CT Bill Would Allow Seizure, Sale Of Dirt Bikes, Snowmobiles, ATVs

A bill making its way through Connecticut’s General Assembly would allow cities and towns to seize and sell at auction dirt bikes, snowmobiles and ATVs whose owners operate them illegally on public property. H.B. No. 5141 has passed the House and is now awaiting consideration by the Senate.

Under the bill, any municipality that has an ordinance regulating the operation and use of off-road vehicles on public property would be able to impose a fine not to exceed $1,000 for a first violation; not to exceed $1,500 for a second violation; and not to exceed $2,000 for a third or subsequent violation. The penalty for a third or subsequent violation could also be “the seizure and forfeiture to the municipality” of the vehicle.

Seized vehicles would then “be sold at public auction conducted by the chief executive of the municipality,” with proceeds going into the municipality’ General Fund.