A joint use road sign depicting the side silhouette of an all-terrain vehicle and its rider was spotted along roads in Clearfield Township in June. Tracy Leturgey/Butler Eagle

Clearfield Township passed an ordinance allowing all-terrain vehicles to drive on marked township roads tentatively starting Tuesday, June 30.

Township secretary Jane Bauldoff said township supervisors recently passed a “recreational vehicle regulation ordinance” declaring a number of roads as “joint use.” With that change, people can operate their ATVs on those roads as long as they abide by Pennsylvania’s All-terrain Vehicle Law.

Joint-use roads are marked by a green sign depicting a side-view silhouette of an ATV and a rider.

According to state law and township ordinance, the operator must have a registration and license issued by the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, liability insurance, a valid driver’s license and wear a helmet. Operators on joint-use roads must be at least 16 years old.

Operators of ATVs are not allowed to drive on state-owned roads. According to a PennDOT representative, Route 422, Game Reserve, Conerty and Mushroom Farm roads are state-owned and maintained in the township.

The ordinance also sets a number of rules specific to the township. It bans operation on private property without consent; in cemeteries; or in public parks, grounds or recreational areas.

Operators must also follow the speed limit and cannot operate under the influence of alcohol or drugs. They also can’t operate within 100 feet of a dwelling between midnight and 6 a.m. “at a speed greater than the minimum required to maintain forward movement,” according to the ordinance.

Vehicles are also required to have a working headlight, taillight and muffler.

Bauldoff said the township drafted and passed the ordinance after residents showed interest.

She said the joint use signs were purchased by DCNR. While work was underway June 22 to post them, she said the township expects to be done and the ordinance to be in effect by the end of the month.

She added the township ordinance and a summary of the state’s ATV law will be posted on the township’s website.