Ordinance Amendment Prevents Gas Stations from Selling Fuel to Drivers of Illegally Operated Dirt Bikes amid Sharp Increase of Incidents
JERSEY CITY, NJ - Mayor Steven M. Fulop joins Ward A Councilwoman Denise Ridley, Ward B
Councilwoman Mira Prinz-Arey, and the Jersey City Police Department to announce a new law
prohibiting gas stations from selling fuel to illegally operated dirt bikes and all-terrain vehicles
(ATVs). The proposal to deter illegally operated ATVs will be introduced at the Municipal Council
meeting this Wednesday, April 12, 2023.
Since June 2022, Jersey City Police Officers have responded to a staggering 100 calls for service
involving dirt bikes/ATVs, 10 of which involved motor vehicle accidents. The concerning rise in illegal
ATVs driving recklessly on roadways throughout the state poses a new level of danger to public safety,
especially pedestrians, drivers, and riders.
“We have been working closely with our Police Department as this issue has become increasingly
alarming, and our residents are being put in harm’s way due to reckless ATV drivers,” said Mayor
Fulop. “This is a necessary deterrent as part of our broader, multi-layered efforts that have substantially
improved safety on our roadways citywide.”
The proposed law states no gas station owner or employee operating in Jersey City is permitted to
dispense gasoline directly into an all-terrain vehicle or dirt bike unless the vehicle was transported to the
gas station on a properly registered vehicle, trailer, or truck.
“We are taking a stand against the illegal ATVs and dirt bikes that are increasingly putting our
community at risk. In addition to deterring gas stations, we are also making it illegal for storage
facilities to allow for the delivery and/or removal of ATVs that are not properly transported,” added
Councilwoman Mira Prinz-Arey.
“The drivers of these illegal ATVs are often weaving through traffic without helmets at speeds that pose
a serious danger to themselves, surrounding vehicles on the roadways, and the public at large. The goal
is to add another deterrent to stop them from putting people at serious risk,” added Councilwoman
Ridley.
The provision will enhance Councilwoman Ridley’s original ordinance - designating ATVs as
contraband and banning motorized vehicles from Jersey City streets - passed by City Council
unanimously last September.
“Historically, this was not a major issue we were constantly dealing with, but in recent years we have
seen a steep increase in ATV-involved motor vehicle accidents and other safety issues surrounding these
illegal motorized bikes,” said JCPD Deputy Chief Nick Flora. “While our officers have worked to
address this issue, it has become a larger issue across the state that needs to be looked at from all
angles.”
Per the ordinance, owners/employees of gas stations and storage facilities in violation are subject to a
maximum fine of $2,000.
