HAMPTON, Va. — Hampton City Council says unregistered ATVs and dirt bikes on busy streets are a growing problem across the city.
Mayor Donnie Tuck said the illegal riders are making the street unsafe.
“They’re riding in packs. They’re blocking traffic and many times, they’re doing wheelies -- lots of things that we consider to be dangerous and irresponsible," Mayor Tuck told 13News Now.
City council members are looking to crack down on the illegal driving as part of their "2024 legislative requests." The request reads as follows:
"The City of Hampton has experienced a growing trend of unregistered ATVs, dirt bikes, and motorcycles on its streets. It was not uncommon for these groups to frequent highly populated areas, disturb traffic flow, and drive in a manner that places themselves and the general public in danger through maneuvers such as rapid speed increases, wheelies, and blocking roadways and intersections. This code change would create a local option for localities to, by ordinance, provide for the lawful seizure, impounding, and disposition of these types of vehicles when operated in violation of law."
“We have to ask the General Assembly for permission to not only seize the ATVs but to dispose of them," Mayor Tuck explained.
Mayor Tuck said currently, police can only issue tickets to the illegal ATV and dirt bike riders. However, he said that doesn’t get to the root of the issue.
"We really want to try to change the behavior," the mayor said. "But, I think behavior changes come with, ‘If I confiscate your bike, that will really change your behavior.’”
City spokesperson Robin McCormick said residents have complained about the erratic and dangerous driving. She said the city wants more authority.
“We want to be able to get the ATVs off the street at that moment that they’re causing a hazard," McCormick said.
Hampton City Council members approved their legislative requests Thursday evening. Now, it’s all in the hands of the General Assembly.