That ATV you drive around might not be legal. Edison, GA, looks into passing local ordinances

EDISON – Dennis Henderson was using his side-by-side vehicle to tow another vehicle for his job in Edison when he was stopped by local law enforcement Friday.

He was questioned about his vehicle’s insurance. The interaction, which Henderson said happened so fast, ended with him arrested and brought to the jail in Morgan. 

The 30-year-old’s side-by-side wasn’t insured, which he said he now understands was illegal, but he said he felt targeted as a young, black man, especially because he sees others using similar vehicles around town.

“I think me going to jail was a little excessive,” Henderson said. “I think it was more than I should’ve gotten. A ticket – I would’ve accepted and gone on my way, but I was taken to jail.”

The use of golf carts, UTVs, ATVs and low-speed vehicles has grown in popularity in recent years. Some cities have specific ordinances allowing these different vehicles. Others, like Edison, never developed any local laws to address them. But Edison Councilman Curtis Adams said he’s noticed more and more on the streets. This prompted discussion on potential ordinances during Edison’s council meeting Monday night. 

Georgia has state laws for these vehicles. In the state, to drive an all-terrain vehicle, registration, a driver’s license and a proof of insurance is required. There are exemptions for vehicles used for agricultural purposes.

Henderson uses his UTV to tow vehicles for his job working on cars because he said it’s more convenient. He said he had been led to believe that the only form of registration or insurance proof he needed was the orange, triangular tag on the back of the vehicle. 

However, Edison Police Chief Donnell Bryant stopped him once he was already parked. Bryant said he had stopped Henderson and given him a warning about his vehicle before. On Friday, Bryant said he saw Henderson crossing Edison’s main street, which is a state route. 

Henderson said he did not have his driver’s license on, in addition to the side-by-side not being insured. When Bryant began to write him up, Henderson said he asked questions and mentioned being told different requirements for his vehicle by the Calhoun County Sheriff’s Department. 

Henderson said the conversation between the two became heated.

“He didn’t give a reason, he just stopped me and asked me for my license,” Henderson said. “I’m younger so he was like, ‘Boy, put your hands on top of the car,’ even though I’m a man. I felt disrespected.”

Henderson was brought to the Calhoun County Jail, where he said he was told they couldn’t hold him. He had to pay $730 in fines and tickets in order to leave. 

“I don’t think that was fair,” Henderson said. “That set me so far behind. All I was doing was working and trying to take care of my family.” 

Henderson said he’s in the process of getting the side-by-side vehicle properly insured. He brought his concerns to Monday night’s city council meeting, where he was told by Adams that his arrest was between him and the police chief. 

Henderson pointed out that he sees multiple people using similar vehicles throughout town without being brought to jail. 

“If the law applies to me, it should apply to everyone,” he told The Albany Herald.

Bryant addressed him during the council meeting, saying he’s handed out warnings to every driver he sees and hasn’t seen them repeat the offense of driving uninsured. 

Adams said he added ATV ordinance discussion to the council meeting’s agenda to address legal confusion.

“I wanted us to take a look at it because we’ve got a lot of people breaking the law,” Adams said. “If they’re doing it, then it’s up to our police department to enforce it. But at the same time, if there’s something we can do to help make part of it legal …” 

However, by the end of the discussion, Adams said his interest in a potential ordinance is gone.

Edison City Attorney Tommy Coleman brought golf cart ordinance examples and plans to help the city leaders look more into ATVs as well.