Thursday, SEPTEMBER 25, 2025 |
Photo – Saratoga Town Hall – Bigfoot99 file photo
Saratoga officials debated how to address unregistered off-road vehicles operating on town streets.
During the September 16th Saratoga Town Council meeting, Police Chief John Moore announced that he has received complaints about side-by-sides and other off-road vehicles operating within town limits. Chief Moore said the town follows Wyoming Statute 31-2-232, which requires all off-road recreational vehicles, ORVs, to be registered and display a license plate to be driven on public streets.
Chief Moore asked the governing body if they would consider designating certain streets as ORV routes, which would allow off-road vehicles to travel through town. Alternatively, the Police Chief suggested that the town could adopt an ordinance requiring off-road vehicles to simply display a valid sticker issued by the Division of State Parks, Historic Sites, and Trails in order to be driven in Saratoga.
Chief Moore said that, under current state statutes, ORVs rented from the Saratoga Hot Springs Resort cannot be legally operated on town streets.
Chief Moore proposed designating Bridge Avenue, Pic Pike Road, and South River Street as ORV routes, which would allow users to travel between the grocery store and local fuel stations. The Police Chief added that the Town of Encampment has declared all streets as ORV trails, but said Saratoga may not wish to follow that example.
Councilman Jerry Fluty said limiting where ORVs can travel in town only serves to inconvenience users, as seen in Moab, Utah.
Mayor Chuck Davis said the current situation poses a challenge for local law enforcement. Mayor Davis asked if Saratoga police officers should be instructed to ignore unregistered off-road vehicles, even though they technically violate the law.
Police Chief Moore explained that designating Saratoga’s streets as official ORV routes would allow users with valid registration stickers to operate legally within town limits, making enforcement easier.
Councilman Mike Cooley asked if the town could issue its own ORV registration permits, similar to those used in Craig, Colorado. Chief Moore said it was possible, though Councilman Jerry Fluty pointed out that the plan would not comply with existing state statutes. Chief Moore added that, much like designating in-town ORV routes, the locally issued permits would allow off-road vehicles to operate on Saratoga’s streets, excluding the highway.
One meeting attendee cautioned against restricting ORV use, arguing that such an ordinance would make Saratoga resemble California.
The Saratoga Town Council agreed that additional public input is necessary before making a decision about in-town off-road vehicle use. Police Chief John Moore and Public Works Director Emery Penner will collaborate on a mail-in survey to be sent to residents at a later date.
