HARRISBURG (TNS) — Police in Pennsylvania now have authority to seize dirt bikes and all-terrain vehicles which have been illegally operated in public areas.

The new law, recently signed by Gov. Tom Wolf, applies to vehicles ridden illegally in public areas including streets, highways, road shoulders, sidewalks and bike lanes.

The law also authorizes new penalties for violations, including fines of $50 to $100 plus costs for a first offense, and fines of $100 to $300 plus costs for a second offense. It also allows jail time of up to ten days for a first offense and 30 days for a second, according to a summary prepared by the state House.

Authorities can eventually sell seized vehicles, although only if the operator is convicted of a violation.

The law was sponsored by state Sen. Pat Browne, R-Lehigh County. According to nbcphiladelphia.com, Browne said, “We have seen countless incidences of property being destroyed, injuries to pedestrians and the tragic loss of life of innocent bystanders due to these reckless actions.”

According to the state House summary, the law does not apply to dirt bikes or ATVs making a direct crossing, as long as the crossing is made at a safe place with a good view, the operator stops before crossing, and the operator yields the right of way to traffic.

On a divided highway such a crossing can only be made at an intersection with another highway.

According to the House summary, there are about 800 violations per year involving off-road vehicles being operated in public areas.

Confiscated vehicles are turned over to the county district attorney’s office and remain impounded while the case plays out in court. In the event the vehicle doesn’t need to be destroyed in the interest of public safety, the vehicle can be sold, with proceeds used to cover prosecution costs and leftover money put in the county general fund.