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Hampton staff brief council on proposed ordinance to seize unlawfully operated ATVs and dirt bikes
Summary
City attorneys outlined a proposed ordinance to allow police to seize, impound and seek forfeiture of unlawfully operated ATVs and off‑road motorcycles after a reported 140% jump in related HPD calls; the ordinance will return to council for possible adoption.
City attorneys on Monday briefed the Hampton City Council on a proposed ordinance that would allow local police to seize and impound ATVs and off‑road motorcycles unlawfully operated within city limits.
"In Hampton, in particular, between 2022 and 2023, HPD saw a 140% increase in calls for service relating to these types of vehicles," Senior Deputy City Attorney Brandy Law said during her presentation. Law described state code definitions and said the proposed city code would permit an officer who charges a person with unlawful operation to seize and impound the vehicle immediately.
The ordinance would authorize the City Attorney's Office to initiate forfeiture proceedings under Virginia forfeiture law; if property is forfeited it may be sold at public auction or retained by Hampton Police Department at the chief's discretion, Law said. She added that forfeiture actions would be stayed while any related criminal charge remains pending and that an owner who is not convicted would have the vehicle returned.
City staff said the ordinance implements authority granted by the 2024 General Assembly and is intended to address recurring neighborhood complaints about groups riding and racing on city streets. The measure was presented for discussion and is scheduled to return to a future council meeting for formal consideration and possible adoption.
