The Law

[Admin]

According to 23VSA Chapter 31 (http://www.leg.state.vt.us/statutes/sections.cfm?Title=23&Chapter=031 )section 3515, all ATV riders between the ages of 12 and 18 in Vermont must carry a certificate of completion from a state accredited course before operating an ATV in Vermont.

This law has been on the books all season, but the state just recently informed us of the course they chose as "official", so the new law has not been enforced until now.

Young rider training is a good idea. But it seems the commissioner has selected a course that is strictly online and does not require any "hands on" or "classroom" training. It's questionable whether clubs (ATV - 4-H etc.) would also be qualified, in the future to provide this training.

Many of the folks involved in Vermont ATV sports have taken exception to the commissioners choice. What do you think? Should the clubs and VASA get together to make some changes to the official decision, or just let it ride?

See the official course here: (http://www.offroad-ed.com/vt/index.htm)

[star]

Its about time they had a course for the 12-18,but the course is a online course that any one could take for their child or children. How many of these parents can afford $30.00 per child for this course.Sounds like you either take the course or run the chance of getting a ticket.    Star

[Admin]

  Good point! Any parent, or older sibling, or even a friend could most probably take the test online for someone who could not pass the course by themselves and no one would be the wiser! That would completely defeat the purpose of the training and certificate program!

[Serbiesnow]

I feel that a hands on approach works best,. hey, Ive bought 4 ATV's from POLARIS, and each time they wanted me to take their quick coarse,. (of corase this is probably a 'disclaimer' coarse for them), but it emphasizes the need for a hands on approach. You wouldnt take a hunter safety coarse without actually shooting a gun, or a drivers coarse without actualy getting behind the wheel, HOWEVER!!, if this is all that the state requires, then thats that! I do believe that it is our responsibility to notify the [public] about this law, and make them aware of whatever it is. If the VASA clubs, or anyone else can make a better program, AND it becomes law, Im for it.  Just a note here,..I hate government in our lives, more than ANYONE believe me, but just as it is in the snowmobiling world, you will need to educate the new riders not only for safety, but for other issues that could very adversly affect the future of our sport,. like, landowner respect, loud pipes, racing on class 3 roads,..and a bunch more stuff. I hate to see a great sport get politicized, but as we saw with the snowmobiling community, knowledge will keep your trails open, and promote the future of ANY land use activity!! Migt I also add that $30 for a test is steep,. how much do you want to bet that a LOT of young kids will just ride the roads and trails illegally given the choice of paying 30 bucks, or outrunning the law,..if your realistic, you know the answer to that! This is a public safety coarse, and should not cost any more that what it would cost to cover the paperwork expense.  Just my 2 cents worth again,....

[LINC]

VERY WELL PUT DON.
      LINC