Hopewell passes ordinance allowing the seizing, selling, destroying of ATVs, dirt bikes
VENN
HOPEWELL, Va. (WRIC) — Riding ATVs and dirt bikes illegally on Hopewell roadways and sidewalks will now cost you more than just a civil penalty.
"Sometimes it's a little scary, because they drive a little reckless sometimes," said Christinamarie Harris of Hopewell during an April 22 city council meeting.
During that meeting, Hopewell City Council members voted 5-2 in favor of a new ordinance presented by City Attorney Anthony Bessette addressing the seizure, impounding and disposition of ATVs and dirt bikes when the operator is riding said vehicles unlawfully.
Bessette told 8News that it's a matter he was asked to look into by the Hopewell Police Department.
Under state law, the riding of ATVs -- or any off-road vehicle -- will be met with a no more than $500 fine. This penalty is also included in the city's ordinance.
"Part of what this does by bringing it into the city ordinance is simply a financing cash flow issue -- it allows those tickets, if collected, to go to the City rather than into the state," Bessette said. "The bigger thing that's happening in this ordinance is it has to do with what can happen once the rider of an ATV or dirt bike is pulled over."
The ordinance allows for a forfeiture procedure under the proper channels to be conducted, where a police officer can seize the ATV if it was being operated illegally. It also allows the Commonwealth's Attorney to file a petition in court to have the judge hearing the case decide whether the vehicle will be forfeited.
In a matter of disposition, the city can then decide to sell, auction or destroy the vehicle.
8News spoke with multiple city residents on the ordinance and, while some said they believed more consequences were warranted, others explained they want to see different means than punishments.
"I think they should go ahead and let them ride -- get a little park out somewhere so they can ride and have fun and keep on living," said Robert Thomas Jr. of Hopewell.
