Massive Change To ATV Laws In New York State

The summer of 2023 is going to be very exciting! However, a new law in New York State may change who can ride on an ATV.

The last few weeks have been the driest on record for this time of year in many parts of New York State. More and more people have been out exploring and enjoying the outdoors and all that the Empire State has to offer. But before you get caught up in too much adventure, officials are reminding us that safety is a priority.

How often have you seen a kid on an ATV or dirt bike and wonder, "are they old enough to be on that thing"? That question may be harder to answer soon as a new law may be coming that would change the policy on what age is appropriate to operate various off road machines.

What Is Changing?

New York State bill #s2702 states that:

Section 1 amends Section 2409(2) of Article 48C of the Vehicle and Traffic Law to change the age of completing an ATV safety course and earning an ATV safety certificate from ten years of age to fourteen years ofage.

The bill has already passed the New York State Senate and Assembly and is headed to Governor Hochul to be put in to law.

The Legislature must take steps to protect young children, whose inexperience and lack of understanding of the potential dangers associated with ATV riding make them a vulnerable population.

Get ready for a fun summer and keep safety in mind. Since the COVID-19 pandemic has ended, it seems that the inventory of ATV and side-by-sides has come back and more and more people are shopping for a new one!