Aurora PD Has Received 'Numerous Complaints' About Off-Road Vehicles This Summer

AURORA, IL — It's the height of summer, and the Aurora Police Department has seen a rise in complaints about off-road vehicles — from golf carts to ATVs to off-highway motorcycles and recreational vehicles — being driven where they shouldn't be, officials said.

Police reminded drivers in a post on Facebook Tuesday that driving-under-the-influence laws apply to off-road vehicles and drivers need written permission for use on private property.

"Just because it has wheels doesn’t mean it’s legal to ride on the street," officials said.

Asked how many complaints have come in so far this summer, spokesperson Jim Levicki told Patch that officers have received "numerous complaints."

"While we've received numerous complaints, they come in through a variety of channels—9-1-1 calls (often under different categories), social media messages, community meetings, and direct outreach from residents and city officials. Because of that, we don’t have a specific, quantifiable number for June and July," he wrote in an email.

Levicki said one of the department's goals for 2025 is to improve traffic safety and awareness, which has led to increased efforts on social media to educate and remind drivers of local ordinances.

"The seasonal uptick in these types of complaints has definitely prompted us to communicate more frequently about them," Levicki said.

In May, the Aurora City Council approved a new vehicular noise ordinance, making it illegal to participate in street racing, stunt driving or sideshows, and unlawful vehicle caravans or rallies. The new law allows police to fine drivers at least $1,000 for the first reckless driving offense and $2,500 for repeat offenders, Patch reported.

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