(HARRISBURG) – Legislation aimed at providing law enforcement new tools to crackdown on the rampant illegal operation of dirt bikes and all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) on public roads was approved (48-1) by the Pennsylvania State Senate today (June 8), according to Senator Pat Browne, the bill’s author.
SB1183 amends current law, providing for the seizure, forfeiture and disposal of dirt bikes and ATVs operated illegally on public roadways to be subject to the state’s asset forfeiture law. This will provide local police departments a variety of disposal options, including allowing for sale or destruction, helping to keep these illegally operated vehicles off the streets.

The bill comes in response to the rise of illegal operation of dirt bikes and ATVs on the Commonwealth’s roadways, often by large groups of riders who engage in speeding and reckless driving. These activities pose an extreme danger to motorists and pedestrians and a grave threat to public safety.

“Through the passage of this legislation, the State Senate is taking aggressive action to combat the growing danger illegal dirt bike and ATV usage is presenting on our roadways,” Senator Browne said. “We have seen countless incidences of property being destroyed, injuries to pedestrians and the tragic loss of life of innocent bystanders due to these reckless actions. I want to thank my colleagues in the senate for their support to give law enforcement the tools necessary to keep these vehicles off the streets.”

As amended, the bill applies to boroughs and cities of the first, second, second A and third class. Cities covered by the bill include Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Allentown, Bethlehem and Easton. The current penalty for a violation is a summary offense, which is not sufficient to keep these recreational vehicles off public roadways.

The bill will now be sent to the House of Representatives for consideration.

 

Information provided to TVL by:
Matt Szuchyt
Deputy Director of Policy & Communications
Senator Pat Browne
Majority Appropriations Chairman
PA 16th Senatorial District
www.senatorbrowne.com
 
 

 

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