Suffolk Lawmakers Increase Fines For Illegal ATV Use

HAUPPAUGE, NY — Suffolk County lawmakers have sent a big message to anyone who might be thinking about taking their all-terrain vehicle out for a spin just in time for the snowy weather.

The legislature on Tuesday passed a measure increasing the penalties for ATV riders caught on public roadways or trespassing on private property.

The legislation, which County Executive Steve Bellone is expected to sign into law, increases fines ranging from $500 to $7,500. The first conviction has been increased from $250 to $500; the second from $750 to $1,500; and the third from $5,000 to $7,500. The redemption for a seized vehicle has been increased from $500 to $1,000.

In 2021, Suffolk police responded to about 3,300 calls of complaints involving illegal ATV use.

The measure adds more teeth to the county's current law, which mirrors state law, prohibiting ATV riding on a public highway or on public property. It also requires an ATV rider to have express written consent of the property owner on their person when they are on private property. It also makes it illegal for ATV riders to flee a police or peace officer.

The use of ATVs for agriculture is exempt.

A spokesman for Legis. Jim Mazzarella, who sponsored the legislation, said the increased fines add more teeth to the county's existent legislation, as well as more tools in the toolbox for law enforcement.

To read the full legislation, click here.

Illegal ATV usage has been an issue of community concern in Mastic-Shirley and Patchogue for some time now, with residents reporting seeing large packs of riders on public roadways.

In March, Suffolk Police Commissioner Rodney Harrison announced a five-point plan to crack down on ATVs, as well as plans to enact a Crime Stoppers Fast Cash Reward for information leading to the impounding of an ATV or dirt bike.

Three people were charged with illegally operating ATVs back in November 2021 after a mob of 50 to 100 bikers and ATV riders crowded Sound Avenue in Wading River and two crashes followed in Ridge and Rocky Point, police said.

In February, the passenger of a car was punched in a fight with an ATV rider who was part of a pack blocking traffic in Medford, according to police.

The pack of riders blocked traffic at Woodside Avenue, near Route 112, just before 4 p.m. on Feb. 12, said police, adding that a male passenger in a 2020 Jeep left the vehicle and got into a fight with one of the riders and the rider punched him.

Tips about illegal ATV use can be submitted anonymously to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-220-TIPS, or by using a mobile app that can be downloaded through the App Store or Google Play by searching P3 Tips. Tips can also be submitted online at www.P3Tips.com.