Yorkville, IL – A rise in complaints about off-highway vehicles on public roads has prompted the Kendall County Sheriff’s Office to issue a public notice urging voluntary compliance with Illinois law.
According to a statement posted Wednesday by the Sheriff’s Office, residents have increasingly reported all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), mini-bikes, go-karts, and dirt bikes being operated on public streets and in county forest preserve areas — often by minors. Authorities reminded the public that such activity is illegal and subject to citation and vehicle impoundment.
The Sheriff’s Office referenced Illinois statute 625 ILCS 5/11-1426.1, which prohibits the use of non-highway vehicles on public roads. This includes ATVs, golf carts, off-highway motorcycles, and recreational off-road vehicles. Violations on public streets or within the Kendall County Forest Preserve system are explicitly against the law, unless special exceptions apply.
Deputies said their goal is to avoid enforcement through education. “We are taking these steps now with the hope that a serious injury crash involving a non-highway vehicle can be prevented in the future,” the statement read.
Officials encourage guardians and vehicle owners to ensure all off-highway vehicles are operated legally — on private property with owner permission or designated off-road locations — not on public infrastructure.
More information about legal exceptions and enforcement details can be found by reviewing the full statute or contacting the Sheriff’s Office directly.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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