The St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office issued a public safety reminder on March 18, 2026, warning Leonardtown-area residents and motorists that operating unregistered vehicles—such as all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), dirt bikes, and other off-road motorcycles—on public roadways remains strictly illegal and poses significant safety risks.
These vehicles, engineered specifically for off-road terrain, lack essential road-safety equipment like headlights, taillights, turn signals, mirrors, horns, and brakes suited for highway speeds and traffic. Their absence heightens collision risks, as operators struggle to signal intentions or maintain visibility to other drivers.
Maryland law, under the Transportation Article, prohibits driving unregistered motor vehicles on public highways. Violations carry a $290 citation, with the vehicle subject to towing at the owner’s expense. Those permitting others to operate such unregistered or uninsured vehicles on roadways may also face charges.
Enforcement aligns with longstanding state regulations and prior SMCSO initiatives emphasizing zero-tolerance approaches to illegal on-road use of off-road vehicles. Similar warnings from the office in recent years highlight persistent community complaints about these activities, particularly during warmer months when outdoor recreation increases.
Off-road vehicles remain restricted to private property with explicit owner permission or to designated riding areas overseen by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. They are barred from public roads, bicycle lanes, sidewalks, trails including the Three Notch Trail, St. Mary’s County parks (except designated spots), and all Maryland state parks.
The Sheriff’s Office stressed the importance of protective gear for legal off-road riding: a Department of Transportation-approved helmet, eye protection, gloves, and sturdy footwear to reduce injury risks in controlled environments.
For guidance on lawful riding locations, residents can consult resources from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, which oversees permitted off-highway recreational vehicle trails and areas in the state.
This reminder arrives amid ongoing regional efforts to curb unsafe vehicle practices on Southern Maryland roadways, where traffic safety remains a priority amid varied terrain and recreational opportunities. The announcement reinforces compliance with vehicle registration rules to protect all road users, from motorists to pedestrians and cyclists.
St. Mary’s County, with its mix of rural roads, waterways, and public trails, sees frequent recreational vehicle use, making clear enforcement and education critical to preventing accidents and maintaining community safety standards.