In case you missed it: Industry calls for action against side-by-side regulations

Earlier this month, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission voted 3-2 to push forward a proposed rule for mandatory product standards for recreational off-highway vehicles. Now the industry is asking for help in fighting the rule.

Americans for Responsible Recreational Access is asking members to contact their representatives in Congress to prevent the rule from being passed. The ARRA’s plea was forwarded on by the Motorcycle Industry Council and the National Off-Highway Vehicle Conservation Council.

According to the NOHVCC email, “The proposed rule, if ultimately approved, would limit the ability of ROV manufacturers to design vehicles to safely provide the level of performance that is expected by OHV enthusiasts. CPSC voted to move forward despite the fact that the proposed rule relies heavily on CPSC assumptions, rather than on scientific conclusions drawn from relevant testing or incident data. In addition, CPSC’s proposed rule would inappropriately apply standards developed for on-highway vehicles, without ensuring that those principles apply in off-highway environments. The rule also ignores the risk of unintended consequences for vehicle users.”

To read the CPSC’s 592-page briefing package, click here.

To send an email to your Congressional representatives, click here.

In addition, Polaris Industries Inc., has asked off-road enthusiasts to stand up and let their voices be heard regarding the Consumer Product Safety Commission’s (CPSC) proposed mandates for off-road, side-by-side vehicles (ROVs).

Despite willingness by Polaris and other manufacturers, along with the Recreation Off-Highway Vehicle Association (ROHVA), to work in unison with the CPSC to develop ongoing safety improvements for all off-highway vehicles, the CPSC appears determined to mandate handling and performance capabilities, and require excessive and potentially unsafe restraint systems for future ROVs. If not halted, the mandate will unnecessarily limit design freedom in the off-road industry and negatively impact off-road customers.

The proposed CPSC “rule” would require Polaris and other manufacturers to make arbitrary design changes to all future side-by-side vehicles. The proposed changes could lead to future off-road vehicles with reduced steering response, reduction in ground clearance, and more restrictive driver and passenger restraint and seatbelt systems.

“As an off-road community, we have a tremendous challenge in front of us,” said Paul Vitrano, VP, global government relations for Polaris. “As a unified community, we can protect our right to design, build and ride for today and the future.”

Polaris is asking off-road enthusiasts to reach out to Congress, and voice their opposition. More information about the proposed mandate and how to speak out can be found at www.StopTheROVMandate.com.

Also be sure to voice your opinion on the CPSC Contact Form by clicking here.

Need some assistance with your letter to the CPSC? Courtesy of Polaris, here’s a sample template:

“My family and I are off-road vehicle enthusiasts and we own a Polaris side-by-side (Recreational Off-Highway Vehicle; ROV). We are very happy with the safety and performance of our Polaris ROV. We are concerned that CPSC’s proposed ROV standards will cause vehicle design to change, compromising performance and creating unintended consequences, while not increasing safety. I urge CPSC to reconsider moving forward on a mandatory standard for ROVs.

The industry’s updated voluntary standard (ANSI/ROHVA 1-2014) was developed following several years of discussions with the CPSC staff. As of today, CPSC has not fully or fairly considered the new ANSI/ROHVA 1-2014 Standard. Dismissing decades of real-world off-road expertise should not be allowed.

Thank you for your consideration.”