North Hempstead Bans ATVs On Town Property

Officials approved legislation on Tuesday that prohibits All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs) on Town of North Hempstead property and roads.

Violators can face a fine of up to $1,500 for the first offense, as well as jail time of up to 15 days. Vehicles will be subject to impoundment by local police officers.

The Town Board and Town Supervisor Judi Bosworth unanimously approved to enact the legislation. “While there is a place for ATVs, we believe that Town property is not one of those places,” Bosworth said in a statement.

This law, which also includes dirt bikes and snowmobiles, looks to lower the risk of death and injuries as well as restrict the economic and environmental damage ATVs have caused the Town’s land.

During a community meeting regarding the redevelopment of North Hempstead Beach Park, many residents voiced concern over the wooded areas, including the 200 wooded acres opposite the park, that contain fragile wetlands and wildlife habitat, the Town says.

“It is our hope to preserve that wooded land for nature trails and educational purposes,” Bosworth said. “ATVs, snowmobiles and dirt bikes do not align with our vision for this property. In addition, there are certainly safety issues when people are using ATVs, unsupervised, leaving them open to accidents or injuries in a location that was not meant for that use.”

Nassau County also has an ATV law on the books, which addresses ATV use on county property and roads.

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