Gloucester Township Police Crack Down on Illegal Off Road Riding

The Gloucester Township Police Department issued citations to 12 riders using off road vehicles illegally in the past two weeks.

Due to an increasing number of complaints by community members, the Gloucester Township Police is bolstering its enforcement efforts against illegal quad and dirt bike riding throughout the township, the police department announced Wednesday afternoon.

It is illegal to ride off road vehicles in most wooded areas in Gloucester Township, and police are using surveillance, undercover officers, and high visibility operations to crack down on illegal riding.

In addition to getting a ticket, those who violate the ordinance could have their vehicle towed or impounded.

"If you are caught riding a quad please stop for the officers," police officials said in a statement issued on Wednesday. "It can lead to a dangerous situation for you and the officer."

They warn those who refuse to stop can be charged with eluding and placed in jail.
"You do not want to spend time in jail for illegally riding an off road vehicle," officials said.

Anyone with questions or concerns can contact the Gloucester Township Police Department Community Relations Bureau at 228-4011 or email communityrelations@gtpolice.com.

Police provided the following guidelines concerning off road riding in the township:

The operation of motorized scooters, mini-bikes, trail-bikes, go-peds, dirt bikes, quads, and other similar motorized recreational devices, electric or gas powered, are prohibited by Gloucester Township Ordinance 82-1 from being operated:

* On private property without the written consent of the property owner in their possession while operating the recreational device

* On any public, municipal, or Board of Education Grounds or property.

* On any public sidewalks or public streets or areas dedicated commonly used for pedestrian or vehicular traffic.

* On any common areas, parking areas or open space of any apartment complex, multi-family, residential, industrial complex or development.

Violators may be charged in violation of Local Ordinance 82-1 and New Jersey State Traffic Laws, which also prohibit operation of these recreational vehicles.