Massachusetts Environmental Police Alert Off-Highway Vehicle Operators of New Rules. New age restrictions, safety education and registration requirements go into effect.
With the onset of spring, the Massachusetts Environmental Police (MEP) are reminding snow machine, all-terrain vehicle and dirt bike operators of new safety rules, including new operator age limits.
(Editors Note: Please read the following press release carefully as some rules apply to ATV’s and dirt bikes only. Previous posts about the rules can be found here: New OHV Laws Passed and Registration Numbers on Snowmobiles)
As part of a effort to protect public safety, a new law passed by the Legislature then signed by Governor Patrick in August 2010, increases safety requirements for minor operators and stiffens penalties for illegal vehicle operation.
“This winter we encourage all recreation vehicle operators to operate safely, use common sense and obey all of the new and existing laws, especially regarding vehicle operation by minors,” said Environmental Police Director Col. Aaron Gross.
Under Massachusetts law, no person under 14 years old may operate an all-terrain vehicle or recreation utility vehicle. No person age 14 to 16 years old may operate an all-terrain or recreation utility vehicle with an engine capacity greater than 90 cubic centimeters, and no one between 14 or 16 years old may operate an all-terrain or recreation utility vehicle without direct supervision by an adult. Supervising adults must be at least 18 years old and must be sufficiently close to the operator at all times to maintain both visual contact and verbal communications with the operator. No one under the age of 16 and a half may operate a recreation vehicle across a public way unless directly supervised by an adult.
As of February 1, 2011, operators under the age of 18 are required to take an approved safety course. Parents of operators under the age of 16 will be required to attend one mandatory safety course session. (Editors Note: This does not apply to snowmobiles)
The 2011 safety course schedule.
In addition, the new law requires all operators of recreation vehicles operated on public and private property to register their vehicles with MEP. Previously, operators who rode exclusively on private property were not required to register their vehicles.
The new law also includes increased penalties for illegal operation of off highway vehicles.
During the 2009 to 2010 winter season, there were 22 snowmobile accidents, with one fatality. During the winter of 2008 to 2009, there were 27 accidents and four fatalities. In 2010, there were 62 total recreation vehicle accidents and six fatalities. In 2009, there were 50 recreation vehicle accidents and two fatalities. In 2008, there were 50 accidents and three fatalities.
MEP also reminds operators of these safety tips.
The Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs’ Office of Law Enforcement – known also as the Massachusetts Environmental Police – is the primary agency responsible for enforcing the Commonwealth’s fish and game and boating and recreation vehicle laws. MEP officers enforce laws and regulations related to the protection of natural resources and public parks and land; boat and recreation vehicle use; and hazardous waste disposal. MEP officers serve as stewards of the state’s natural resources, patrolling forests, parks, inland waterways and coastal waters throughout the Commonwealth.
Catherine Williams
Acting Press Secretary
Massachusetts Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs
100 Cambridge Street, Suite 900, Boston, MA 02114
(617) 626-1809 office – (617) 571-6235 mobile – (617) 626-1027 fax
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