MINOT (AP) - Off-road vehicles have to stay off the roads here.

The City Council on Monday voted to ban all-terrain vehicles and dirt bikes from city streets. ATVs were allowed to travel at 15 mph on streets that are the shortest route out of town.

ATV owners pleaded for the chance to prove they can operate safely on city streets, but safety concerns raised by police compelled the council to pass the ban.

Police Chief Jeff Balentine said the ATV manufacturers recommend against using off-road vehicles on paved streets because of the dangers involved with sharing the road with licensed vehicles.

The council still must pass the ordinance on a second reading before the ban takes effect.