Attorney Charles Zumpft said he is steering enforcement toward civil infractions rather than criminal penalties to provide flexibility. Fire Chief Scott Draper noted that the Public Safety Committee map shown at that committee meeting is the map being considered by council.
Public commenters raised requests and concerns. Dave DeGrendele asked that registration stickers be plainly visible and questioned whether fines apply equally to both UTVs and other OHVs. Matthew Gilmore clarified that sticker placement guidance comes with the registration. Resident Robin Biggs asked whether maps would be posted online and urged a 15‑mph speed limit and enforcement for helmet use.
Council took no final action at the first hearing; the discussion will return to council for a later vote after legal edits and public comment are incorporated. The ordinance draft appears in the packet and includes technical definitions, equipment requirements (headlamps, tail lamps, reflectors, stop lamps, mufflers), and enforcement provisions assigning citation authority to the Yerington Police Department and other agencies with jurisdiction.
The hearing record shows the Public Safety Committee had passed the draft unanimously before it reached the council; councilmembers asked about the fine level and noted this meeting was introductory rather than dispositive.
