New Aurora ordinance penalizes guardians for letting minors drive or ride on off-highway vehicles
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AURORA, Colo. – The city of Aurora already prohibits anyone from using off-highway vehicles like dirt bikes on any public road or highway within the city. But a new city ordinance taking effect Nov. 8 will penalize parents and guardians for knowingly permitting their child or ward under the age of 18 to drive or ride an off-highway vehicle in the city.
Any person who enters a plea of guilty or no contest, or who is convicted at trial, for violating any provision of Section 134-223 of Aurora city code will be fined at least $250.
Off-highway vehicles, including those motorcycles more commonly known as dirt bikes, are self-propelled wheeled or tracked vehicles primarily designed to be operated for recreational purposes on land or water, other than roads or highways.
Dirt bikes that are not registered as “street legal,” whether gas or electric powered, and other off-road vehicles are not permitted for use anywhere in the city, including on public property like trails, sidewalks, roadways or public parks.
The use of off-highway vehicles in Aurora is already prohibited and regulated through Sections 134-218 through 134-222 of Aurora’s city code. There are no designated spaces for off-road vehicle use in Aurora.
The ordinance, which was sponsored by Council Member Françoise Bergan, cites an “increase in accidents and injuries due to reckless riding and driving behavior by minors riding off-highway vehicles on city streets in Aurora and neighboring jurisdictions.”
Despite the existing city code prohibiting use of off-highway vehicles, “parents continue to allow minors to possess and ride off-highway vehicles on city streets, sidewalks, open spaces, and around local business,” the ordinance states.
The Aurora City Council unanimously approved Ordinance 2025-88 in October to amend the city code and hold parents accountable and promote safe use of off-road vehicles by minors.
Click here to see the full ordinance language.