California Senator Proposes Kid ATV Safety Legislation

By Alison Gonzalez

Published on April 09, 2008

California Sen. Abel Maldonado has proposed a new bill that would strengthen ATV operation regulations for children.

Under the new bill, labeled SB 1228, riders under 16 will be required to take a certified hands-on training course on ATV safety before they are able to drive the vehicle. The certificate would need to be carried during ATV operation and presented to law enforcement upon request.

Under current laws, children age 14 and younger are allowed to operate ATVs under the supervision of parents or legal guardians.

The proposed bill, sponsored by the American College of Emergency Physicians in California, comes after the number of off-road vehicle accidents within the past 10 years has increased by 88 percent.

More than 40,000 children under age 16 are injured on ATVs every year.

Similar ATV regulations are being looked at in several other states.