Walton board adopts law opening designated town roads to ATV travel

The Town Board of the Town of Walton on April 13 adopted Introductory Local Law No. 1 of 2026, authorizing use of all-terrain vehicles and utility terrain vehicles on specified town roads to provide lawful ATV operators access to adjacent trails and areas. The motion to approve the local law was made by Councilman Kevin Armstrong and seconded by Councilwoman Patricia Wood; the board recorded five aye votes (Supervisor Joseph Cetta, Councilmen Kevin Armstrong and Leonard Govern, Councilwoman Patricia Wood, and Councilman Luis Rodriguez-Betancourt).

The adopted law cites authority under the Municipal Home Rule Law and Section 2405 of the New York State Vehicle and Traffic Law. It allows the Town Board to designate specific town highways for ATV travel (listed in Appendix 1), and requires that travel on designated roads be limited to direct movement between ATV areas or trailheads. The Appendix identifies Lower Third Brook Road, Seely Wood Road, Upper East Brook Road and Nichols Road with distances and start/end points outlined in the ordinance.

Key operational rules in the law include requirements that ATVs be properly registered, licensed and insured as required by state law and that operators present proof of those credentials on request. Operators must obey traffic signs and law enforcement directions, yield to vehicles primarily designed for travel on town highways and to pedestrians, and may not operate ATVs recreationally between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m. The law sets a maximum speed of 30 miles per hour for ATVs on town highways and a maximum of 20 miles per hour when yielding to pedestrians.

Safety and equipment provisions require at least one rearview mirror and headlights on at all times; if an ATV lacks seat belts, operators and passengers must wear Department of Transportation–approved helmets. The local law also prohibits operation that is careless, reckless or negligently endangering of persons or property. Noise standards are set at a maximum of 90 decibels measured by SAE J1287; aftermarket exhaust systems are restricted unless they reduce emissions and dampen noise.

Enforcement measures include fines (up to $200 for a first offense and up to $750 for subsequent convictions within 18 months), impoundment authority for law enforcement under specified circumstances, and potential revocation of the privilege to use town highways for ATV purposes following three convictions within five years. Impounded vehicles may be released only by court order and upon payment of any applicable fees.

Supporters at the public hearing argued the designation will allow lawful access to trails and may boost tourism; opponents — including residents of Upper East Brook Road — raised concerns during the public hearing about noise, safety and neighborhood impacts. The board’s adoption finalizes the law; town officials may update Appendix 1 by public hearing and subsequent board action if they revise designated segments.