Title
Ordinance to Amend and Reenact the City Code of the City of Hampton, Virginia by Amending Chapter 21, Motor Vehicles and Traffic, to Create Article XI, Entitled, “All-Terrain Vehicles and Off-Road Motorcycles,” to Provide for the Lawful Seizure, Impounding, and Disposition of Unlawfully Operated All-Terrain Vehicles or Off-Road Motorcycles.
Purpose
PURPOSE/BACKGROUND:
Between 2022 and 2023, the Hampton Police Division saw a 140 percent increase in calls for service relating to All-Terrain Vehicles ("ATVs") and Off-Road Motorcycles, otherwise known as dirt bikes, operating in a reckless manner in public spaces, often involving groups of riders. Although somewhat down in 2024, these types of offenses continue to be elevated, with 60 calls for service for speeding or reckless driving by these vehicles so far. Riders often recklessly speed, perform wheelies or other unsafe acrobatics, block roadways, and trespass on private property (parking lots). This behavior creates a dangerous environment for citizens, public safety personnel, and the riders themselves. Unregistered ATVs and Off-Road Motorcycles prevent investigative efforts for law enforcement in tracking ownership and potential violators. Pursuits of vehicles that are clearly more agile increases risk of property damage and personal injury. Traffic tickets alone have not been a successful deterrent. At Hampton’s request, the 2024 General Assembly enacted legislation which gives the governing body of any city the ability to, by ordinance, provide for the lawful seizure, impounding, and disposition of an ATV or Off-Road Motorcycle unlawfully operated within the boundaries of such city. The proposed ordinance that provides for the seizure, impoundment forfeiture of an unlawfully operated ATV or Off-Road Motorcycle by any law-enforcement officer charging someone with such unlawful operation.
Recommendation:
Rec
Approve of the Ordinance.
Body
BE IT ORDAINED by the City Council of the ...
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