General Assembly Raised Bill No. 1284 seeks to empower municipalities with greater authority to regulate all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), dirt bikes, and mini-motorcycles, as well as to combat street takeovers. The bill allows municipalities to impose fines ranging from $1,000 for first offenses to $2,000 for subsequent violations of local ordinances. It introduces a process for the seizure and forfeiture of vehicles used in violations, while protecting owners or lienholders who were unaware of the infractions, provided they retrieve their vehicles within 30 days of notification. Additionally, municipalities can sell or destroy forfeited vehicles, directing the proceeds to their general fund. The bill also establishes a new section to prohibit street takeover participation, with similar penalties and vehicle impoundment provisions.

Moreover, the bill amends existing laws regarding the suspension of motor vehicle operator's licenses, particularly for individuals under eighteen committing specific violations. It sets a sixty-day suspension for first violations related to reckless driving, escalating to a six-month suspension for third or subsequent offenses. A new provision mandates a ninety-day suspension for unlicensed individuals convicted of repeated violations. The bill repeals subsection (b) of section 51-164n and replaces it with a new provision detailing consequences for a range of violations. Overall, Raised Bill No. 1284 aims to enhance local governance over vehicle regulations, improve enforcement mechanisms for street takeovers, and streamline the legal framework surrounding license suspensions.

Statutes affected:
Raised Bill: 14-390, 14-390m