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Richfield chief and commissioners press for updated ORV ordinance, propose curfew and clearer lighting and helmet rules
Summary
Richfield Township Chief presented an overhaul of Roscommon County's ORV ordinance (adopted 2009), proposing clearer definitions, a 5AM–11PM curfew, required properly fastened helmets and red taillights, an appendix of closed roads, and model language to reduce gray areas; commissioners discussed enforcement limits due to manpower and recommended committee review and stakeholder outreach.
Richfield Township’s chief presented a proposed rewrite of Roscommon County’s ORV ordinance and said the 2009 language leaves enforcement gaps that encourage attempts to circumvent the motor‑vehicle code. The chief asked the county to add clearer definitions (excluding vehicles designed for roadway travel and agricultural vehicles), include seasonal, gravel and forest roads in definitions, and create a quick read 'what you can’t do' paragraph to improve public compliance.
He proposed several specific changes: prohibit operation of ORVs on paved shoulders if they impede traffic; require securely attached white headlights and red taillights (to prevent taped flashlights or nonstandard fixtures); add a properly adjusted and fastened helmet requirement; require visible, permanently attached ORV license stickers as provided by the DNR; and add a curfew (proposed 5AM–11PM) to reduce late‑night alcohol‑related incidents. "We've seen a large amount of ORV alcohol‑related incidents after 11PM as well as felony, fleeing, and lewd cases in the late night hours," the chief said as he urged the curfew language.
Commissioners and sheriff’s office representatives praised the clarity of the proposed language but asked about enforcement capacity. The chief acknowledged enforcement is constrained by manpower and seasonal population surges — he described purchasing a handheld radar and a speed trailer via fundraising and hiring a part‑time summer enforcement position. The sheriff’s representative recommended convening a committee of stakeholders — townships, road commission, DNR and district court — prior to drafting ordinance language to reduce repeated rewrites and to ensure compliance with statutorily required notice and public‑hearing steps. The sheriff also said statutory notice to townships and the road commission is required at least 45 days before a public hearing.
Next steps: commissioners supported forming a working group to refine the draft ordinance, consult with townships and law enforcement, and prepare formal notice for a public hearing consistent with statutory timelines.
