Local police step up OHV enforcement

The Porterville Police Department will conduct specific enforcement details to address a steady increase of complaints in recent months about off-highway vehicles operating on city roadways and at or near the Tule River.

“Although the Tule River appears to be a favorable location for such operation, doing so is a violation of city ordinance 17-8.10,” states a PPD news release issued Tuesday. “This section applies specifically to operation of such vehicles within a half a mile from any residence.”

According to the PPD, operations of off-highway vehicles has become a quality-of-life issue for nearby residents due to the noise that is emitted and dust that is kicked up.

The PPD reports that specific enforcement details have been implemented by the department to enforce such violations; something that will continue until the problem is remedied.

PPD officers are expected to conduct regular patrol checks of the river and take enforcement action. Off-highway vehicle operators are being asked to remain conscious that violations could result in a citation, a fine and even an arrest.

Off-highway vehicles are also prohibited on city roads, as they are not registered vehicles under the California vehicle code, the PPD said.

“Although we promote the safe operation of off-highway vehicles, we ask that they be operated only in areas permitted by law, such as our local Porterville OHV Park, located adjacent to the Porterville Sports Complex,” the news release further states.

For more information, call Sgt. Rick Carrillo at 782-7408.