Effective May 4, 2023, the City of Whitewater now allows the use of all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and utility task vehicles (UTVs) on all City streets in Jefferson and Walworth County (View ATV/UTV Map).

On March 7, 2023, the City of Whitewater Common Council passed an ordinance allowing the use of ATV/UTVs on all City streets (View ordinance). The Department of Public Works installed signs on the streets leading into the city announcing that all City of Whitewater Streets are ATV/UTV routes unless posted. No ATV’s Allowed signs are posted on streets where prohibited. For example, the use of ATV/UTV vehicles are not allowed on non-City streets around the University of Wisconsin – Whitewater.

Brad Marquardt, the department of public works director, explains, “We want to make sure drivers understand where they can drive ATV/UTVs. The streets marked for No ATV Use are owned and maintained by the University, so the City ordinance does not pertain to them.”

All ATV/UTV riders are required to follow city regulations as well as the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources laws for ATV/UTVs (view DNR ATV Regulations). The ATV/UTV ordinance will be enforced by the City of Whitewater Police Department and all law enforcement.

The City of Whitewater & State of Wisconsin regulations include the following:
 ATVs/UTVs shall be operated on the paved surface on the extreme right side of the roadway.
 ATVs/UTVs may be operated on paved surfaces only, unless yielding the right of way.
 ATVs/UTVs operators are required to have applicable liability insurance.
 ATVs/UTVs shall not be operated at a speed greater than the posted speed limits.
 ATVs/UTVs may not be operated on any city street without fully functional headlights, taillights and brake lights.
 ATVs/UTVs may not be operated on any city street between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m.
 No person may operate an ATV/UTV on any city street without a valid driver’s license and shall display the
license on demand from any law enforcement officer or official described in section 23.33 (12) Wis. Stats.
 The operation of an ATV/UTV shall be limited to traveling on a direct route from the initial starting point to a
specific destination in the City. Operating ATV/UTV vehicles on City streets for other purposes is prohibited.
 ATVs/UTVs operators shall slow to a speed of 10 mph or less and yield the right-of-way when traveling within 100
feet of a person who is not on an ATV/UTV vehicle, a snowmobile, or a motorcycle.
 ATV/UTVs owners may not authorize any person to operate an ATV/UTV if the person is prohibited from
operating an ATV/UTV vehicle under s.23.33(5) Stats, incapable of operating the vehicle because of a physical or
mental disability, or under the influence of fermented malt beverages, intoxicating liquor or controlled substances.
 All ATV/UTV operators and passengers under the age of 18 are required to wear a minimum DOT standard ATV
or motorcycle helmet with the chin strap properly fastened.

John Weidl, Whitewater city manager, stated, “We’re an increasingly diverse community and the city and our elected officials will continue to find ways of supporting that, including offering an increasingly diverse range of ways to commute for education, recreation, relaxation, or employment. No matter your intent, please be safe and mindful of other community members as you enjoy scooters, golf carts, and ATV/UTV usage throughout our community.”