Relates to the all terrain vehicle trial registration program

Summary of provisions

Section 1 amends the Vehicle and Traffic Law by adding a new section 2292 which creates the all terrain vehicle trial registration program.

Subsection 1 provides that the program will be in place for two years and only apply in the counties of Allegany, Jefferson, Oswego, Madison, and the portions of Saint Lawrence and Lewis counties which are located outside of the Adirondack Park. All terrain vehicles (ATVs) weighing up to one thousand five hundred pounds will be allowed to register for the program.

Subsection 2 provides that the ATVs registered under this program will be required to have an unobstructed registration number with a plate on the back of the ATV.

Subsection 3 provides that failure to comply with any part of this section will constitute a non-criminal violation punishable by fines stated in this section.

Subsection 4 provides the circumstances under which a police officer or Department of Environmental Conservation enforcement officer may impound an ATV.

Subsection 5 provides that the parents of minors found in violation of this shall be liable for the fines and penalties enumerated in this section.

Subsection 6 provides that the Department of Environmental Conservation is responsible for the enforcement of the provisions in this section.

Subsection 7 provides that at the conclusion of this pilot program the Commissioner of Transportation in consultation with the Commissioner of the Department of Environmental Conservation shall assess the program and submit a report to the Legislature and the Governor which includes, but is not limited to, certain items.

Existing law

Under the current law, ATVs weighing more than 1,000 pounds cannot be registered in New York State.

Justification

Currently, the law limits the size of ATVs that can be registered to 1,000 pounds or less. Yet, many new ATVs that are currently for sale weigh more than 1,000 pounds. Therefore, many New York State residents cannot register the ATVs they have legally purchased and own. This poses a significant problem for many families and individuals throughout the State.

This bill begins to address the issue of not being able to register ATVs that weigh over 1,000 pounds by creating a two year trial registration program, in certain counties, for ATVs that weigh up to 1,500 pounds. Registration of ATVs that are part of this program would require the payment of a registration fee to the State and the display of an unobstructed registration number with a plate on the back of the all terrain vehicle.

At the conclusion of the trial registration program the Commissioner of the Department of Transportation, in consultation with the Commissioner of the Department of Environmental Conservation, shall assess the program and submit a report to the Legislature and the Governor This report shall include, but not be limited to, the environmental impact of the program, the economic impact of the program, the revenue generated by the program and any other considerations as determined by the Commissioners. This pilot program, and the assessment at its conclusion, will allow the State to gain a better understanding of the positive results that will occur if ATVs weighing up to 1,500 pounds are able to be registered in New York State.

Legislative history

New Bill.

Fiscal implications

This bill will result in increased revenue for the state because ATVs that were previously unable to be registered can now be registered for a trial registration program.

Effective date

This act shall take effect on the thirtieth day after it shall have become law.