Burnie Police have recently received an increase in the number of complaints regarding the unlawful use of Off Road Vehicles in residential and rural areas.  The term Off Road Vehicle includes trail bikes, mini bikes, 4 wheel motor cycles, pocket rockets and go karts.

Tasmania Police view the unlawful use of Off Road Vehicles very seriously and regularly use the provisions of a variety of legislation such as the Environment Management and Pollution Control Act 1994, Police Offences Act 1935 (Anti-Hooning Legislation) and the Search Warrants Act 1997 to combat the issue.

Burnie Police seek to remind parents who allow their children to use Off Road Vehicles illegally, in public places or on public streets that they may face fines resulting from charges regarding permit a minor to use a vehicle unlawfully.

Parents are also reminded that areas where Off Road Vehicles can be used lawfully are very restrictive, even semi-rural areas attract complaints due to the noise and proximity of dwellings to boundaries.

Burnie Police urge all members of the public who have information concerning the unlawful use of Off Road Vehicles and the identity of offenders to provide that information to police on 131 444 or by contacting Burnie Police directly. 

All information will be treated with confidentiality and acted upon as reducing offences committed by users of Off Road Vehicles is an ongoing priority for Tasmania Police. 

Police are not trying to spoil fun for people using Off Road Vehicles however when complaints are received, Police are obliged to act.  Tasmania Police support the use of Off Road Vehicles provided they are used safely and in accordance with the law.