ATVs:  MORE WHEELS AND LARGER ENGINES

House Bill 5087

Sponsor:  Rep. Joel Sheltrown

Committee:  Tourism, Outdoor Recreation and Natural Resources

Complete to 6-15-09

A SUMMARY OF HOUSE BILL 5087 AS INTRODUCED 06-11-09

Under Michigan law, vehicles classified as "ATVs" (all-terrain vehicles) are a subset of the broader category of "ORVs" (off-road recreation vehicles).  An "ATV" is a 3- or 4-wheeled vehicle designed for off-road use with low-pressure tires, a seat designed to be straddled by the rider, and an engine size in the range of 50cc to 500cc. The most common form of ATV is a "four-wheeler" or "quad."  The ORV category includes many vehicles in addition to ATVs, such as sport utility vehicles, motorcycles, amphibious machines, and ground-effect air cushion vehicles, capable of cross-country travel without benefit of a road or trail. 

House Bill 5087 would amend the definitions of the terms "ATV" and "ORV" in the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act (MCL 324.81101).  The term "ATV" would include six-wheeled vehicles (in addition to 3-wheelers and 4-wheelers), and the maximum engine size for an ATV would be raised from 500cc to 1,000cc.  To be classified as an ATV, the vehicle would still have to be designed for off-road use, have low-pressure tires, and have a seat designed to be straddled by the rider.

The portion of the ORV definition that currently refers to "an ATV, a motorcycle or related 2-wheel, 3-wheel or 4-wheel vehicle" would be amended to refer to an "ATV, a motorcycle or related 2-wheel, 3-wheel, 4-wheel, or 6-wheel vehicle." 

[Note:  MCL 324.81129 specifies if, when, and where children may operate 3 and 4-wheeled ATVs, subject to certain exceptions for ATVs used in agriculture and organized racing events.  For instance, a child under the age of 16 may not operate a 3-wheeler, and a child under the age of 12 may not operate a 4-wheeler (unless he or she is at least 10 years old and is on private property owned by his or her parent/guardian).] 

FISCAL IMPACT:

The bill would have no fiscal impact on the state or on local units of government. 

                                                                                           Legislative Analyst:   Shannan Kane

                                                                                                  Fiscal Analyst:   Kirk Lindquist

■ This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan House staff for use by House members in their deliberations, and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.