HB 2858 - DIGEST

Requires the department to adopt standards for and implement a comprehensive all-terrain vehicle safety education and training program. The program must provide for the hands-on training of all-terrain vehicle operators, and for the issuance of all-terrain vehicle safety certificates to operators who successfully complete the training. Course content shall be adopted from a curriculum developed by a nationally recognized safety organization such as the all-terrain vehicle safety institute.

Provides that the director will by rule establish a program to certify all-terrain vehicle safety instructors, clubs, associations, municipalities, or political subdivisions to conduct a training program and to issue safety certificates in the director's name.

Requires that all-terrain vehicle safety instructors at a minimum shall meet the following requirements to become certified: (1) Possess a current all-terrain vehicle safety instructor certification or license issued by a recognized all-terrain vehicle safety organization;

(2) Be at least eighteen years of age;

(3) Have no convictions relating to or as a result of the use of alcohol or drugs during the immediately preceding two years; and

(4) Have no previous felony convictions.

Provides that: (1) All-terrain vehicles with engine capacity of seventy cubic centimeter displacement ("cc") up to and including ninety cc may be operated on public land only by those aged twelve and older.

(2) All-terrain vehicles with engine capacity greater than ninety cc may be operated on public land only by those aged sixteen and older.

(3) Persons under age sixteen must be under continuous adult supervision while operating an ATV on public land.