Why aren't ATVs street legal?

Question

It doesn't quite make sense to me, they're easily more stable than a motorcycle, marginally safer, and with comparable gas mileage. Then I see these guys driving custum-built motor-tricycles which are apparently street legal. How does that work? I mean, what keeps ATVs from being street legal?

Answer 1

Simple - locality rules. I have heard they are legal in some places, not where I live.

Firstly, they are definitely NOT more stable than motorcycles.

Marginally safer? Just the opposite. Motorcycles are designed to handle the road, at speed. ATVs are not.

ATVs are not equipped with the standard lighting or other safety devices required of a road legal vehicle. The motor-tricycle you refer to is in reality a motorcycle with an extra wheel. It has all the safety features of the original.

Answer 2

Weather or not they are legal is a local/state law, just like scooters and mopeds. Some places quads can be ridden on the streets just not highways. Most places do not allow them because they are not stable at speed and they do not have headlights, brake lights, turn signals, windshields, etc.. safety things...

Answer 3

See this article:

All terrain vehicles (ATVs) have a reputation as being dangerous, as each year, many adults and children are seriously injured or even killed by accidents or wrecks. Just like any vehicle, the short answer is: yes, ATVs are dangerous, the same way cars, sport utility vehicles, motorcycles, or trucks are dangerous. Far too often, these accidents involving ATVs come about due to improperly using the vehicle or ignorance about the vehicle. Riding an ATV does not guarantee an injury just as riding in a car does not guarantee an injury; however, certain safety precautions should be taken in order to minimize risk.

For starters, no one under the age of 16 should ride a full sized ATV. This is a recommendation put forth by the American Academy of Pediatrics and should be taken as law. Children under the age of 16 do not have the development necessary for operating a vehicle of this magnitude. There are options for children who are interested in riding an ATV, as manufacturers make smaller models with less powerful engines for children. Before anyone gets on an ATV, he or she should be sure to know the proper rules for operating the vehicle. Training courses for ATV driving are offered all over the country, so be sure to enroll in one before you begin operating the vehicle. Finally, the rider should wear protective gear—including a helmet, gloves, boots, and eye protection—to protect their body from hazards of riding an ATV or potential accident.

Many ATV accidents occur when more than one passenger is riding on the vehicle. ATVs are designed for only one person, and the weight of two individuals can cause the vehicle to turn over. Also, the distraction of having another person on the ATV can cause the driver to wreck. Furthermore, ATVs are designed for off road driving and should not be driven on hard surfaces like concrete or asphalt. In addition to the hazards of riding on a road with cars and trucks, ATVs do not perform well on hard surfaces and are incredibly difficult to control.

Most accidents occur while the driver of the ATV is using the vehicle improperly. This includes navigating dangerous terrain, riding at excessive speeds, or dangerously interacting with other individuals or ATVs. Keep in mind that your ATV is designed to go a certain speed over certain terrain, so speeding should be avoided at all costs, since the vehicle can tip over or crash. Furthermore, any stunts or tricks using an ATV should be avoided, since that is the easiest way to get injured.

While riding an ATV, be sure to have some sort of communication device, whether it is a walkie talkie or a cellular phone that can call for help in case of emergency.

Answer 4

i think because of the noise. its true they are more stable, but on they're own turf: dirt and "all terrain", except asphalt. it may cause an accident, they are slower than cars+others.

Answer 5

They really are NOT more stable than a motorcycle, and most are simply not FAST enough to be driven on the street. Most lack proper lighting and turn signals. I have seen several guys crash while trying to see how fast their quad would go out on the dry lake bed at El Mirage, Ca. They seem to want to go into a wobble condition at high speeds.

Answer 6

They are too dangerous and too easy to run over plus I cant see one driving at 55 to 70 mph plus the insurance would be out of the roof.

Update:

Just an off-road fact..Record numbers of riders end up in emergency rooms and morgues as accidents kill about 800 people a year and injure an estimated 136,700.