07/23/2026
Good afternoon,
We are once again experiencing issues with kids riding four-wheelers on city, county, and state roads. I was recently sent a video of a child on a public road, riding at full throttle and going as fast as they could. Not too long ago, I was speaking with the School Resource Officer at Lake Road, and he mentioned coming upon a child who had wrecked theirs in a ditch. Thank God the situation did not end badly.
Please keep in mind that this is not just a Woodland Mills ordinance; it is Tennessee state law (TCA § 55-8-185). At no time should you or a child be operating a standard ATV on public streets. It is only a matter of time before one of these kids gets seriously hurt, or worse. Parents, I know it is easy to think, "My kid wouldn't do that," but the reality is that they do, and they will. Please talk to your children so we can keep them safe off the roads.
Tennessee State Law Reference
For your reference if anyone asks for clarification, here is a breakdown of the specific Tennessee laws regarding ATVs on public roadways:
TCA § 55-8-185 (Use of off-highway motor vehicles on highways): This is the primary statute that prohibits traditional ATVs (four-wheelers) on public roads. It states that off-highway motor vehicles cannot be operated on public roads. The only general exception for standard ATVs is making a direct, 90-degree crossing over a two-lane road at a safe location to get from one off-road area to another.
TCA § 55-8-203 (Off-highway vehicles): While this separate statute allows certain fully registered "Class I or Class II" off-highway vehicles (such as side-by-sides with steering wheels, safety belts, and windshields) to be driven on some county roads, it strictly excludes traditional four-wheelers. The law explicitly states: "Nothing in this section authorizes the operation on county roads of any all-terrain vehicle...".
