[HISTORY: Adopted by the Mayor and Council of the Town of Manchester 8-14-1979 by Ord. No. 13 (Ch. 79 of the 1979 Code). Amendments noted where applicable.]
[Amended 10-14-2025 by Ord. No. 268]
As used in this chapter, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated:
RECREATIONAL MOTOR VEHICLE
Includes but is not expressly limited to minibikes, trail bikes, motor scooters, golf carts, go-carts, motorbikes, all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), dune buggies and swamp buggies and any other similar motor vehicle of the type that is normally used on land for recreation, entertainment or pleasure, or vehicles that are not authorized by the State of Maryland to travel on public streets and highways. The use of lawnmowers, powered garden vehicles and other similar utilitarian domestic vehicles is specifically excepted herefrom. The term "recreational motor vehicle" shall not include mobility devices for disabled persons, including electric-motor-driven wheelchairs and scooters, or all-terrain vehicles used by government agencies in the performance of official duties.
[Amended 10-14-2025 by Ord. No. 268]
It shall be unlawful for any person to operate or permit and suffer to be operated a recreational motor vehicle, as defined in § 226-1, within the Town of Manchester under any of the following circumstances:
A. 
On private property of another without the express prior written consent of the owner and the occupant of said property. Such consent may be revoked at any time by the grantor thereof. Where such express prior written consent has been obtained, the operator or person at the site responsible for such operation shall keep said consent on his person and available for immediate display at all times during the period of such operation. Excepted from the operation of this subsection are any private clubs or other organizations that permit the operation of recreational motor vehicles on their property in connection with the principal use of said property by the members of any such club or organization.
B. 
On any public grounds or property, including Town-owned land, which shall include but not be limited to parks, ball parks, recreation areas, public streets, easements and sidewalks, or areas dedicated to or commonly used for vehicular or pedestrian traffic, Town storage facilities, garage areas and Board of Education lands, unless specifically designated, set aside and reserved therefor by resolution of the Town Council.
(1) 
Notwithstanding Subsection B above:
(a) 
Mopeds and motor scooters, as defined in the State of Maryland Transportation Article, shall be allowed on public streets when operated by a person with a valid driver's license.
C. 
In such manner as to create loud or unnecessary noise so as to unreasonably disturb or interfere with persons in the peaceful and quiet enjoyment of their property. To this end, no person shall operate a recreational motor vehicle before the hour of 9:00 a.m. and after the hour of 7:00 p.m. prevailing time, or sunset, whichever shall first occur.
D. 
In a careless, reckless or negligent manner so as to endanger the safety or property of any person.
[Amended 10-14-2025 by Ord. No. 268]
Any person who violates any provision of this chapter shall, upon conviction, be guilty of a municipal infraction and shall be subject to a fine of up to $500 for the first offense and $1,000 for each repeat offense. Each day that a violation persists shall be a separate violation.