The proposed legislation would contain new language that says people are prohibited from operating all-purpose vehicles or off-highway motorcycles “on any street or highway in willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property.”
The ordinance says people aren’t allowed to operate these vehicles recklessly on public or private property, with an exception for competitive events. Violations would be a minor misdemeanor.
The proposed ordinance would give Dayton police additional tools to protect the public from dangerous driving behaviors, says a memo from City Attorney Barbara Doseck.
“It is not generally permissible to operate an ATV or off-highway motorcycles on public roads in Ohio, but there are certain exceptions, such as driving on a berm or shoulder in certain situations,” Doseck told the Dayton Daily News. “The new ordinance prohibits reckless driving of an ATV or motorbike on public roads, even if one of those exceptions apply.”
Large packs of ATVs and dirt bikes have taken over local streets and highways at times, frustrating motorists and pedestrians who say these activities are very dangerous.
ATVs and dirt bikes sometimes ride on the wrong side of the road and on sidewalks and run red lights and violate other traffic laws, sometimes while performing stunts and tricks.
Videos of street takeovers posted online show ATV and dirt bike riders burning rubber, doing donuts and wheelies, speeding and ignoring stop signs and traffic signals.
As warmer weather arrives, ATVs and dirt bikes have been showing up on roadways across the Dayton area.
City and police officials have said they want to crack down on these reckless “hooning” activities.
A minor misdemeanor offense carries the potential of fine of up to $150, Doseck said.
There could additional penalties if the operator is not licensed or is under 16 years old, or if the vehicle is not registered or equipped, as required by state code, she said.
The ordinance prohibits reckless operation on private property, such as in parking lots of businesses when the owners do not consent, Doseck said.
“This ordinance forecloses potential loopholes for reckless operation of ATV’s and off-highway motorcycles that creates risk of harm to the public,” she said.
A couple of business owners and neighborhood leaders in Old North Dayton have said if street takeovers and hooning continue in the area, someone is going to get hurt or killed.
Cleveland, Columbus and Cincinnati have increased penalties and taken other steps to try to crack down on reckless driving by ATV and dirt bike riders.
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