Off-Road Guidelines

This Applies To All Vehicles

Off-Road Definition Off-roading is the activity of driving or riding a vehicle on unsurfaced roads or tracks, made of materials such as sand, gravel, riverbeds, mud, snow, rocks, and other natural terrain.

Deputies who are utilizing the specified types of vehicles above will be allowed to off-road using the following guidelines

• Off-Roading is only permitted in those situations where the terrain is not of a steep grade, is free of any cliffs, rocks, boulders, mountains and dunes. Driving over any objects (tree trunks, logs, etc), which would potentially damage the vehicle is prohibited as well. Driving through any body of water is prohibited unless authorized by a specific subdivision SOP. All first responders must use proper judgement concerning the terrain which they are traveling upon in order to preserve safety for all involved. Additionally, destroying any properties is prohibited, unless doing so in absolutely necessary to prevent serious bodily injury or death. Deputies must use extreme caution when off-roading to avoid any animals/pedestrians. Safety is the most important thing all time.

• If any situation (vehicle speed, animals, weather or any other hazard) puts any deputies or citizen in excessive danger if emergency vehicles were to travel off-road, off-road shall be prohibited. As a result of these guidelines, it is required to limit vehicle speeds off-road to approximately 25-30 MPH, unless absolutely necessary to prevent serious bodily injury or death.

• Off-Roading is only to be utilized when necessary for calls of service, vehicle pursuits and foot pursuits. Deputies may not travel off-road for normal patrol procedures.

• At no time, may any deputies drive on railroad tracks. This doesn't apply to crossing over tracks that are embedded within marked roadways, but only to driving on tracks or crossing over tracks that are not embedded within marked roadway.