What's happening
This bill updates the definition of "all terrain vehicle" to create two classes based on width and dry weight limits.
Why it matters
Creates two distinct classes for ATVs—class one and class two—based on their width and dry weight, which could affect which vehicles are allowed on certain trails or public lands, influencing access for recreational users and manufacturers.
By setting specific, measurable criteria (width and weight), the law makes it easier for law enforcement and regulators to identify and differentiate vehicle types, potentially leading to clearer enforcement and fewer legal ambiguities.
The changes may impact insurance, registration, and safety requirements for different types of ATVs, as clearer definitions can guide future regulations or restrictions on use, customization, or sale.
Excludes larger, heavier vehicles from the ATV definition, which may affect the off-road vehicle market and could encourage manufacturers to design vehicles to fit within or just outside these new classes, influencing product offerings and consumer choices.
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Who cares
Headline styles
Redefine ATV Vehicle Classes
Plain English, a few words. Used as the page title.
Sponsors
History
- Referred to transportation
- Referred to transportation
Full text
1 pageUnderlined is new[Struck] is removedOfficial text on nysenate.gov ↗
STATE OF NEW YORK
3311
2019-2020 Regular Sessions
IN SENATE
February 5, 2019
Introduced by Sens. RANZENHOFER, HELMING, ORTT, RITCHIE, 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"
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]. A "class one ATV" may not exceed seventy inches in width, or one thousand pounds dry weight. A "class two ATV" may not exceed seventy inches in width and shall exceed one thousand pounds dry weight but may not exceed one thousand eight 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 one hundred eightieth day after it shall have become a law. Effective immediately, the addition, amendment and/or repeal of any rule or regulation necessary for the implementation of this act on its effective date is authorized to be made and completed on or before such effective date.
EXPLANATION--Matter in italics (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
[ ] is old law to be omitted.
LBD01797-01-9
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 defi- nition of an "all terrain vehicle"
Purpose
This bill raises the defined weight of an all terrain vehicle (ATV) to 1,800 pounds of dry weight to allow additional ATVs 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 to create two classes of ATV vehi- cles. Class 1 ATVs may not exceed seventy inches in width and one thou- sand pounds dry weight. The new class 2 ATVs continue the same width restriction but raise the maximum weight to 1,800 pounds.
Section 2 provides the effective date.
Justification
The current Vehicle and Traffic Law defines an ATV as being no wider than 70 inches and no heavier than 1,000 pounds. Newer models of ATVs are now being built that exceed the current weight limit, particularly side by side vehicles. These heavier vehicles are finding greater popu- larity, but New York has not updated its laws to recognize these new vehicles. Many other states have updated their laws and regulations to allow usage of these vehicles. The result is that prospective buyers do not end up buying these vehicles, or if they do make purchases, fail to register them or register them in other states.
By creating a second class of ATV for the heavier vehicles, increasing the maximum weight limit on class 2 ATVs to 1,800 pounds, users will be able to register their vehicles in New York State At the same time, where there are concerns that the heavier ATVs may be inappropriate for certain terrain or trails, it will allow restrictions to be tailored restricting the use of the heavier class 2 vehicles. The upshot of this bill will be to generate more revenue for the State through increased registrations while retaining the ability to differentiate usage when necessary. It is also likely that updating this law will increase sales of ATVs and generate additional sales tax revenue for the State and local governments. Finally, this bill will encourage owners of these currently ignored vehicles to register their ATVs in New York.
Legislative history
2018 - S.7361 -- TRANSPORTATION
Fiscal implications
No cost to the state.
Effective date
This act shall take effect on the 90th day after it shall have become law; and provided, further, that effective immediately, the addition, amendment and or repeal of any rule or regulation necessary for the implementation of this act on its effective date are authorized and directed to be made and completed on or before such effective date.
Summaries, headlines and scores are AI-generated from the official bill text. How we score bills. Source: NYS Open Legislation.