(SANILAC COUNTY) – The use of sport utility vehicles of several varities has become an issue in Brown City and as a result, City officials are reminding council members that according to the Secretary Of State, in Michigan, when a person purchases an ORV or ATV, they are issued an “off-road title”, verifying ownership of the vehicle.
An off-road title means the vehicle can’t be operated on public streets, because it was built exclusively for off-road use and lacks the necessary safety equipment for on-road use.
It is unlawful to operate ATVs upon public streets and highways, unless it is being used in farming and such traveling is necessary to get from one field to another, or if the ATV needs to cross the public street directly to get from one lawful operating area to another.
According to information provided by City Manager Clint Holmes, allowing ORVs and ATVs on Brown City streets would require an ordinance that meets the requirements of State law.
Holmes says currently, under state law, operating ORVs and ATVs capable of exceeding 25 MPH is illegal on city streets and can result in a traffic citation.
