BILLERICA — Police Chief Roy Frost and the Billerica Police Department would like to share safety tips and information on riding safely and legally in the wake of several crashes involving dirt bikes.

There have been four serious crashes involving dirt bikes in Billerica since last year, involving young people ages 15 to 24. On June 1, a rider who wasn’t wearing a helmet suffered fatal injuries in a crash.

Riding dirt bikes or all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) on the roads is illegal unless the vehicles are properly registered with the Registry of Motor Vehicles.

Additionally, the use of dirt bikes and ATVs is prohibited on any land in Billerica unless the rider has written permission from the owner or lessee of the land. Riding dirt bikes or ATV’s is prohibited entirely between 9 p.m. and 10 a.m.

“We have seen several serious injuries, and a fatality occur as a result of dirt bike riders riding irresponsibly, without helmets, and in situations where they were not legally permitted to be riding,” said Chief Frost. “We appreciate that dirt bikes and ATVs are fun, but they have to be used in accordance with the law and proper safety guidelines.”

Billerica Police would like to share the following safety tips from the Motorcycle Safety Foundation for riding dirt bikes safely:

• Always wear a DOT-compliant helmet, goggles, long sleeves, long pants, over-the-ankle boots and gloves.
• Except for dual-purpose models, never ride on paved surfaces except to cross when done safely and permitted by law – another vehicle could hit you. Dirt bikes are designed to be operated off-highway.
• Never ride under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
• Supervise riders younger than 16; dirt bikes are not toys.
• Never permit youngsters to ride dirt bikes that are too tall or too powerful for their capabilities.
• Don’t ride alone on remote trails. Use the buddy system.
• Ride only on designated trails and at a safe speed.
• Take a hands-on riding course.

To ensure all motorists know ATV and bicycle laws, along with the rules of the road, the department offers the following information courtesy of the Massachusetts Environmental Police:

• No person under 18 years of age shall operate a recreation vehicle or recreation utility vehicle (all-terrain vehicles, off-highway motorcycles, dirt bikes, etc.) unless they have successfully completed an approved recreation vehicle safety and responsibility course.
• No person ages 14 to 16 shall operate an all-terrain vehicle or a recreation utility vehicle with an engine capacity greater than 90 cubic centimeters. When operating such vehicles 90 cubic centimeters or less, persons ages 14 to 16 must be directly supervised by an adult.
• The following are some examples of the prohibited operations of recreation vehicles or recreation utility vehicles:

• Operation of a recreation vehicle or recreation utility vehicle while on public ways or upon or across a controlled-access highway is strictly prohibited.
• Operating at an unreasonable, improper, or unsafe speed for existing conditions. Also, failure to come to a complete stop when crossing an approved public way (must yield to motor vehicle traffic).
• Operating a vehicle that emits noxious fumes or makes excessive noise.
• Operating on the land of another without the written permission of the owner or operating within 150 feet of a residence without permission of the owner.

For more information on state laws regarding the use of dirt bikes and ATVs, visit: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/summary-of-off-highway-vehicle-safety-laws.