Rockford passes new laws to crack down on off-road vehicles. What you need to know

ROCKFORD — Residents starting in September must register their ATVs and dirt bikes under a new city ordinance meant to discourage the riding of off-highway vehicles on city streets.

It is now illegal to fill the gas tanks of these vehicles in public inside Rockford city limits unless they are secured on a trailer. If such vehicles aren't on a trailer, gas station attendants are prohibited under the ordinance from allowing riders to fill up.

Rockford Legal Director Nick Meyer said that off-road vehicle riders have become an increasing danger and nuisance. They are a safety hazard for drivers and pedestrians as four- and three-wheelers and occasional dirt bikes zoom through subdivisions, past businesses and in and out of traffic, Meyer said.

Rockford city officials said the new ordinance approved Monday by Rockford City Council arms the Rockford Police Department with new tools to combat what they say is a growing problem.

Police officers under the new ordinance can seize and impound off-highway vehicles that are not registered or are being illegally ridden on city streets.

The owner of an impounded vehicle could be charged for towing, storage and a $500 administrative penalty.

In coming weeks, the city will release information on how owners can register their off-highway vehicles. It will likely be by providing contact and vehicle information via an on-line portal on the city's website. There will be no charge for registration.

A Rockford Register Star reporter since 2005, Jeff Kolkey writes about city government, politics, trends in the Rockford region and more. He is a Rockford resident, a married father of two and a White Sox fan. He can be reached at (815) 987-1374, via email at jkolkey@rrstar.com and on Twitter @jeffkolkey.

This article originally appeared on Rockford Register Star: New law gives Rockford police authority to seize ATVs