With the publication this week of a new city ordinance allowing alternative transportation vehicles on city streets, Peabody Police Chief Bruce Burke has issued a list of “dos and don’ts” for the operation of the alternative vehicles.

ATVs (All-Terrain Vehicles) can be operated on any city street. They must have the same lights as required for motorcycles. Helmet and eye protection regulations are the same as those for motorcycles.

ATVs MUST have valid liability insurance and the driver MUST have a valid driver’s license to operate the ATV.

Golf carts can be operated on any city street except Ninth Street. After sunset, vehicles must have headlights, taillights, and brake lights. All golf carts must display a SMV (slow moving vehicle) sign on the back of the vehicle, day or night.

The golf cart operator MUST have a valid driver’s license.

Micro-utility vehicles (micro-trucks) and worksite utility vehicles can be operated on city streets to and from worksites by the most direct accessible route. After sunset, these vehicles must have headlights, taillights, and brake lights.

The operator of these vehicles MUST have a valid driver’s license.

Pocket bikes cannot be operated on any city street. Permission for special events such as parades can be requested and permission from the chief of police will be determined on a case-by-case basis.

Riding lawnmowers may be operated on any city street except Ninth Street as long as the operator is going to or from a mowing job. Riding mowers also still can be used to tow trailers used at a worksite.

Skateboards can be ridden on any city street except Ninth, Walnut, Second, and Central streets. No person shall operate a skateboard in a reckless manner on any sidewalk or endanger any other type of pedestrian traffic in the city. Skateboards can and will be confiscated for any violation with a skateboard.

Burke encourages citizens with questions or concerns about the new rulings to contact him at the police station at 983-2133.