Complaints of Off-Highway Vehicles on Roadways; Two Charged

Over the past several months, Newark Police have received an increasing number of reports of off-highway vehicles (OHV) being ridden on roadways and in shopping centers throughout the City.

Both the Delaware Code and City of Newark Code prohibit OHVs on public highways, streets and sidewalks and on private property without the permission of the owner.  An OHV is a a motor driven off-road vehicle capable of cross-country travel without benefit of a road or trail.  An ATV, or 4-wheel vehicle, is also considered an OHV.

On April 14, 2021, at about 1053 hours, a Newark Police officer observed both an ATV and a motorcycle riding on the roadway in the area of Willa Road and Lehigh Road.  The officer engaged in a short pursuit with both the ATV and the motorcycle.  The operator of the ATV, a 17 year-old male from Bear, fell off the ATV while attempting to negotiate a turn.  He attempted to get back onto the ATV but was stopped by the officer.  The operator did not suffer any injury.  The operator of the motorcycle, a 28 year-old male from Newark, was stopped at the same time and taken into custody without incident.

Both operators were charged with various traffic offenses as a result of the incident.  A conviction for a first offense on an OHV can include a $100 fine and/or impoundment of the OHV for up to 100 days, at the expense of the owner.

Additional information about the operation of OHVs in Newark can be found here.