N.Y. CITY COUNCIL PASSES COUNCIL MEMBER COHEN’S LEGISLATION IMPOSING HARSHER PENALTIES AGAINST ATV’S

Introduction 834-B Increases Penalties for Operation of Illegal ATV’s

City Hall, New York – On Wednesday, February 15 th , the New York City Council passed legislation sponsored by Council Member Andrew Cohen that increases penalties for illegal operation of All-Terrain Vehicles (ATV’s).

Currently, state law prohibits operation of ATV’s on streets and violators may be ticketed. A large proportion of ATV deaths occur while they are being driven illegally on streets. Incidents involving death and injury caused by ATV’s on city streets have drastically increased in recent years. In 2014, there were nine deaths from ATV accidents in The Bronx. At least two police officers have also recently been injured by ATV’s.

“New York City is only one terrain, an urban terrain, and it is no place for all-terrain vehicles. Rampant and reckless ATV driving is endangering the lives of New Yorkers,” said Council Member Andrew Cohen.

City residents who own ATV’s often ride them in city parks, creating a serious public safety issue. The current NYPD policy is to refrain from pursuing ATV operators except when it creates a significant risk to public safety. Even when operators are ticketed, the present small financial penalties are not much of a deterrent. Council Member Cohen’s measure imposes a $500 fine for the first violation and $1,000 for each subsequent offense.

“I’m alarmed by the harm such vehicles are causing in parks and other public spaces. This new law will put everyone on notice that we will not allow ATVs on our urban terrain, and give the NYPD another tool they can employ to stop illegal operators,” added Council Member Cohen.