Many drivers may not be aware that filling up your gas tank could now result in a $100 fine. A gas station law in Ohio now makes it illegal to directly fuel an ATV or dirt bike at the pump. This rule was initially passed in 2017, but has been reinstated at a time when police are cracking down on the illegal fueling of ATVs and dirt bikes following a surveillance video that surfaced showing riders causing havoc on the streets of Cleveland.
Riders will only be allowed to fuel a dirt bike or ATV at a pump station if it’s being trailered or transported. The law has been reintroduced to prohibit dangerous street takeovers and stunt riding.
What the Ohio Dirt Bike and ATV Fueling Law Says
The Ohio fueling law now specifies that it will be illegal to fuel an ATV or dirt bike at a gas station unless it’s being trailered or transported by another vehicle. Drivers caught breaking this law will face a $100 fine. Gas station clerks and owners who have allowed illegal fueling will also face a similar fine. However, this violation is considered a minor misdemeanor.
Although nine gas stations have recently been cited for allowing illegal fueling, no driver has yet been fined for the offense.
Why Police Are Cracking Down on Illegal Fueling
Police are cracking down on illegal fueling after the Cleveland Real-Time Crime Center captured surveillance footage of a large group of ATVs and dirt bikes filling up at local gas stations before riding recklessly through the city streets.
The riders were seen blocking intersections, performing dangerous stunts like wheelies and burnouts, and accelerating into oncoming traffic. These actions were considered both dangerous and disruptive to traffic.
“I think they were out there having fun, but it’s causing a nuisance to the entire community. We’re going back to look at the participants but also the gas stations to see if they were actually allowing them to pump gas,” said Cleveland Police Chief Annie Todd.
Why the Ohio Gas Station Law Is Controversial
Although the law aims to enhance public safety, especially on the roads, critics argue that it’s placing an unnecessary burden on gas station staff. According to Susan Moran, a criminal defense attorney and Adjunct Professor at Case Western Reserve University, the law could put gas station workers at risk of confrontation if they tried to prevent riders from fueling.
“I’m very disturbed by the language of this statute because it’s just so non-descript. Is she [the clerk] supposed to be looking out the window while this is happening to make sure that appropriate vehicles are using the machines? This isn’t 1950. This isn’t when we’d send someone out to fill up your car.”
“If a bunch of people show up with vehicles they’re trying to fill up, and if she’s got to maybe turn off from the inside, they’ll [the drivers] come in probably angry wanting answers, and so now we have a confrontation,” she added.
How to Avoid Ohio’s $100 Dirt Bike and ATV Fueling Fine
If you own a dirt bike or an ATV in Ohio, adhere to the following rules to avoid the $100 gas station fines:
- Avoid fueling directly at a gas station.
- Transport or trailer your ATV/ dirt bike when going to fuel at a gas station.
Due to this rule, you should be aware that gas station clerks might prevent you from fueling dirt bikes/ATVs because they, too, can be fined. Although violating the fueling law is a misdemeanor, more severe punishments may be enforced in the future.
To this point, the crackdown has only focused on gas stations and their staff, but soon, police will also focus on drivers who break the rule.
Ohio’s Fueling Ban and Street Takeovers
Besides the fueling ban, U.S. police departments are also cracking down on other activities such as street racing, drifting, stunt driving, and organized street takeovers. There have been instances where riders have been filmed pointing guns, setting off fireworks, and causing chaos.
According to authorities, the rule to ban fueling at gas stations will also curb these activities that pose a danger to other motorists and communities in general.
Conclusion
While the Ohio ATV and dirt bike fueling law may not be popular, riders should know about it and spread the word. This is because it has real consequences for both riders and gas station clerks. The rule is not intended to punish those involved but to enhance road and public safety.