De Baca hears off road vehicle issues

FORT SUMNER — Increased scrutiny of off-highway vehicles, both in Fort Sumner and the surrounding area, has irritated some local residents, the De Baca County Commission heard during a special meeting July 5.

But that enforcement is being conducted according to state law, said Sheriff Chad Roybal.

Commissioners Bill West and Scot Stinnett both said they had received calls about Game and Fish Officer James Lucero stopping OHV operators driving on state highways and paved county roads, for various violations. And while most of the stops have ended with a warning, some citations have been issued as well.

Historically, an OHV operating on pavement must meet several criteria, including working lights and proof of insurance.

The OHV Act allows local jurisdictions, such as De Baca County, to designate paved roads other than state highways, for OHV use and establish speed limits and additional restrictions. De Baca County does not currently have such an ordinance. The village of Fort Sumner has no separate ordinance for OHV use other than the adoption of the state’s Uniform Traffic Ordinance.

Sheriff Roybal told the commissioners that his deputies have for the most part tried to work with local residents to educate and achieve voluntary compliance. He also said there are no designated areas in De Baca County for OHV recreational operation.

West said the commission could in the near future consider an ordinance to make OHV use on paved county roads acceptable.