ATV Bill Approved By N.C. House
The North Carolina House approved a bill that would ban children under the age of eight from operating an ATV, and limit children ages eight to 15 to models 90cc or less in size.
The compromise bill, reached by a conference committee, also calls for any operator 16 and older to complete an approved ATV-safety course, and mandates operators wear a safety helmet and eye protection.
However, farmers and hunters would be exempt from the age and safety restriction proposals. Also, children born on or before Aug. 15, 1997, would still be able to operate larger vehicles if a parent can prove they or a guardian owned the ATV before Aug. 15 of this year.
Violators would be subject to a misdemeanor charge punishable by fines of up to $200.
The House voted 80-30 for the measure, which still must be voted on by the Senate. If approved, it would go to Gov. Mike Easley for his signature.
At least 28 states now have minimum age requirements, according to the Specialty Vehicle Institute of America (SVIA).
