Zero tolerance for illegal use of ATVs, warn RCMP

Police are warning ATV users that theyrisk losing their ATVs anddirt bikes as RCMPtake azero tolerance approach to the illegal use of off-road machines onpublichighways.

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Cpl. TrevorO'KeefeofHolyroodRCMPtold the St. John'sMorning Showthe bad behavior surfacedafter the long weekend in May.

"We noticed an increase in our calls," O'Keefesaid."We've heard of ATVs going down the road and passing in-between two vehicles driving in the opposite direction. I've experienced ATVs driving down the road in the night-time with no lights on. Dirt bikes doing wheelies. These types of things."

O'Keefe saidpolice aregetting complaints right across the province. Fines for operating an ATV on a public road start at $100 for the first offence. The maximum fine for a third offence is $500. Police have other options for more serious offences.

Judge makes final decision

"Confiscating machines ... that would be in an aggravating circumstance," O'Keefe said."If you have someone who is habitual, or someone who is driving very dangerously. We will actually hold the bikes at our office and then it will go to court and a judge will make a decision whether it should be forfeited or returned."

O'Keefe said the RCMP are asking for co-operation from the publicbecause it's often difficult to give chase without risking lives.

"We'll certainly try and stop them. But a lot of the time they won't stop. They'll just keep going and then hit the trails and they're gone."