What's happening
This bill amends the definition of an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) by increasing the maximum allowable dry weight to 1,500 pounds.
Why it matters
Expands the range of vehicles considered ATVs. By increasing the maximum dry weight from 1,000 to 1,500 pounds, the law would allow larger and potentially more powerful off-road vehicles to be legally classified and regulated as ATVs in New York State.
Impacts ownership, use, and regulation. More vehicles would fall under ATV rules, affecting registration, insurance requirements, and safety regulations for a broader spectrum of off-road vehicles.
Potentially affects land use and access. Larger ATVs could have a greater environmental impact or affect trail wear and maintenance, which may concern landowners, recreational users, and environmental groups.
Influences ATV industry and market. Manufacturers and dealers could sell heavier models in New York, possibly increasing consumer choice and industry sales, but also raising questions about safety standards and training for operators of larger machines.
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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, bringing heavier vehicles within the definition if they meet its other requirements.
ATV manufacturers and dealers
The higher weight limit would expand the range of vehicles they could sell that qualify as ATVs under state law.
Vehicle registration officials and law enforcement agencies
They would apply the revised weight limit when determining whether an off-highway vehicle qualifies as an ATV.
Headline styles
Update ATV Definition Law
Plain English, a few words. Used as the page title.
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
In Assembly Committee · Transportation · Sponsor William Magee
Full text
1 pageUnderlined is new[Struck] is removedOfficial text on nysenate.gov ↗
STATE OF NEW YORK
1909
2017-2018 Regular Sessions
IN SENATE
January 11, 2017
Introduced by Sens. RITCHIE, BONACIC, GALLIVAN, LARKIN, MARCHIONE, O'MARA, SEWARD, YOUNG -- read twice and ordered printed, and when printed to be committed 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.
Sponsor's memo
Title of bill
An act to amend the vehicle and traffic law, in relation to the definition of an all terrain vehicle or "ATV"
Purpose
This bill raises the defined weight of an all terrain vehicle to 1,500 pounds of dry weight to allow certain all terrain vehicles to be registered in New York.
Summary of provisions
Section 1 amends the definition of an "all terrain vehicle" in chapter 319 of the Vehicle and Traffic Law by raising the dry weight qualification from 1,000 pounds to 1,500 pounds for certain all terrain vehicles. Section 2 provides the effective date.
Justification
The current vehicle and traffic law defines an all terrain vehicle (ATV) as being no wider than 70 inches and no heavier than 1,000 pounds. Advancements in technology have lead to the development of new all terrain vehicles. Sometimes, these new vehicles are heavier than the more traditional models. Unlike other states, New York has not updated their regulations to allow the registration of these new vehicles. The current dry weight limit on all terrain vehicles is enticing New Yorkers to register their vehicles in other states or to leave their vehicles unregistered.
By increasing the weight limit on certain all terrain vehicles by 500 pounds users will be able to register their vehicles in New York State. This will generate more revenue for the State through registrations. Also, it is anticipated that permitting the registration of certain all terrain vehicles weighing over 1,000 pounds will increase the interest in purchasing such vehicles and generate additional sales tax revenue for the State. Finally, enactment of this legislation will provide a necessary update to allow current owners of all terrain vehicles to register and legally use their vehicles in New York.
Legislative history
2006: S.3160 Referred to Transportation. 2007: S.4380 Referred to Transportation. 2008: S.4380A Passed the Senate. 2009: S.4277 Committed to Rules. 2010: S.4277 Passed Senate. 2011: S.3318 Passed Senate. 2012: S.3318 Passed Senate. 2013: S.1946 Passed Senate. 2014: S.1946A Passed Senate. 2015-2016: S.1792-A Recommitted to Rules/A.1951 Referred to Transportation.
Fiscal implications
No cost to the state. Additional revenue is anticipated through new registrations and sales tax.
Effective date
This act shall take effect on the 30th day after it shall have become law.
Summaries, headlines and scores are AI-generated from the official bill text. How we score bills. Source: NYS Open Legislation.