Harrisburg Council to Weigh Dirt Bike Fueling Ban
A draft ordinance would bar unregistered dirt bikes and ATVs from gas station fueling in the city.
Updated on Nov. 10, 2026 in City Hall
Live Poll
Should Harrisburg ban unregistered dirt bikes and ATVs from gas stations?
Harrisburg City Council will hold a first reading Tuesday at 6 p.m. on a draft ordinance prohibiting unregistered dirt bikes and all-terrain vehicles from being fueled at gas stations. Violators could face fines up to $500 for multiple offenses, and police could seize or impound the vehicle.
Why it matters
The draft ordinance states illegal dirt bike and ATV use on public streets, sidewalks, and parks creates hazardous conditions, and that fueling such vehicles at gas stations contributes to continued illegal use. Gas station owners and operators could also be fined up to $500 for fueling them.
The draft sets maximum fines of $500 for multiple offenses by operators and by gas station owners or operators, and allows gas stations to refuse fueling of ATVs unless they are on a trailer. Whether the ordinance will advance beyond its first reading has not been determined.
The players
Harrisburg City Council
The seven-member legislative body governing the city of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, which will hold the first reading of the draft ordinance.
Lamont Jones
A Harrisburg city councilman who said in June he was drafting a similar ordinance to restrict dirt bike and ATV fueling.
The details
The draft ordinance states Harrisburg has experienced a growing public safety threat from illegal dirt bike and ATV operation. In June, Councilman Lamont Jones said he was drafting a similar ordinance, and this draft would allow gas stations to refuse fueling unless the vehicle is on a trailer.
Timeline
June: Councilman Lamont Jones said he was drafting a similar ordinance.
Tuesday at 6 p.m. (November 10, 2026): Council to hold first reading of the ordinance.
Legal Context
The draft extends Harrisburg's vehicle enforcement approach by targeting fueling at gas stations, a supply point rather than the riders themselves. It follows a similar proposal Councilman Lamont Jones previewed in June.
If adopted, gas station operators could face fines up to $500 for fueling unregistered dirt bikes or ATVs, and riders could have vehicles seized or impounded. Owners would need to trailer unregistered off-road vehicles to refuel them at local stations.
The takeaway
The draft shows Harrisburg is weighing enforcement that reaches the businesses supplying fuel, not only the riders. Residents and station operators should watch the November 10 vote for any changes to the fine structure.
What happens next
Council will hold the first reading of the draft ordinance on Tuesday, November 10, 2026, at 6 p.m.
Further reading
For related local lawmaking, see City Hall coverage of Harrisburg council actions.
Live Poll
Should Harrisburg ban unregistered dirt bikes and ATVs from gas stations?
