Committee backs bill letting cities regulate ATVs and dirt bikes within city limits

The committee adopted an amendment and reported House Bill 2337 as amended. Staff summarized the bill as restoring local authority for cities to regulate ATVs and dirt bikes, clarifying that state law would not preempt city ordinances.

Chair Ed Nielsen said the bill was requested by the City of Philadelphia and the Philadelphia Police Department and framed it as a response to safety problems in Philadelphia and other cities. He referenced Act 92 of 02/22 as having created statewide penalties that preempted previous local ordinance authority in some places.

Sharon Benninghoff described similar problems in Harrisburg—individuals revving ATVs and lifting front ends outside restaurants, creating nuisance and safety concerns for motorists, bicyclists and pedestrians—and said cities should have the ability to govern these vehicles locally. The committee adopted amendment A03154, described by staff as clarifying and reinforcing urban municipalities' ability to enforce stricter local requirements, and then reported the bill as amended.

The transcript records no negative votes.