Dixie cracks down on OHVs on streets

HURRICANE — The Washington County Sheriff's Office is launching a crackdown on off-highway vehicles being driven on streets.

Deputies said children as young as 8 or 9 years old are being allowed to drive OHVs on busy streets without helmets. In Washington County, OHVs are only allowed to be used on designated roads and public lands.

"Before now we were simply giving verbal warnings, but this has become too big of a problem," Washington County Sheriff's Chief Deputy Rob Tersigni said in a statement Friday. "We will now be citing drivers and possibly impounding their vehicles."

Under Utah law, no one under 8 is allowed to operate an OHV. Anyone under 18 is required to wear a helmet. OHV education classes are offered through the Utah State Parks and Recreation Office. Information can be found at www.stateparks.utah.gov.