UPDATE: Dodge County sheriff clarifies ATV warning

Sheriff Robinson says his earlier warning was directed at reckless and disruptive riders, not those following the law on county dirt roads.

UPDATE (10/9/25): Dodge County Sheriff Brian Robinson has clarified his earlier message about off-road vehicles, saying riders are still allowed to use ATVs on county dirt roads if they follow the law.

In a new social media post on Thursday, Robinson said his warning was aimed at people driving recklessly, under the influence, damaging property or disturbing the peace with loud music late at night.

“These are examples of the hundreds of complaints that I receive constantly,” he wrote.

He said responsible riders using “common sense” will not have problems with the sheriff’s office.

ORIGINAL STORY (10/7/25):

EASTMAN, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Dodge County Sheriff Brian Robinson is warning drivers of four-wheelers, side-by-sides and other off-road vehicles to stay off public roadways, saying citations and arrests are coming for violators.

In a video message posted on social media Tuesday, Robinson said his office has received multiple complaints about people riding unauthorized vehicles on county roads.

“It has come to my attention—I’m getting a lot of complaints about the 4-wheelers, side-by-sides, unauthorized vehicles on the roadway,” Robinson said.

Robinson did not cite specific incidents or names, simply saying the vehicles “are tearing up the dirt roads” and that “they are harassing people.”

Robinson said he has been “as lenient as I possibly can,” but warned enforcement will now increase.

“I’m going to start calling outside agencies to come in and assist if need be,” he said. “We’re going to start issuing citations, making arrests, or whatever we need to do to stop this problem.”

He added he may ask the Georgia State Patrol and other agencies to help if violations continue.

According to the Georgia Department of Public Safety, off-road vehicles such as all-terrain vehicles, side-by-sides, and most low-speed vehicles are generally prohibited on state and county highways unless specifically authorized by local ordinance. Georgia law (O.C.G.A. § 40-6-331) allows local governments to designate certain public streets for limited shared use by motorized carts and other vehicles, but only under specific conditions.

Robinson ended his message by urging cooperation from residents.

“I hope that everybody will work with me on this and try to solve this problem,” he said.