Senate Bill No. 1284, also known as Public Act No. 25-80, introduces new regulations aimed at addressing the illegal use of certain vehicles and street takeovers, effective July 1, 2025. The bill empowers municipalities to regulate the operation of snowmobiles, all-terrain vehicles, dirt bikes, and mini-motorcycles, allowing them to impose fines of up to $1,000 for first violations, $1,500 for second violations, and $2,000 for subsequent violations. It also includes provisions for the seizure and forfeiture of these vehicles, with protections for owners and lienholders who were unaware of the violations, provided they retrieve their vehicles within 90 days of receiving notice. Additionally, the bill establishes penalties for participating in or observing street takeovers, enabling municipalities to impound vehicles involved in such activities until fines are paid, with unclaimed vehicles potentially deemed forfeited after six months.

The bill further amends penalties for motor vehicle violations, particularly for individuals under eighteen, introducing new suspension periods for specific violations and establishing minimum suspension periods for certain offenses. It modifies the classification of offenses under section 14-224, making some violations a class D felony or a class A misdemeanor, with a minimum fine of $2,000 for subsequent class D felony offenses. The bill also repeals and substitutes existing legal language to integrate these changes effectively. Additionally, it allows for penalties exceeding ninety dollars for violations of local ordinances, with the exception of health codes, and clarifies the authority of local governments to impose and manage penalties for specific ordinance violations while ensuring a structured process for dispute resolution.

Statutes affected:
Raised Bill: 14-390, 14-390m
JUD Joint Favorable: 14-390, 14-390m
File No. 732: 14-390, 14-390m
File No. 981: 14-390, 14-390m
Public Act No. 25-80: 14-390, 14-390m