November 15, 2012

DILLON FILES LEGISLATION TO INCREASE PENALTIES
ON ILLEGAL DIRT BIKE RACERS

Representative Pat Dillon has filed legislation to stiffen penalties on illegal dirt bike and ATV riders in New Haven.

Under current state law, municipalities can impound dirt bikes and ATV's. However, the law caps towing and storage fees at $250 per vehicle. Rep. Dillon is seeking to increase the financial penalty.

“Current state law limiting penalties to $250 is outmoded, and should be increased,” Rep. Dillon said. “I will work with city officials and law enforcement to make sure we have a law with realistic penalties to protect public safety.”

In crafting the legislation, Rep. Dillon heard from numerous city residents about the dangerous stunts pulled by illegal motorcycle riders.

“Most of the complaints center around Edgewood Park, but this is a serious problem across New Haven,” Rep. Dillon said. “I have heard stories of packs of riders flying through our neighborhoods.  They are breaking the law and our city needs more tools to make them stop.”

The proposed bill has been filed with the Legislative Commissioners Office for drafting and will be introduced during the 2013 legislative session.