BILL NUMBER: S7298
SPONSOR: GALLIVAN
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the vehicle and traffic law, in relation to increasing
width and weight of the description specifics for an all terrain vehicle
 
PURPOSE:
The purpose of this legislation is to update the outdated ATV definition
to reflect the existence of larger all-terrain vehicles, often known as
utility terrain vehicles (UTVs).
 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
Section one amends subdivision one of Section 2281 of the Vehicle and
Traffic Law to increase the defined weight of an ATV to 2,000 pounds dry
weight and to increase the maximum width to 80 inches.
Section 2 provides that the bill shall take effect on the 30th day after
it shall have become a law.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
The current weight limit in statute for ATVs means that New Yorkers
cannot register so-called utility terrain vehicles (UTVs) in this State.
In an effort to encompass the industry's current and future product
offerings, including the growing popularity of UTVs, this legislation
updates the outdated definition by increasing the maximum allowable dry
weight of such vehicles from 1,000 pounds to 2,000 pounds dry weight. It
also provides for an increase in the maximum width of such vehicles from
70 inches to 80 inches. New York State should be doing all it can to
expand one of its strongest economic sectors, tourism. This legislation
is a step forward in that it will enable more people to register their
vehicles and to visit our trails which will help local economies.
 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
2023-24: S.84/A.1992 Referred to Transportation
2021-22: S.6663/A.6106 Referred to Transportation
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect on the thirtieth day.