OLR Report 2013-R-0252 summarizes information on (1) the New Haven Police Department's “Operation Bike Life,” (2) New Haven's dirt bike ordinance, and (3) the 2013 legislation allowing municipalities to increase dirt bike and all-terrain vehicle (ATV) penalties.
For 10 weeks in 2013, the New Haven Police Department conducted an investigation and sting operation, named “Operation Bike Life,” to crack down on reckless behavior by dirt bike and ATV riders. The operation involved police videotaping offenders and has led to 18 warrants and 15 arrests.
The City of New Haven has an ordinance prohibiting riding dirt bikes and other recreational vehicles on public areas or private land without prior permission. Violators are subject to community service and fines between $50 and $100.
PA 13-154 allows municipalities to increase the fine amounts they impose on individuals for illegally operating dirt bikes on public property by setting maximum penalties for initial and subsequent violations. Prior law limited the fine to $250.
For more information, read the full report.
