POLICE: Legislation Prohibits Reckless Driving Of Motorcycles, All-Terrain Vehicles

On June 1, the D.C. Council passed a temporary resolution limiting the operation of certain motorized vehicles: "Reckless Motorized Bicycle, Tricycle, and Four-Wheeled Vehicle Operation Amendment Temporary Act of 2004," B1-0862. The temporary act amends the definition of motorized vehicles; prohibits operating unregistered motorized vehicles without a license and insurance on any public street, sidewalk, or alley; and provides penalties for reckless driving of these vehicles.

The new law refers to any 2, 3, or 4-wheel vehicle that an individual can sit upon or straddle without having to open a door-in other words, it excludes automobiles, trucks, minivans, buses, and sports-utility vehicles (SUVs). It includes motorcycles, bicycles, all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), scooters, mopeds, motorized bicycles, pocket bicycles, motorized scooters, and mini-sports bikes.

Reckless operation of such vehicles includes:

1. Operating an unregistered motor vehicle without license and insurance on a public street;

2. Using the vehicle to commit a crime, felony, or misdemeanor; or

3. Use of the vehicle by a person under 16 without supervision of an adult.

Penalties for violating this legislation include confiscating the vehicle, suspension of the operator's license to operate the motor vehicle, and a report from the Department of Motor Vehicle to the individual's insurance company. The individual also may be fined $500 for the first offense, $1,000 for the second offense and $3,000 for the third offense of the legislation.

Operation of motor vehicles in public places is allowed if the vehicle is associated with a sporting or exhibition event with a DC permit or is operated by a person who is licensed and insured to operate the vehicle.

The legislation will take effect following the approval of the Mayor and a 30-day Congressional Review. Once it takes effect, it will expire within 225 days. The Mayor is expected to issue permanent regulations consistent with this act within 60 days. §