Senate Bill S3311

                                
 
BILL NUMBER: S3311

SPONSOR: RANZENHOFER
 
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.