Summertime recreational activities are in full swing, and among local favorites is the riding of all-terrain vehicles.
Clearfield County District Attorney William A. Shaw Jr. encourages all ATV riders to be safe this summer season and reminds ATV riders to follow local and state laws.
Shaw stated that the district attorney’s office has received a large volume of complaints from residents who report ATV riders are trespassing on private property, including agricultural land and railbeds.
Shaw reminds all ATV riders that it is unlawful to trespass on private property and violators can be fined as much as $5,000 and receive a period of imprisonment of up to two years.
“Of major concern is the use of railbeds by ATV riders. I recognize the railbeds are popular spots for ATV recreation. However, riding on railroad property is against the law,” Shaw said. He added that riding on a railbed where the tracks have been removed is also a violation. The railbed remains the property of the railroad company and it unlawful to ride ATVs or other motorized vehicles on railbeds.
Shaw encourages all ATV riders to plan ahead for their rides and verify the trails and property to be traveled upon are open to the public. If a rider is unsure as to the status of property, Shaw encourages ATV riders to ask permission from the property owner.
Shaw has requested the state police and local law enforcement departments be vigilant in their enforcement efforts to combat unauthorized trespass. Extra patrols can be expected in known areas where violations are frequent, and violators can expect to be cited.