What are the laws about 4-wheelers and children?

Question

He rides in the yard and the field behind the yard (lots of land, he wont stray out of there). He wears a helmet and safety glasses. He's 9, weighs... I dont even know (how bad a parent am I?) Live in Mass. We recently came into a 4-wheeler. I know there was a lot of talk about changing the laws so that kids couldn't ride them anymore. I didn't pay attention because it had nothing to do with me. Now I need to know and can't find any useful google results. Did the law change? What is it? Are previously purchased 4-wheelers grandfathered in? (They're made especially for kids and cost a mint.)

Answer 1

PLEASE WHATEVER YOU DO get your child off it please

accidents can happen and it will be on you

my friends parents lost 3 of their kids ages 15,9, and 16

please take the time to read this

http://www.pe.com/localnews/inland/stori...

we miss her dearly please dont make a mistake

Answer 2

Did you hear about the boy in Plymouth last year?  He was 8 years old and riding on a 4 - wheeler with his friend.  It flipped over, pinning the boy down.  Sadly, he didn't survive.  I wouldn't take the risk.

But in case that doesn't do it for you, here's an outline of the Massachusetts laws regarding ATV use.  http://www.mass.gov/dfwele/dle/atvsafety...

Note the last line: "Under no circumstances, may a person operate who is less than 10 years of age."

*ETA* The fact that you took the time to ask this question shows that you're concerned about your son's safety.  Don't let anyone imply that you aren't concerned about your child.

Answer 3

It should be ok as long as the ATV bought for your son to ride is age appropriate. I know in AZ if you ride the ATV on a paved road, you have to be old enough to have a drivers license and the bike has to be insured and registered just like any other vehicle. And a helmet is suppose to be worn. The bigger ATV's speicifaclly have a warning label on them saying if you are under 16, you by law cannot be riding that specific ATV. You could call the local police department and ask your questions there. I am sure they would know the laws. Good luck

Answer 4

you can call your local DMV and they should be able to tell you but if there is an age limit it will not have a grandfather clause

Answer 5

Massachusetts law prohibits operation of a snowmobile or recreation vehicle: (1) so as to endanger any person or property, (2) in a reforested or planted area in a manner that damages growing stock, (3) across a public highway by anyone under age 16 and one-half, (4) by anyone under age 14 unless supervised by an adult, or (5) in a manner that harasses wildlife

http://www.cga.ct.gov/2002/olrdata/tra/r...