PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) —The State House unanimously passed a bill that would allow Philadelphia's ordinance on ATVs to be stricter than state law.
Philadelphia Democrat and chair of the State House Transportation Committee Ed Nielsen said when Pennsylvania enacted Act 92 in 2022 to crack down on ATVs and dirt bikes on city streets and sidewalks, it inadvertently cut the legs out from under Philadelphia’s ordinance.
“Prior to Act 92, Philadelphia had a city ordinance in place with stronger penalties, which have since been preempted by Act 92. That wasn’t the intent of the legislature,” Nielsen said.
Philadelphia’s previous ordinance carried a $2,000 fine. Under state law, however, because state law supersedes the city, penalties are now $50 to $200 a first-time offense and $100 to $300 for subsequent offenses.
Philadelphia police used to be able to immediately confiscate the vehicle and could dispose of it if the $2,000 fine wasn’t paid, but the 2022 state law now requires the vehicles to be impounded pending a court case, then follow through with state forfeiture laws.
Nielsen said ATVs and dirt bikes used on city streets and sidewalks remain a serious issue, jeopardizing the safety of motorists, bicyclists, and pedestrians.
House Bill 2337 passed 202-0 and now heads to the Senate.
House Bill 2337 cleared the state House unanimously and now moves to the Senate.
House Bill 2337 cleared the state House unanimously and now moves to the Senate.
