County roads open to ATV/UTV riders on Wednesday

By Patrick Lynn

Portage Co. roads will open to ATV and UTV riders beginning on Wednesday.

The county board approved the new ordinance in November allowing for off-road vehicles on all county roads, as soon as signage for all routes is in place by Jan. 13, according to Nathan Check, county highway commissioner.

The ordinance restricts ATVs and UTVs to 35 miles an hour, and all operators are required to carry liability insurance.

Under state law, operators born on or after Jan. 1, 1988, who are at least 12 years old for ATV—and at least 16 years old for UTV—must complete an ATV/UTV safety certification course in order to operate on public routes.

The ATV/UTV ordinance is only in effect on county roads, Check said, adding that cities, villages, and towns, may have different rules on their roads. Riders and operators should check with their municipality before riding, he said.

For more on state laws regarding ATV-UTV ridership go to https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/atv.