Every year the West Mllford Police Department receives hundreds of calls from citizens complaining of All Terrain Vehicle (ATV) use in the township. Most callers complain of the noise, or use of these vehicles on public roadways. The police respond to these calls and enforce the laws created for these vehicles whenever possible. Due to the nature of these vehicles however, their ability to traverse rough terrain and often their use by relatively inexperienced young drivers, apprehension is difficult and can be dangerous. Contrary to what you may find on the Internet, there are no sanctioned public areas in West Milford where these vehicles can be operated legally. Use on private property requires the consent of the owner and person having contractual use of the property. There are several conditions, which must be met even if this permission is granted, The West Milford police are extremely concerned for the safety of everyone living in, or visiting our township. Reckless or inappropriate use of these vehicles has caused serious injury to rides in the past. We encourage owners to become aware of the regulations regarding ATVs and to operate them only In compliance with current state law and in a safe and responsible manner. To assist you, below is a brief review of current laws regarding the ownership and operation of ATVs. 39:3C-3, ATVs are not to be operated on or across public highways, or on public land or waters without first being registered with the State of New Jersey Division of Motor Vehicles. 39:30-16, No one under the age of 14 may operate an ATV on public lands. No one under the age of 16 may operate an ATV with an engine capacity greater than 90 cc. Anyone under the age of 18 operating an ATV must have successfully completed an All Terrain Vehicle safety and education course and carry that certification when operating the vehicle. 39:30-17, ATVs may not be used on public streets or highways. 39:30-18, To operate ATVs on private property consent must be given by the owner and the person with contractual rights of use of the properly, Once express consent Is given, however, the owner of the property and person with contractual rights of use may be held liable, without limit, for injury or damage to the owner, operator or occupant of the vehicle. 39:30-19, Helmets are required anytime the vehicle is being operated. Those helmets must meet the same standards as those for use with a motorcycle. 39:3C-20, ATVs may not be operated without first obtaining liability insurance. 39:3C-24, In addition to the operator wearing a helmet, the following equipment is mandatory. At least one white or amber headlight capable of Illuminating objects at a distance of at least 100 feet, At least one red tail light capable of being seen at a distance of at least 500 feet; Brakes in good mechanical condition; a minimum of 16 square inches of reflective material on each side of the cowling; adequate mufflers in good working order. The West Milford Police will continue to respond to calls from citizens regarding ATV operation, and vigorously enforce the motor vehicle laws when possible; operators who do not comply with these laws face fines and penalties as well as Impoundment of their vehicles. The police department is adopting a visible and highly proactive approach to the illegal operation of these vehicles. They request that individuals who observe violations and wish to report that behavior do so in a timely manner in order to increase the likelihood individuals will still be in the area and enforcement can be accomplished.