Attention: Off-Road Vehicle Owners
Its Against the Law to Ride on Foxborough Conservation Land!
You should also know about
Changes to Massachusetts Recreation Vehicle Laws
Did you know that recent changes to Massachusetts laws require that recreation vehicle operators under the age of 18 must complete an operator safety and responsibility program and carry a certificate of completion while riding?
Legislation signed in August of 2010 (Ch. 202 of the Acts of 2010) brings significant changes to Massachusetts Recreation Vehicle Laws, effective February 2011. Among the new provisions are: > educational requirements for young riders, > age restrictions for operators of ATVs and UTV’s, > increased penalties for
illegal use and > the establishment of an OHV program fund to support improved riding opportunities and law enforcement. Please refer to the brochure (link, above) for a brief overview of the substantive change to MGL c.90B as it pertains to recreation and snow vehicles.
PLEASE REMEMBER: NOT KNOWING ABOUT A LAW IS NO EXCUSE FOR BREAKING IT!
Foxborough’s General Bylaw, Article V, Section 1, Disturbances, part D, states:
Except as provided by statute, it is unlawful to operate unauthorized motorized vehicles (all terrain vehicles, dirt motorcycles, and snowmobiles) on property under the care and control of the Foxborough Conservation Commission, Water Department, Recreation Commission or Board of Selectmen of the Town of Foxborough.
Any person violating this by-law shall be punished by a fine of fifty ($50.00) dollars for the first offense and one hundred fifty ($150.00) dollars for subsequent violations and or criminal prosecution along with restitution of any damage incurred to the Town of Foxborough property.
PASSIVE RECREATION ON FOXBOROUGH CONSERVATION PROPERTIES
With over seventy inches of snow, the 2010-2011 winter was a challenging one with regard to keeping roads, roofs and sidewalks clear and safe for Foxborough residents. However, there is a brighter side for the snow-dependent recreation enthusiasts.
For the first time in many years, snow shoeing and cross country skiing tracks are evident on our conservation lands. At the same time however, the use of snow-mobiles has also burgeoned, especially on the Lane Property, between North Street and the Neponset Reservoir where complaints have been logged. There are serious safety concerns for the on-foot recreationists when snowmobiles are being used and there is also concern for the snowmobile user with regard to hitting objects and gate structures buried in the snow.
The Foxborough Conservation Commission would like to take this opportunity to reiterate that our conservation lands are for “passive” recreation. The use of off- road motorized vehicles; snowmobiles in winter and ATV’s, dirt bikes, motorcycles at other times of the year, is prohibited on conservation land in Foxborough.
Please see the above link for a downloadable copy of the Commission's conservation land rules and regulations.
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