The New York State Assembly announced Wednesday an approved amendment to the state’s ATV operation laws. Under the new legislation, the minimum age to operate an ATV in New York will increase from 10 to 14 years old.
Additionally, the previous provision allowing supervision by a person aged 16 or older with an ATV safety certificate has been revoked. Now, only those 18 or older can provide oversight.
The changes come in light of recent ATV accidents involving minors, some of which were fatal. The American Academy of Pediatrics has highlighted concerns, suggesting children are “not developmentally capable of operating these heavy, complex machines.” The updated legislation mandates that children under 16 can only ride ATVs on public lands when supervised by someone aged 18 or up.
This amendment, aimed at preventing further accidents and tragedies, will officially become law at the close of February.
FingerLakes1.com is the region’s leading all-digital news publication. The company was founded in 1998 and has been keeping residents informed for more than two decades. Have a lead? Send it to [email protected].