Every summer many people in Philadelphia may choose to ride their dirt bike, ATV, or dune buggy in the city. These vehicles are governed by both local and state traffic codes.

Riders should be aware that the City’s traffic code does not allow these vehicles to be rode, stopped, or parked on any:

  • Public sidewalk,
  • Public property,
  • Park and rec facility, except where legally allowed.

The penalties for violating the City’s traffic code are:

  • Forfeiture of the vehicle if the vehicle’s value is over $2,000 or,
  • A $2,000 fine for the operator if the operator is not the owner of the vehicle and the owner did not know or could not have known the vehicle would be used in violation of the traffic code.
    • Riders given a fine can choose to forfeit the vehicle within eight days of receiving the fine.

Officers may seize an off-road vehicle if they have probable cause to believe it was used in violation of the City’s traffic code.

Pennsylvania’s traffic code states that riders may not drive dirt bikes or ATVs on:

  • A highway, to include the shoulder,
  • A sidewalk,
  • A bike lane.

Penalties for violating the State’s traffic code are:

  • First offense: A fine of no less than $50 but no more than $200 and pay the costs of prosecution.
    • In place of paying a fine, imprisonment up to 10 days.
  • After their first offense: A fine of no less than $100 but no more than $300 and pay the costs of prosecution.
    • In place of paying a fine, imprisonment up to 30 days.

Off-road vehicles used in violation of the State’s traffic code are subject to forfeiture.

Riders should be aware that state law preempts local law, and as such, riders will be issued state code violations when being observed on a highway, sidewalk, or bike lane and will be subject to state penalties.*

When enforcing traffic codes, PPD officers can stop and detain riders only if they can do so safely. PPD instructs officers not to engage in vehicular pursuits with off-road vehicles. Officers may not engage in foot pursuits if the rider flees from an off-road vehicle.

If officers seize a vehicle, the Philadelphia Parking Authority (PPA) or PPD Tow Squad will tow the vehicle. Officers will offer the rider and any passengers a ride to their home, the PPD District of occurrence, or nearest transportation hub.

Riders and their passengers have the right to refuse a ride from PPD.

PPD officers may investigate unattended off-road vehicles if they have probable cause to believe the vehicle has been used in violation of the City’s traffic code. Unattended vehicles may be seized and towed by PPD.

To learn more about PPD’s policies for off-road vehicle violations, or to dispute a seizure please see the PPD Directive 3.21: Off-Road Vehicles.

*updated 7/18/2023 by CPOC