Got TIPS or BREAKING NEWS? Please call 1-284-442-8000 direct/can also WhatsApp same number or Email ALL news to:newsvino@outlook.com;                               ads call 1-284-440-6666

RVIPF cracking down on motorbike offenders, illegal ATVs

-Minors among new category of road users being targeted
The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) is cracking down on the illegal use of motorcycles and other type of vehicles such as the ‘All Terrain Vehicles’ (ATV’s) following an increase amount of complaints over the illegal use these in the Virgin Islands (VI). Photo: Provided
Commissioner of Police, Mr Michael B. Matthews urged riders to make use of motorbikes to do so responsibly, abide by all the laws of the Territory and to wear all required safety equipment mandated by law. Photo: Facebook/File
Commissioner of Police, Mr Michael B. Matthews urged riders to make use of motorbikes to do so responsibly, abide by all the laws of the Territory and to wear all required safety equipment mandated by law. Photo: Facebook/File
Though the RVIPF has impounded a large number of illegal motor bikes off the streets in recent weeks, it said that some persons continue to break the law. Photo: Provided
Though the RVIPF has impounded a large number of illegal motor bikes off the streets in recent weeks, it said that some persons continue to break the law. Photo: Provided
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI – The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) is cracking down on the illegal use of motorcycles and other type of vehicles such as the ‘All Terrain Vehicles’ (ATV’s) following an increasing amount of complaints over the illegal use such in the Virgin Islands (VI).

ATV’s being targeted

The Force in a Friday, January 17, 2020, press release said it will, therefore, take a two-tiered approach to handle the issue, which will start with public education and thereafter strict enforcement.

“The thrust of the public education will seek to enlighten all persons about the territory’s road traffic laws and any recent amendments,” the release said.

As part of the mass educational drive, the RVIPF said road users must be aware of the laws and their individual duties and responsibilities whilst operating on the roads of the territory.

“This includes the illegal use of ATV’s on the roads which are only allowed off-road or with a special license from DMV for organized tourism and an authorised tour guide present. Any other use on the road is illegal and riders will expect to be prosecuted.”

Minors committing offences

The force said that the ongoing enforcement aspect will see the RVIPF vigorously targeting breaches of these laws and prosecuting all offenders found committing offences and based on recent operations, they have has unearthed that quite a number of motorbike riders are minors.

“It is believed that parents have gifted them these bikes and through their actions have enabled their children to commit offences. It has also been observed that a number of the motorbikes are in an unsafe condition which puts not only the rider at risk but other road users as well.”

The force said that the bikes are also responsible for noise pollution compounded with the removal of the silencers, which remains an offence.

Be responsible – CoP Matthews

Commissioner of Police, Mr Michael B. Matthews has, therefore, urged riders who “make use of motorbikes to do so responsibly, abide by all the laws of the Territory and to wear all required safety equipment mandated by law.”

He said he encourages bikers to use their bikes in a safe manner, bearing in mind their are other motorists on the road while also observing all road signs throughout the Territory as the Force continues to robustly enforce the laws.

12 Responses to “RVIPF cracking down on motorbike offenders, illegal ATVs”

  • WHAT!!! (18/01/2020, 11:45) Like (14) Dislike (0) Reply
    Bout time!!!!!!!
  • My girl (18/01/2020, 11:58) Like (4) Dislike (6) Reply
    Wait, it's illegal to ride ATV on the raod? this is news to me
    • eyes (18/01/2020, 14:17) Like (12) Dislike (2) Reply
      First of all if it's illegal why customs clearing them at the Port.
      • Free Willie (18/01/2020, 18:50) Like (7) Dislike (1) Reply
        @ eyes, were good question. Those ATV’s do not belong on the road at all, the cannot be registered so why allow them to pass customs. That’s the problem this place face every day. To much double standard.
  • pat (18/01/2020, 12:22) Like (15) Dislike (0) Reply
    Best news, they are nusance!
  • Tick tock (18/01/2020, 12:51) Like (15) Dislike (1) Reply
    It is about time. I dont understand why many were allowed to ride ATVS on the public roads. On Christmas day , they were up and down taking over the roads. I know many will not like this news, but to those of us who enjoy the peace and quiet of being in ours homes, this is good news. Most of those riders have no respect for themselves or others. I recall one of them cursing a gentleman who was posting about the loud noises after hours and a biker curse all the muda.... so and so to that man....and that shows the type of people that MOST of those bikers are.
    • note (19/01/2020, 12:58) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
      ......the type of people MOST of these people are" ...they are empowered by the actions of Premier Fahie who has never shield away from supporting these bike riders and their antisocial behaviour and also car racing.
      These are the VIP guaranteed,.voter these type of people and Fahie is keen on reeclection at any cost or detriment.
  • cgb (18/01/2020, 19:09) Like (8) Dislike (0) Reply
    You’d never know it’s illegal in Cane. All day, all night. In and out of tourists and school children with zero enforcement. Someone will die and still nothing will change
  • See (18/01/2020, 23:48) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    The CGB thugs do as they please . No one will stop the baby bikers . Let's see
  • he will clean up (19/01/2020, 09:49) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    Put callwood in charge of the bike mission
  • Observer (19/01/2020, 10:44) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    Good to hear about the planned education drive on these serious issues. I was just about to write a letter asking for public discussion on the Noise Abatement Act. I was also planning to raise it on the talk shows. I trust that its on the agenda. Members of our community continue to be subjected to noise pollution especially in the late hours of the night and early mornings (from the loud motors of motor bikes and the "burning of tires" of vehicles). We need to know what are its policies and penalties, and how they can or are being enforced.


Create a comment


Create a comment

Disclaimer: Virgin Islands News Online (VINO) welcomes your thoughts, feedback, views, bloggs and opinions. However, by posting a blogg you are agreeing to post comments or bloggs that are relevant to the topic, and that are not defamatory, liable, obscene, racist, abusive, sexist, anti-Semitic, threatening, hateful or an invasion of privacy. Violators may be excluded permanently from making contributions. Please view our declaimer above this article. We thank you in advance for complying with VINO's policy.

Follow Us On

Disclaimer: All comments posted on Virgin Islands News Online (VINO) are the sole views and opinions of the commentators and or bloggers and do not in anyway represent the views and opinions of the Board of Directors, Management and Staff of Virgin Islands News Online and its parent company.