CHARLOTTE COUNTY, Fla. -- North Port Police and the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Officer were out in force this weekend, cracking down on off-road riding.
The patrols were in response to an accident last week in which a 10-year-old was thrown off an ATV.
The Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office says they were patrolling an area behind the Walmart on Kings Highway.
Authorities want people know that if you're off road driving, your vehicle has to be registered and insured, and you have a valid driver's license. "If you're operating in an unsafe manner you could be struck by another vehicle, or roll, and cause serious injury to yourself or someone else."
During these crackdowns, police say they check for registration, insurance, and proper identification to run the motor vehicle.
In Southwest Florida, you can only ride on state lands or private property that is properly permitted for riding.
Big Cypress National Preserve near Hendry County does have land that you can ride on, but you do need a permit, which you can get online.
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