House Passes Legislation Regulating Use of All-Terrain Vehicles

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 14, 2010

Bans those under 14 from Operating ATV’s

State Representative Cory Atkins (D-Concord) joined her colleagues in the Massachusetts House of Representatives in passing legislation prohibiting anyone under 14 years of age from operating an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) and imposing strict penalties upon those who ride ATV’s recklessly or negligently.

“As an elected official, I feel it is my duty to ensure the safety of my constituents,” said Atkins. “This bill will keep our children safe by increasing the age at which they may operate an ATV.”

The bill prohibits any person between the ages of 14 and 16 from operating an ATV with an engine capacity greater than 90 cubic centimeters. The legislation dictates that those between the ages of 14 and 16 years can only operate an ATV under direct adult supervision.

The bill would impose fines for operating an ATV under the influence of an intoxicating substance. The legislation would also instate fines, imprisonment – or both – for anyone operating an ATV recklessly or negligently and causing serious bodily injury to another individual.

Under this legislation, anyone under the age of 18 would have to complete a recreation vehicle and responsibility course approved by the Director of the Office of Environmental Law Enforcement before operating an ATV. In addition, the parents or legal guardian of an operator under 16 must complete at least one session of the safety course.

Protective headgear would also be required for those operating an ATV or riding an ATV.

The bill incorporates environmental safeguards by prohibiting ATV’s that emit noxious fumes or make unusual or excessive noise. Further, the legislation prohibits the operation of ATV’s in a manner that harasses or harms deer or other wildlife.

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