This Could Be of Intrest to all Buggy Rides

Posts: 59

First I want to say thanks to all that took the time to contact the state on HB 4323! Very Happy

Well we have good news, the greese actually worked on the squeeky wheel. Laughing

On July 17, 2008 Gov. Granholm signed HB 4323 into Public Act 240 of 2008. This means that the individual counties, townships and citys may adopt ordinances for the riding ATV's on the side of designated roads and streets. Let's chalk one up for our rights and privledges. Now we just have to contact the northern counties that we ride in and ask them to adopt ordinances for riding. It only shows that the anti ATV crowd does not always win. Twisted Evil

Posts: 3561

It's about time we won one! Very Happy

I hear that until these counties adopt the new law it's illegal to ride an ORV on any street or roadside anywhere in the state. Is that what you hear? I'm hoping most counties got a head start on adoption so I can get back to the trails ASAP.

Posts: 59

Haven't heard that one Mark, maybe Tim (Wolflake1) might have some info on it, i'm sure he's trying to push he isue with Lake County. Very Happy

Maybe they'll have something worked out if we try to get another ride together. The wife and I went up to Lake abut a month ago and the trails were in great shape, and we didn't even break a buggy. Laughing

If you here anything let us know.

Jerry

Posts: 2634

I WISH!!!!!! Imagine if NJ actually allowed riders to ride ATVs, buggies or ORVs!!!!!

John Confused

Posts: 3561

I've called the Sheriff's Dept. and Sec. of State in Montmorency and Ogemaw counties (those of interest to me and who previously allowed access to city streets and riding on the road shoulders). I haven't gotten a knowledgeable answer yet. So I emailed local Rep. Bart Stupak to see if he knows. I also called his Alpena office and left a message. Don't know if I'll ever get an answer to this simple question. The law was signed a week ago and nobody I called knew what immediate effect it had Rolling Eyes

Posts: 3561

OK I got clarification from the office of Representative Joel Sheltrown. He's the Rep that wrote the bill that the Governor just signed so he oughta know.

Things are even muddier than I thought Rolling Eyes

It's true that the new law eliminates the provision that the local ordinances are based on and so makes them invalid. So currently it is in fact illegal to drive an ORV on the roadside anywhere in the state of Michigan. Same is also true for city streets, but each city makes their own rules on what's allowed. Probably none have changed local rules yet.

That said, it was mentioned that in all likelihood you would not be ticketed for riding an ORV anywhere it was previously allowed. No guarantees, though. The roads are patrolled by 3 agencies:
County Sheriff
State Police
DNR rangers

All 3 may 'turn their head' and allow this roadside access where it was allowed previously, or they may not. If you're doing anything they don't like (but not necessarily illegal) it would give them a valid reason to ticket you. This may also be an opportunity for enviro-nazis to get the law on your butt if you cross a road from one trail to another. lame

SO...it's a bit of a mess right now amd probably will remain this way for a couple months. The real crappy part is I don't see anything set up to notify riders when these new ordinances pass and it's hard just to figure out who to contact to get an update.

Posts: 26

Guy4865, you are correct, all old ordinances are now void and new ones will have to be passed in each county. This will take effort from all riders to take a part in this. They need to contact the counties commissioners of all the counties and let them know that we, the riders, want a favorable ORV ordinance in place. Here are the Lake County Commissioners phone numbers. Call them and be nice and tell them you are in favor or not in favor of an ORV ordinance in Lake County. This County has one of the largest trail systems in the state, but has limited access to stores and such. How about this for a thought. Wouldn’t it be nice to ride your ATV or Buggy to get a burger, or ride to get a gallon of milk or even ride from town to town, like you can with a snowmobile or car? Well this is where we need your help. It passed the House of Representatives, Senate sub committee, Senate and the Governor signed the bill and it’s now law. Call the Lake County Board of Commissioners and tell them your thoughts on allowing ORV’s to ride on the shoulders of the Lake County roads. This will be a great thing for the state and the county and all that visit our area. Their phone numbers are listed on the Lake County Chamber of Commerce web site and these are the numbers as they are listed there.<P><P> It's very important you do this before the next Commissioner meeting Aug 13th.
LAKE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISIONERS: (231) 745-6231
District 1 David Randall (231) 832-9525
District 2 Larry Collier (231) 832-4267
District 3 Kenneth Wenzel (231) 797-5744
District 4 Nicolette McClure (231) 745-9549
District 5 Phillip Maiville (231) 266-5704
District 6 James Clark (231) 266-5838
District 7 Leona Schwartz (231) 745-2946
District 8 Mary Lemm (231) 745-2362
District 9 Bob Myers (231) 898-2332
www.wolflakemotel.com See you on the trails.