Providence cracking down on illegal use of recreational vehicles

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — With summer just around the corner, Providence officials reminded residents that police will continue to seize illegal ATVs and dirt bikes off the streets.

Mayor Brett Smiley said Tuesday that if anyone drives an illegal ATV or dirt bike on city streets, it will be seized, shredded, and recycled.

A team was formed last year to combat the illegal use of dirt bikes through the city, and Smiley says the city has seized nearly 200 off-road vehicles since then.

“People are going to be outside, enjoying public festivals and fairs and all of the things that make Providence great,” Smiley said. “And all of that can be ruined by illegal ATV use.”

Over a dozen illegal bikes were donated to the Dominican Republic State Police Department in March.

Resident Steven Goff agreed that off-road vehicles do not belong on the streets.

“I do think that dirt bikes and ATVs need to be regulated,” Goff said. “Because if they’re not regulated somebody could get hurt.”

Providence residents are encouraged to call a tip line to report illegal ATVs or dirt bikes on the streets at 401-680-TATV.