Chatham County police to start citing parents over illegal motorized cycle use by minors

Chatham County police to start citing parents over illegal motorized cycle use by minors

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) – The Chatham County Police Department said they are now citing parents who allow their children to operate motorized cycles in violation of state law and potentially the juveniles themselves. “Like many communities, we have seen a huge increase in the number of young minors illegally operating motorized cycles with no regard for their own safety or traffic laws,” said Chatham County Police Chief Jeff Hadley. “After months of educating and encouraging parents to understand the laws surrounding these vehicles, we’re still inundated with complaints about young riders who endanger themselves and others on major roadways, and in neighborhoods and parks. We now feel we have no choice but ticket parents who are allowing this kind of behavior. And, in some cases, the juvenile cycle operators, as well.” Police said they recently cited several parents after their children were found illegally operating motorized cycles in Chatham County’s Eastside Precinct. State law makes it illegal for anyone to allow an unlicensed person under the age of 18 to operate a motorized vehicle. The charge is a misdemeanor traffic citation, with fines and penalties determined by the courts. “Any parent who purchases a power cycle for their child has the responsibility to make sure that their child can legally operate it under state law,” continued Hadley. “Unlicensed drivers in Georgia can only operate traditional bicycles or E-bicycles. Parents need to make sure that their child is…

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