East Providence Bans Off-Road Vehicles On City Streets

EAST PROVIDENCE, RI — The City of East Providence has announced the approval of a new ordinance that makes the use of off-road vehicles and snowmobiles illegal on city streets.

The East Providence City Council unanimously voted 5-0 in favor of the ordinance, which was sponsored by Council President Robert Britto and signed into law by Mayor Bob DaSilva Wednesday.

“We are trying to jump out ahead of it in order to avoid the issues that other cities have had,” said Britto in a statement.

According to the ordinance, it is now illegal for a person to operate a recreational off-road vehicle in East Providence, with the exception of private property that is 2.5 acres or greater with permission of the owner. The East Providence Municipal Court can issue penalties to violators and police have the authority to impound any off-road vehicle found to be in violation.

“We are hoping this ordinance, which is something we’ve never had before will give our law enforcement team the tools that they need,” said DaSilva in a statement. “The position we will take is a zero tolerance approach starting today.”

The ordinance prohibits acts to avoid police, including increasing speed, changing directions, or turning off lights, and all off-road vehicle must be registered with the Rhode Island Department of Environmental management.

“The passage of this ordinance will keep the community safer by not having the officer engage in vehicle pursuits especially on the bike path, which endangers the public,” said Police Chief William Nebus in a statement.

Off-road vehicles referenced in the ordinance include motorized or electronic vehicles designed to travel over unimproved terrain, including mini bikes, dirt bikes, all-terrain vehicles, and any other three- or four-wheel vehicles. It does not include golf mobiles, golf carts, riding lawn mowers, or tractors.

More information about the new ordinance can be found here.