Cleveland Riders and Store Clerks Face $100 Fine Merely for Refueling | Carscoops

      Police indicate that gas stations may face fines for fueling illegal dirt bikes and ATVs, but experts doubt the law's enforceability.

      Cleveland police warn clerks about potential penalties for providing fuel to these vehicles. Critics claim that the law is unclear, unjust to clerks, and infrequently enforced. Despite ongoing incidents, no citations have been issued since early August.

      While refueling is typically an inconvenience, in Cleveland, it may come with added repercussions. Authorities are focusing on dirt bike and ATV riders who unlawfully travel to gas stations, suggesting that clerks who serve them could also be penalized. The ordinance permits officers to issue tickets not only to the riders but also to the employees dispensing fuel, a point of contention for many who view it as unjust and unevenly applied.

      On August 2, surveillance video captured a large group of dirt bikes and ATVs taking over Denison Avenue near W. 65th Street. Riders were dangerously maneuvering through traffic and refueling at a nearby station. Police are currently examining the footage to determine if they can ticket the riders or even the gas station employees involved.

      A Law With Teeth, Rarely Used

      Chief Annie Todd informed News 5 Cleveland, “I think they were out there having fun, but it’s creating a nuisance for the entire community.” This has prompted her department to pursue actions against both riders and clerks, supported by an ordinance established in 2017. Those who fill gas into unregistered vehicles, as well as those who permit the sale, can receive a $100 fine.

      Since the law's enactment, it has only been utilized nine times, with five resulting in guilty verdicts. One case was dismissed this year. Critics argue that the infrequent application of the law is part of its shortcomings, and they find it excessive to hold clerks responsible.

      NEW: Cleveland residents are OUTRAGED after numerous dirt bike riders DISTURBED the streets for hours while police FAILED to intervene. RESIDENT: “You all and this ****** mayor running our city need to reclaim control of the area for which we pay property taxes.”

      Putting Clerks In The Crosswires

      Susan Moran, a criminal defense attorney, questioned, “Is she (the clerk) expected to monitor the situation from the window to ensure appropriate vehicles are using the pumps? This isn't 1950; we no longer send someone out to fill up your car.”

      She also highlighted the potential risk of confrontation if a clerk attempts to halt fuel sales when a group of riders arrives. “If a group arrives with vehicles and she needs to shut off the pumps from inside, they might come inside angry and demanding answers, leading to a confrontation.” Clearly, this isn't an optimal solution; having officers present at the fuel station may be necessary to prevent such occurrences.