Senate Bill S3318

                                BILL NUMBER:S3318               REVISED 05/27/11

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 "ATV" to 1,500 pounds of dry
weight to allow certain "urv's" to be registered in New York.

SUMMARY:
Section 1. redefines "all terrain vehicle" in chapter 319 of the
vehicle and traffic law by raising the dry weight qualification from
1000 pounds to 1,500 pounds.

Section 2. provides this act shall take effect on the 30th day after
it shall have become law.

JUSTIFICATION:
The current vehicle and traffic law defines an all terrain vehicle
(ATV) specifically as being no wider than 70 inches and no heavier
than 1,000 pounds. With advancements in technology, the world of ATV
driving has expanded to create some new vehicles which are sometimes
referred to as Utility Vehicles (UTV). UTV's are sometimes heavier
than traditional models of ATV's.
              

Unlike other states, New York hasn't updated regulations to allow the
new vehicles to be registered. The current dry weight limit on ATV's
is enticing New Yorkers to register their vehicles in other states or
to leave their vehicles unregistered.

By increasing the weight limit on ATV's by 500 pounds, we are allowing
users to register their UTV's in New York. In doing so, we will
generate more state revenue through registrations. The allowance of
registrations is also anticipated to peak interest in the purchase of
new UTV's in New York State which will generate additional sales tax
revenue. Finally, by enacting this legislation, we will be providing
a necessary update which will allow current owners of UTV's to
register and use their vehicles legally in New York.

LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
S.3160  of 2006 - Referred to Transportation
S.4380  of 2007 - Referred to Transportation
S.4380A of 2008 - Passed Senate
S.4277  of 2009 - Committed to Rules
S.4277  of 2010 - Passed Senate

FISCAL IMPACT:
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.