All Terrain Vehicle (ATV) - a motorized off-highway vehicle designed to operate on 3 or 4 low-pressure tires, having a seat designed to be straddled by the operator and handlebars for steering control.

One of the most comprehensive ATV laws in the US went into effect December 1, 2005, in North Carolina. The passage of this law was in response to compelling data presented by the N.C. Child Fatality Task Force.

Between 1999 and 2004, 157 North Carolinians died of ATV-related injuries. Although children younger than 16 represented only 14 percent of the ATV operators during this time, they represented 27% (43) of the deaths (NC Child Fatality Task Force, 2005) .

With the enactment of this law, child safety advocates expect to see a decline in ATV-related deaths among children.

The ATV law includes the following safety provisions: pdf version
(Source: NC Child Advocacy Institute )

No child less than age 8 may operate an ATV.

Children ages 8-11 may operate only ATVs with an engine displacement less than 70 cubic centimeters.

Children ages 12-15 may operate only ATVs with engine displacement of 90 cubic centimeters or less.

Children ages 8-15 may operate an ATV only under the continuous visual supervision of a person 18 years of age or older.

(A child who is age 8 on or before August 15, 2005 may operate larger machines than those prescribed above, as long as there is evidence that the machine was purchased by a parent or guardian prior to August 15, 2005.)

No operator may carry a passenger, except on machines specifically designed to do so.
Operators must wear helmets and face protection.
ATVs may not be operated on public streets, roads or highways, except for purposes of crossing.
Effective October 1, 2006, every ATV operator born on or after January 1, 1990 must possess a safety certificate indicating successful completion of an ATV safety course sponsored or approved by the All-Terrain Safety Institute.
Any violation of the provisions of the law is an infraction subject to a fine of not more than $200.
The law does not apply to the operation of ATVs when used for farm purposes, or for hunting or trapping.

ATV law full-text version or visit www.ncleg.net and look up Session Law 2005-282.

To enroll in an ATV safety course, please call The ATV Safety Institute at 800.887.2887 or go to www.atvsafety.org .