ATV provision in the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008

Congress passed a bill that will require all companies that import ATVs into the United States to comply the same vehicle safety standards that established ATV manufacturers have adhered to for years. This bill will also require them to meet the same safety initiatives, including training, as those established manufacturers.

The mandatory safety standard for ATVs is a part of the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008 (H.R. 4040), and passed the House of Representatives on July 30, 2008. The Coalition for Safe and Responsible ATV Use thanked the House and Senate members who helped assure that the provision was a part of the final bill.

In recent years there have been a growing number of non-traditional ATV companies entering the market, while refusing to comply with the self-imposed regulations of safety concern and education for ATV owners. What is truly concerning is the target market of these companies being riders under the age of 16. Sales of non-compliant ATVs are estimated to be approximately one third of new ATV sales in the United States.

The ATV provision in the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008 will assure that all ATVs sold in the United States, imported and domestic, adhere to the safety standards and provide training programs to help assure the safety of new ATV riders.

The bill was cleared for the White House and on its way to the President after the Senate passed it on July 31, 2008. It is listed as having been presented to the President on August 6, 2008, as of this posting there are no White House press releases concerning the bill.