What's happening
This bill expands the definition of all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) in New York to include those weighing up to 1,500 pounds.
Why it matters
Broader access for heavier ATV models. By increasing the weight limit from 1,000 to 1,500 pounds, the bill allows a wider range of modern, often safer and more durable ATVs to be used legally in New York, including side-by-sides and utility models that were previously excluded.
Potential for expanded recreation and industry use. The expanded definition could benefit outdoor recreation businesses, farmers, and landowners who use heavier ATVs for work or leisure, supporting local economies and more versatile off-road utility.
Insurance, safety, and regulatory impacts. With larger vehicles now classified as ATVs, there may be new considerations for insurance coverage, safety standards, and enforcement, potentially prompting updates to related rules or training requirements to ensure safe operation.
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Who cares
Owners of heavier off-highway vehicles
The bill would raise the ATV definition’s dry-weight limit from 1,000 to 1,500 pounds while leaving the 70-inch width limit unchanged.
ATV manufacturers and dealers
Heavier models could qualify as ATVs under the expanded definition if they meet the other statutory criteria.
Vehicle and traffic law enforcement agencies
Officers would need to apply the higher weight limit when determining whether an off-highway vehicle qualifies as an ATV.
Headline styles
Update ATV Definition
Plain English, a few words. Used as the page title.
Sponsors
12 Co-sponsors
3 Multi-sponsors
History
- Referred to transportation
- Referred to transportation
Companion bill
The same bill in the other chamber. A bill becomes law when one version passes both houses and the governor signs it, so either number can carry it.
Update ATV Definition Law
In Senate Committee · Transportation · Sponsor Patty Ritchie
Full text
1 pageUnderlined is new[Struck] is removedOfficial text on nysenate.gov ↗
STATE OF NEW YORK
4412
2017-2018 Regular Sessions
IN ASSEMBLY
February 2, 2017
Introduced by M. of A. MAGEE, BLANKENBUSH, BARCLAY, GUNTHER, CROUCH, BUTLER, WOERNER -- Multi-Sponsored by -- M. of A. HAWLEY, McDONOUGH -read once and referred to the Committee on Transportation
AN ACT to amend the vehicle and traffic law, in relation to the definition of an all terrain vehicle or "ATV"
The People of the State of New York, represented in Senate and Assembly, do enact as follows:
Section 1. Paragraph (a) of subdivision 1 of section 2281 of the vehicle and traffic law, as amended by chapter 319 of the laws of 1997, is amended to read as follows:
(a) "All terrain vehicle" or "ATV" means any self-propelled vehicle which is manufactured for sale for operation primarily on off-highway trails or off-highway competitions and only incidentally operated on public highways providing that such vehicle does not exceed seventy inches in width, or one thousand five hundred pounds dry weight. Provided, however, this definition shall not include a "snowmobile" or other self-propelled vehicles manufactured for off-highway use exclusively designed for travel on snow or ice, steered by skis or runners and supported in whole or in part by one or more skis, belts or cleats which utilize an endless belt tread.
§ 2. This act shall take effect on the thirtieth day after it shall have become a law.
EXPLANATION--Matter in italics (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
[ ] is old law to be omitted.
LBD07453-01-7
Reflowed for reading: line numbers and page breaks removed. Cite the official text.
Summaries, headlines and scores are AI-generated from the official bill text. How we score bills. Source: NYS Open Legislation.