Off-Highway Vehicles (OHVs) and All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs) should have permission from the owner to ride on private property, according to Public Information Officer Robert W. Everett of the Mesquite Police Department.
“A rider should have permission, preferably written permission from the property owner, to ride an OHV or ATV on private property,” said Everett. “We want people to have fun and to enjoy off-roading in a safe, legal way and to be aware where they can legally ride or they may be subject to prosecution.”
Mesquite City Code permits OHVs to travel on designated public streets in order to reach an area open for OHV travel. The City Code and Mesquite Off-Highway Vehicle Travel Map, which identifies the designated public streets, can be found by accessing www.mesquitenv.gov (at Find>Maps>ATV Travel Map).
According to Everett, OHV riders must meet certain criteria and abide by the regulations set forth in state and local laws. Riders should consult the regulations in the ordinance to ensure compliance before operating OHVs on designated public streets.
Police are advising riders to stay on designated streets and established trails open to OHV’s to get to the desert. Some trails are not open to motorized vehicles. Additionally, the riders should not ride in areas where native plants and conservation areas could be damaged.
All current developments and those under construction have areas of natural habitat, which cannot be disturbed or disrupted. The aesthetics and natural landscaping must be protected and maintained. Some riders are causing permanent damage to these areas, which include the slopes and sides of the washes.
