Tracadie RCMP ticket teen ATV operator $600

A 17-year-old ATV operator inTracadiehas been fined nearly $600, prompting theRCMP to issue a reminder that it's illegal to operate off-road vehicles onroadways.

All-terrain vehicles and snowmobilescan only be driven on approved trails, or on the operator'sprivate property, Cpl. Steven Breausaid in a statement.

"It is illegal and dangerous to operate off-road vehicles on roadways," he said.

On March 21, at about 8 p.m., members of the Tracadie RCMPdetachment observed an ATV driving at a high rate of speed on Principale Street, said Breau.

When police attempted to stop the vehicle, the driver fled the scene. Officers followed the ATV's tracks in the snow and intercepted the vehicle in the Leech area.

The vehicle was seized and the driver was ticketed $292.50 for driving an ATV on the road and $292.50 for failing to provide proof of insurance.

Off-road vehicles cannot be driven within 7.5 metres of a highway, unless on an approved trail, said Breau.

Whencrossing a highway, off-road vehicles must be brought to a complete stop before crossing and must be driven directly across the highway, he added.