SB 381

This bill defines "small utility terrain vehicle," creates an exception from the

prohibition on a person under the age of 16 operating a utility terrain vehicle (UTV),

and increases the allowable engine size for a small all-terrain vehicle (ATV).

Under current law, a person may not operate, rent, or lease a UTV unless he or

she is at least 16 years of age. An exception is made if the person is operating the

UTV for an agricultural purpose and he or she is under the supervision of a person

over 18 years of age. This bill defines "small utility terrain vehicle" as a UTV that

has four wheels and that has either an engine certified by the manufacturer at not

more than 200 cubic centimeters or an equivalent power unit. Under this bill, a

person under the age of 16 but at least 12 years of age may operate a small UTV on

an ATV trail designated by the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) if he or she

is accompanied by by his or her parent or guardian or by a person who is at least 18

years of age who is designated by the parent or guardian.

Under current law, a person who is at least 16 years of age and who was born

on or after January 1, 1988, may not operate a UTV without a valid safety certificate.

Under this bill, a person who is at least 12 years of age and who was born on or after

January 1, 1988, may not operate a UTV without a valid safety certificate. Under

current law, subject to limited exceptions, no person under 12 years of age may

operate an ATV. An exception is made for a person operating a small ATV on an ATV

trail designated by DNR if the person is accompanied by his or her parent or guardian

or by a person who is at least 18 years of age who is designated by the parent or

guardian. "Small all-terrain vehicle" is defined as an ATV that has four wheels and

that has either an engine certified by the manufacturer at not more than 90 cubic

centimeters or an equivalent power unit. This bill increases the allowable engine

size for a small ATV from 90 cubic centimeters to 130 cubic centimeters.