WASHINGTON — The D.C. Council is moving forward with legislation to curb the distraction and violence sometimes associated with ATVs on the District’s streets.
The legislation, known as the ATV Motor Fuel Prohibition Amendment Act of 2016, would make it illegal to sell or dispense gas for ATVs or dirt bikes. The legislation would also require gas station owners to post signs corresponding with the law and subject them to a possible $1,000 fine if found in violation.
The proposal was introduced by Ward 7 Councilmember Yvette Alexander, who said incidents of distracted driving, aggressive driving and crashes tied to ATV and dirt bikes have increased in recent months. It’s something D.C. Police Chief Cathy Lanier has said ramps up during the summertime.
But these kinds of incidents aren’t unique to D.C.
Earlier this week in Frederick, Maryland, a man died and three others were hurt when in a crash involving an ATV and SUV.
Alexander’s proposal, which was inspired by similar bills in Maryland and Baltimore, now moves to the council’s committee on transportation and environment.
