People who illegally drive all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and dirt bikes in Hampton better change their ways, as Hampton police now have the authority to remove these vehicles permanently.
Hampton City Council adopted an ordinance on Wednesday authorizing police to seize and impound unlawfully operated ATVs and off-road motorcycles. Unlawful uses include ATVs being driven on public highways and public property and dirt bikes being driven on highways without proper titling and registration.
Hampton police saw a 140% increase in calls for service related to ATVs and dirt bikes driven recklessly in public spaces from 2022 to 2023, according to City Manager Mary Bunting.
While the number of calls is down this year, Bunting said these offenses “continue to be elevated,” with 60 calls for service as of September. She said the riders often recklessly perform wheelies or other unsafe acrobatics, block roadways and trespass on private property, such as parking lots. She said this creates a “dangerous environment” for residents, public safety personnel and the riders themselves.