Poughkeepsie PD Crack Down on Illegal Dirt Bikes and Unregistered Recreational Vehicles

Did You Know...NYS Dirt Bikes Edition

For some this may be a well known fact, for others it may be brand new information.

Did you know that in New York State, dirt bikes are classified as "off-road motorcycles" and they have to be registered as All-Terrain Vehicles? As someone who isn't a dirt bike rider, this was news to me.

The New York State Department of Motor Vehicle explains that dirt bikes/ATV's are "strictly illegal to ride on public streets, highways, sidewalks, or public parks unless fully converted, inspected, and registered for street use."

Again, as someone who has never been on a dirt bike, this was helpful information especially because it seems to be an on going issue in the City of Poughkeepsie.

The City of Poughkeepsie Police Department is cracking down on dirt bike riding on public roads and unregistered recreational vehicles.

Meet The City of Poughkeepsie PD's Tow Claw

In a statement posted to social media the City of Poughkeepsie Police Department shared an introduction to the tow claw.

"Break the Law, Meet the Tow Claw" City of Poughkeepsie Police write. They say that there are several violations like unregistered and uninspected vehicles, reckless driving, no helmet, and others that have been grabbing their attention as of late.

The statement goes on "you can see, these operators are getting the attention they’ve been looking for — unfortunately for them, it’s coming in the form of multiple tickets and vehicle impounds."

With that, the City of Poughkeepsie Police say that these vehicles are "not only illegal to operate on public roadways, sidewalks, and park properties" but they can create safety risks when they are "operated recklessly."

See Reckless Dirt Bike Riding? Report It

The City of Poughkeepsie Police Department is asking the public for their help. While officers continue to address the issue they're hoping the public can help "identify problem areas."

City of Poughkeepsie PD writes:

Your cooperation helps us identify problem areas and keep our streets, sidewalks, and parks safer for everyone.

If you see reckless dirt bike riding, they say report it by calling them at 845-451-4000.