By Allison Peck
HERSHEY, Neb. — The Lincoln County Sheriff's Office is reminding parents and guardians to review local regulations after seeing an increase in children riding dirt bikes, mini bikes, ATVs, four-wheelers and similar vehicles on village streets.
According to the sheriff's office, simply wearing a helmet does not make it legal to operate these vehicles on public roadways. Officials said many of the vehicles being seen on village streets do not meet the requirements outlined in the Village of Hershey ordinance.
Under the ordinance, ATV and UTV operators must have a valid Nebraska Class O driver's license or a qualifying farm permit. Operation is only allowed between sunrise and sunset, and the vehicle must carry liability insurance. Required safety equipment, including lights, safety flags and any other equipment required by ordinance, must also be installed.
The sheriff's office emphasized that ATVs, UTVs, golf carts, dirt bikes and similar off-road vehicles are not intended for unrestricted use on village streets.
Officials are asking parents and guardians to help keep the community safe by ensuring children are not operating these vehicles on public streets unless all legal requirements are met.
The Lincoln County Sheriff's Office said the reminder is intended to promote safety and encourage compliance with local ordinances as off-road vehicle use increases during the summer months.