Portageville Police Department reminds of ATV, UTV rules

PORTAGEVILLE, Mo. - The Portageville Police Department has issued a reminder to the public about the operation of all-terrain and utility-terrain vehicles within the city limits.

Operators of ATVs or UTVs must be 18 years of age or older and have a valid driver’s license. Drivers must obey all traffic laws.

It is required that each vehicle have a city permit, which must be displayed on the left side of the vehicle in plain sight. Owners will be asked to show proof of insurance at the Portageville Police Department.

Only four-stroke four-wheelers are permitted. Scooters must be 49 CC; no battery powered scooters are allowed.

Vehicles must have a slow moving reflective sign and a six-foot orange flag attached. Also the vehicle must be equipped with headlights and tail lights.

For the safety of young children, carseats must be used, just as if riding in a car or truck. Also everyone should wear seat belts; no one should ride on laps. The number of seats determines the number of riders with no one to ride where equipment belongs.

According to officials, parents will be held responsible if their children are caught violating the ordinance.

Police Chief Ronnie Adams emphasized the laws will be strictly enforced.

“If you are ever stopped for abusing this privilege you will lose it, no exceptions,” he said in the news release.