Philadelphia police announced on Thursday a new initiative to confiscate all-terrain vehicles, or ATVs, that are being operated illegally on streets and public property in the city. This includes unregistered motorbikes.
Under the law, ATVs are illegal on city streets and public property such as parks. Yet, the vehicles frequently are operated illegally and in a reckless manner with disregard for pedestrians and other vehicles, police say. Officers may confiscate ATVs being operated illegally, but they must remain conscious of the dangers associated with attempting to stop law-breaking ATV operators. Officers must consider the safety of people and property when deciding whether to pursue moving ATVs. Police advise bystanders to stay out of the way for their own safety.
As part of the enforcement initiative, the police department will periodically release running totals of the number of ATVs confiscated by its officers. So far in 2014, there have been 36 confiscations.
Police invite the public to assist in the enforcement effort. If you see someone riding an ATV in the street, call 911. Witnesses should provide descriptions of the vehicle and its operator. Another way to help police is to report where illegal ATV riders park or store their vehicles, particularly if the ATV has been stolen previously. Using this information, police can be in position to catch illegal ATV operators without endangering the public. Tips can be submitted by phone (215–686-TIPS), text (PPDTIP) or email (tips@PhillyPolice.com). ••
