City sets out to curb illegal vehicles

NEW HAVEN — The city is cracking down illegal riding of ATVs and dirt bikes — and it could get costly for those who are caught.

The new fine is $1,000 for the first violation, $1,500 for the second, and $2,000 for a third violation.

Mayor Justin Elicker, Acting Police Chief Renee Dominguez and other officials were to announce efforts Thursday to enforce the newly-increased fines for those found illegally riding ATVs and dirt bikes in the city — as well as the gas stations that fuel them, fines the Board of Alders approved in December 2020.

The alders’ decision brought increased fines for any “individual who operates any motorized recreational vehicle in violation of the ordinance or any owner of any motorized vehicles who knowingly permits its operation” to “$1,000 for the first violation, $1,500 for the second, and $2,000 for a third violation,” city spokesman Gage Frank said.

The fine for an initial violation of the dirt bike ordinance previously stood at $99.

Those 16 and older who ride as passengers on dirt bikes and other similar vehicles are subject to a $250 fine, while employees or owners of gas stations that sell gasoline to illegal vehicles, after one warning, will be issued a $100 fine.

Board of Alders Majority Leader Richard Furlow, D-27, said at the time the ordinance was amended that the new language was crafted largely through a partnership between alders, two of the city’s top cops — Assistant Chief Karl Jacobson and Dominguez — and city attorneys.

Elicker said last summer, as the ordinance was being crafted, that illegal dirt bike riding was of common concern.

“This issue is one of the most frequent complaints that I get in every single neighborhood around the city,” Elicker said at the time.

Steve Hamm / Contributed photo A dirt biker pulls a wheelie on James Street beside Criscuolo Park in October.