BILL NUMBER: S2709

SPONSOR: RITCHIE
 
TITLE OF BILL:

An act to amend the vehicle and traffic law, in relation to the defi-
nition of an all terrain vehicle or "ATV"

 
PURPOSE:

This bill raises the defined weight of an all terrain vehicle to 1,500
pounds of dry weight to allow certain all terrain vehicles to be regis-
tered 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 by raising the dry weight qualifica-
tion from 1,000 pounds to 1,500 pounds for certain all terrain vehicles.

Section 2 provides the effective date.
              

 
JUSTIFICATION:

The current vehicle and traffic law defines an all terrain vehicle (ATV)
as being no wider than 70 inches and no heavier than 1,000 pounds.
Advancements in technology have lead to the development of new all
terrain vehicles. Sometimes, these new vehicles are heavier than the
more traditional models. Unlike other states, New York has not updated
their regulations to allow the registration of these new vehicles. The
current dry weight limit on all terrain vehicles is enticing New Yorkers
to register their vehicles in other states or to leave their vehicles
unregistered.

By increasing the weight limit on certain all terrain vehicles by 500
pounds users will be able to register their vehicles in New York State.
This will generate more revenue for the State through registrations.
Also, it is anticipated that permitting the registration of certain all
terrain vehicles weighing over 1,000 pounds will increase the interest
in purchasing such vehicles and generate additional sales tax revenue
for the State. Finally, enactment of this legislation will provide a
necessary update to allow current owners of all terrain vehicles to
register and legally use their vehicles in New York.

 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:

2019-2020: S.1372/A.8601.

 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:

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.