ATV Makers, Distributors Required to Submit Written Safety Plans
A final rule published Friday by the Consumer Product Safety Commission is a new chapter in that agency's long-running interest in those products, particularly their use by youngsters. The rule was mandated by Congress in the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008, and now CPSC has a rule in place that incorporates by reference ANSI/SVIA 1-2007, the American National Standard for Four Wheel All-Terrain Vehicles Equipment Configuration and Performance Requirements. The Specialty Vehicle Institute of America developed the standard in collaboration with ATV distributors with whom CPSC reached a consent decree in 1988 that restricted distribution of three-wheel ATVs, set requirements for warning labels on the machines, and required free driver training.
The final rule, which takes effect April 13, 2009, states that until a mandatory consumer product safety standard that applies to three-wheel ATVs takes effect, new three-wheel ATVs cannot be imported into the United States or distributed here.
The rule requires ATV manufacturers and distributors to submit written action plans that list actions they will take to promote ATV safety, including rider training, age recommendations, and monitoring of sales. Every ATV subject to an action plan will bear a label certifying it complies with such a plan and listing the manufacturer, importer, or private labeler and the plan to which the machine is subject.