PA Police Can Take And Destroy Illegal ATVs, Dirt Bikes Under New Law

HARRISBURG, PA — Gov. Tom Wolf on Wednesday signed into law legislation that will allow Pennsylvania police to confiscate and destroy or sell illegal dirt bikes and all-terrain vehicles found operating on public roads.

The law provides law enforcement with more options to crack down on the "rampant" use of such vehicles, according to Sen. Pat Browne, who authored the bill. Browne said the bill also was a response to a rise in large groups of riders who engaged in speeding and reckless driving.

“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," Browne said in a statement.

The new law affects any dirt bike or ATV operating on a public roadway, which includes the berm, shoulder, sidewalk, or bike lane.

The law also carries a tiered system of punishments for those caught operating dirt bikes, ATVs, or snowmobiles illegally:

• A first offense carries a fine of at least $50 but no more than $200. The violator may also be imprisoned for up to 10 days.
• Any subsequent offenses carry a fine of at least $100 but no more than $300. The violator may also be imprisoned for up to 30 days.

Anyone in violation of the law may be required to turn over the vehicle to the police, who will impound it pending a conviction or final court order. If a person is convicted, police will be allowed to destroy or sell the vehicle.