ATVs/UTVs and Snow Removal

Even though ATV/UTV routes are closed through the City of Platteville, ATVs and UTVs are still allowed to be used for snow removal within the city per State Statutes.

ATVs/UTVs and Snow Removal
(excerpt from the WI DNR Off-Highway Vehicle Regulations)

A person may operate an ATV/UTV with a snow removal device attached, for snow removal purposes and under the following restrictions:

• At a speed not to exceed 5 mph while on a public sidewalk.
• At a speed not to exceed 15 mph while on or adjacent to a road way.
• Operation is allowed on all roadways where the motor vehicle speed limit is 45 mph or less.
• Operation shall be restricted to the far right-hand side of the road.
• Operation is also allowed on roads that are legal and open ATV Routes.
• Operators must be 16 years or older and if born on or after January 1, 1988 must also possess a valid ATV Safety Certificate.
• Operation is only allowed between October 1 and April 30 for the purpose of removing snow.
• Operators may not travel at a distance greater than 2 miles from their original starting or loading point.
• Machines must display one or more illuminated, yellow lights that are flashing or rotating and visible for 360 degrees.
   

Other Provisions

• A city, village, or town may enact an ordinance authorizing the operation of ATVs with snow removal devices (that are operating for snow removal purposes) on roads where the speed limit is greater than 45 mph if the road is located within the territorial boundaries of that city, village, or town; regardless of who has jurisdiction over the particular roadway.
• ATVs/UTVs are required to have their headlamps on at all times while operating on any road.  Headlamps must be able to illuminate an object at least 200 feet away.  
• Tail lights must be visible from at least 500 feet away during the hours of darkness. Operators must be certain that their snow removal equipment does not interfere with these legal lighting requirements.
• ATVs/UTVs must have current Public Use Registration while operating on public roadways, public road right of ways or on public sidewalks.
• Helmets are required for all operators under age 18, except while operating on lands under the ownership or management of their immediate family.

For questions, concerns, or if you see an ATV/UTV operating in an illegal or unsafe manner, please contact the Platteville Police Department at (608) 348-2313.