Riding side-by-sides, four-wheelers, and dirt bikes on public streets remains illegal in Rockford, and police have continued cracking down on riders who take the vehicles onto city roads.
Off-Road Vehicles Remain Illegal on Rockford Streets
Complaints about reckless riding, large groups blocking traffic, and dangerous stunts have fueled public concern for years.
However, with a new mayor on the horizon for Rockford, some residents are beginning to ask whether it’s time for Rockford to consider its approach. Instead of an outright ban, could the city adopt regulations that safely allow certain off-road vehicles to operate on public streets?
Montana Offers a Different Model
One city I often refer to in conversations about legal ATV use on public streets is Billings, Montana. It’s about the same size as Rockford, and there, properly registered all-terrain vehicles and utility vehicles can legally operate on city streets under local ordinances and Montana law.
ATV’s must meet registration requirements, display license plates where required, and follow the same rules of the road as other motorists…