Senate Approves Ritchie ‘Utv’ Bill

Measure Eases Rules On Family Friendly Rec Vehicles

State Senator Patty Ritchie’s bill to make regulations on all terrain vehicles more friendly to families passed the Senate Monday.

The bill, S.3318, increases the acceptable weight limits on ATV's from 1,000 to 1,500 pounds, allowing New Yorkers to register their UTV's. That will generate more state revenue through registrations, as many riders are currently registering the increasingly popular vehicles in other states.

"Upstate New York offers thousands of miles of ATV trails. This legislation will help attract riders to come to New York to experience what we have to offer, expanding our tourism industry and providing more reasons to visit our rural areas," Senator Ritchie said. "If we want to revitalize our economy and help create more jobs in our rural areas, we need to modernize our regulations."

“With advancements in technology, the world of ATV driving has expanded to create new vehicles which are sometimes referred to as Utility Vehicles (UTV). Unlike other states, New York hasn't updated regulations to allow the new vehicles to be registered,” Senator Ritchie said. “Many of the larger vehicles are what’s known as side by sides that allow couples to ride together.”

“UTV’s are increasingly popular among seniors and adults who want to bring a spouse, a child or a friend with them on a ride,” Senator Ritchie said. “These are not the kind of people who are likely to go ‘mud bogging’ or travel at high speeds off the established trail system.”

The bill was sent to the Assembly, where it is sponsored by Assemblyman William Magee.