Minimum Age To Operate An ATV Will Raise To 14 In New York State

There is some big changes coming to New York State with the age to operate an ATV. Here's what we currently know so far:

An amendment to a bill regarding the minimum age for operation of an ATV was approved that raises the minimum age to operate an ATV in New York State from ten years old, to 14 years old. The amendment also removed the allowance of a person sixteen years of age or over who holds an ATV safety certificate to supervise operation. Now, supervision must be administered by someone 18 years or older.

Over 24,000 children under the age of sixteen are injured in ATV-related accidents each year. 1 Though 30% of ATV-related injuries and 13% of deaths involve minors, their hospitalization rates are 30% higher than for adults. 2 Traumatic brain injury is the leading cause of death for children under sixteen involved in fatal ATV accidents, with younger children (under six years) being at highest risk 3."

ATVs, depending on the particular model, can weigh 600 pounds or more, and reach speeds exceeding 70 miles per hour. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, operating ATVs is especially dangerous for young children.

This legislation amends the Vehicle and Traffic Law and makes several changes to promote greater ATV safety and to prevent tragedies involving minors."

The amendment will become law at the end of February. The amendment of the legislation also will allow children under 16 to only ride ATVs on public land while being supervised by someone 18 or older.

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