There are always new laws going into effect concerning atvs and thier use. I will be doing a series of articles soon that will give off-roaders a way to help change some of the legislation that is or will be taking place. As a reminder, here are a couple of important rules concerning the parents of kids that ride ATVs on public land.

According to the Californian State Parks web site, all-terrain vehicle (ATV) operators under 18 years of age must comply with the following California Vehicle Code requirements when operating an ATV on public lands.

CONDITIONS FOR OPERATING: MINORS

No person under the age of 18 years shall operate an all-terrain vehicle on public lands of this state unless the person satisfies one of the following conditions:

* (a) The person is taking a prescribed safety training course under the direct supervision of a certified all-terrain vehicle safety instructor.
* (b) The person is under the direct supervision of an adult who has in their possession an appropriate safety certificate issued by this state, or issued under the authority of another state.
* (c) The person has in possession an appropriate safety certificate issued by this state or issued under the authority of another state (CVC 38503).

This means you MAY NOT let your child ride an ATV on Ca public land unless they are being supervised by you or another adult who has safety certification in their posession. (If you're going to let you kids ride, YOU must be certified.)

SAFETY HELMET REQUIRED

No person shall operate, ride, or be otherwise propelled on an all-terrain vehicle on public lands unless the person wears a safety helmet meeting requirements established for motorcycles and motorized bicycles, pursuant to Section 27802 (CVC 38505).

PASSENGERS PROHIBITED

No operator of an all-terrain vehicle may carry a passenger when operating on public lands. However, the operator of an all-terrain vehicle, that is designed for operation off of the highway by an operator with no more than one passenger, may carry a passenger when operating on public lands. (CVC 38506).

SPEED, TURNING, RECKLESS DRIVING

You may not drive a motor vehicle in a manner that endangers the safety of other persons or their property (CVC 38305, 38314, 38316a, 38317).

Also, don't forget the rule of thumb:

PRIMA FACIE SPEED LIMIT

No motor vehicle shall exceed 15 mph within 50 feet of any campground, campsite, or concentration of people or animals (CVC 38310).