Operation Dust Devil was in full-effect over the holidays, officially starting on Saturday December 17th. Deputies patrolledYucca Valley, Pioneertown, Twentynine Palms and other hi desert areas popular with OHV vehicles. During the patrols, deputies issues 21 California Vehicle Code citations, 25 code enforcement violations, towed 3 vehicles and made four arrests.
140 off-roaders were contacted and provided with education resources on legal riding areas and safe-riding practices.
Operation Dust Devil is an initiative put forth by the san bernardino county board of supervisor, who authorized additional funding to assist with county-wide highway vehicle enforcement.
The off-roading enforcement is meant to increase quality of life issues for residents who have complained about illegal off-roading and reckless behavior on public and private dirt roads and property.
Operation Dust Devil will continue patrols over the next several months to encourage safe and responsible off highway vehicle operation, by way of education and enforcement throughout San Bernardino County, which is over 20000 square miles.
The goal of the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department Off Highway Vehicle Team is to contact off OHV riders and educate them in the safe and proper use of their equipment, including use of helmets, seat belts, and operating on properr off highway vehicle trails and open areas.
The Sheriff’s department says that “Many enthusiasts are unaware of the locations of the legal and open off highway vehicle riding areas.”
The county along with the sheriff’s department encourages responsible and safe off-highway vehicle use.
OHV Information at USDA Forest Service: https://www.fs.usda.gov/activity/sbnf/recreation/ohv
San Bernardino County Maps: https://www.fs.usda.gov/main/sbnf/maps-pubs
