TOPEKA (KSNT) – Topeka’s top cop is reminding locals to obey posted traffic laws when using all-terrain vehicles and dirt bikes while on the city’s streets.
Kimberly Qualls with the City of Topeka said the Topeka Police Department has issued a statement on Monday, March 30 regarding the use of dirt bikes and ATVs on city streets. She said operating these types of vehicles must be done in accordance with the law, or else riders may face citations or even criminal charges.
Qualls said that operating these vehicles illegally also creates a risk for not only the ATV or dirt bike rider, but also for other people who are driving on the city’s streets. TPD Chief Chris Vallejo weighed in on the matter as well.
“Operating ATVs and dirt bikes on city streets is not only illegal in many cases, it creates serious safety risks for everyone on the road,” Vallejo said. “Our priority is protecting the public, and we will continue to enforce these laws to reduce preventable injuries and crashes.”
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The TPD released a list of laws, requirements and applicable offenses and fines that come into play when people use an ATV or dirt bike on Topeka’s streets. These include the following:
- Unlawful Operation of an ATV (STO 114.1): Operating an ATV on city streets is a traffic infraction and carries a $70 fine.
- Unlawful Operation of a Low-Speed Vehicle (STO 114.3): May apply in certain cases and carries a $70 fine.
- Motorcycle License Requirement (K.S.A. 8-235(c)): Operating a dirt bike without a valid Class M motorcycle license is a Class B misdemeanor and carries a $150 fine.
- Equipment Requirements (K.S.A. 8-1801 et seq.): Dirt bikes operated on public roadways must meet all required equipment standards, including headlamps, stop lamps, and other required safety equipment. Failure to comply is a traffic infraction with a $70 fine.
- Motor Vehicle Insurance (STO 200): Operating without insurance is:
- First offense: Class B misdemeanor and a $300 fine.
- Second/subsequent offenses: Class A misdemeanor and an $800 fine.
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