Bicycle Safety

A.T.V.'s, "Dirt Bikes, and motorized skateboards, whether powered by gas or electric motors, are illegal when operated on the roadways, sidewalks, or public property in New Jersey. Many municipalities also prohibit their operation through local ordinances.

These items are classified as motor vehicles under the New Jersey Motor Vehicles Laws. As such, they and their operators are subject to all motor vehicle violations, including unregistered vehicle, uninsured vehicle, and unlicensed operator.

To further complicate the matter, these vehicles cannot be registered because they lack the fundamental safety equipment required by law. Manufacturers even put warning labels on most of these vehicles stating that the vehicle is not in compliance with federal law and should not be operated on public roadways.

FINES AN PENALTIES:

Unlicensed Operator

a fine between $200 to $500 fine
no more than 60 days in the county jail
not less than 180 day license suspension

Unregistered Vehicle

a fine not to exceed $100.00

Uninsured Vehicle

a fine between $300 and $1,000
a period of community service to be determined by the court
1 year drivers license suspension

Parents should be aware that as the legal owner of these items and the legal guardian of their children they can be cited for allowing their children to commit these violations and are subject to the same fines and penalties including driver’s license suspension.

Parents and teenagers should both be aware that teenagers accumulating motor vehicle violations can jeopardize their privilege to obtain a drivers license before they actually get one.