Make ATV/SXS Non-Hwy Road Legal in VA

Recent signers:
Madison W and 17 others have signed recently.

The Issue

DO NOT HIT THE CONTRIBUTE BUTTON. IT IS DECEIVING!!!
If you contribute, I do not see a penny of it. If you read the terms and conditions of donating, change.org keeps every penny of it. So when you think you are helping me or the movement of this petition, you're actually not. I will be setting up a fund if you want to donate directly that will be titled as non-profit. If you contributed, ask for a refund or chargeback on your card.

Virginia law defines an ATV as “a motor vehicle having three or more wheels that is powered by a motor and is manufactured for off-highway use.” According to the Virginia DMV, “Operation of all-terrain vehicles on any public highway or other private property is prohibited” except in limited circumstances described in a later section below.

None of the vehicle categories found in the Virginia Code allow any vehicle fitting the description of an ATV to be registered as street legal. Motorcycles cannot have more than three wheels, autocycles must have exactly three wheels, and "Low-Speed Vehicles" must have a top speed over 20 MPH but not exceeding 25 MPH.

So, how are people getting around this? Currently, residents are registering their vehicle at address in other states. This is legal to do, but it is a headache, some people cannot do this (because they don't own property in another state), and it's leaving free tax money on the table for VA government to sink back into the community. 

There's a much much better solution.

Make it legal for ATV/SXS to be registered for road use but not highway use. 

Senate Bill 690 in WV states that you have to outfit your ATV or side-by-side to make it street legal, so it can pass inspection. In order to pass inspection, ATV’s and SXS's need to have headlights, turn signals and even a windshield, or a pair of protective lenses, along with other specifications. In other words, make ATV's pass the same standards as motorcycles, and make SXS's pass the same inspections as vehicles (with some exceptions). You must have insurance, VA inspection, and the proper safety equipment (including DOT stamped tires). You also cannot drive essentially on any road over 55MPH.

This petition is the starting point in my report I will present to most of the reps of the state. I want them to see exactly how much money they are leaving on the table by not allowing this and how many powersports enthusiasts are asking for this change.

avatar of the starter
Patrick ThatcherPetition StarterSingle dad and veteran just trying to make a difference in my community.

6,161

Recent signers:
Madison W and 17 others have signed recently.

The Issue

DO NOT HIT THE CONTRIBUTE BUTTON. IT IS DECEIVING!!!
If you contribute, I do not see a penny of it. If you read the terms and conditions of donating, change.org keeps every penny of it. So when you think you are helping me or the movement of this petition, you're actually not. I will be setting up a fund if you want to donate directly that will be titled as non-profit. If you contributed, ask for a refund or chargeback on your card.

Virginia law defines an ATV as “a motor vehicle having three or more wheels that is powered by a motor and is manufactured for off-highway use.” According to the Virginia DMV, “Operation of all-terrain vehicles on any public highway or other private property is prohibited” except in limited circumstances described in a later section below.

None of the vehicle categories found in the Virginia Code allow any vehicle fitting the description of an ATV to be registered as street legal. Motorcycles cannot have more than three wheels, autocycles must have exactly three wheels, and "Low-Speed Vehicles" must have a top speed over 20 MPH but not exceeding 25 MPH.

So, how are people getting around this? Currently, residents are registering their vehicle at address in other states. This is legal to do, but it is a headache, some people cannot do this (because they don't own property in another state), and it's leaving free tax money on the table for VA government to sink back into the community. 

There's a much much better solution.

Make it legal for ATV/SXS to be registered for road use but not highway use. 

Senate Bill 690 in WV states that you have to outfit your ATV or side-by-side to make it street legal, so it can pass inspection. In order to pass inspection, ATV’s and SXS's need to have headlights, turn signals and even a windshield, or a pair of protective lenses, along with other specifications. In other words, make ATV's pass the same standards as motorcycles, and make SXS's pass the same inspections as vehicles (with some exceptions). You must have insurance, VA inspection, and the proper safety equipment (including DOT stamped tires). You also cannot drive essentially on any road over 55MPH.

This petition is the starting point in my report I will present to most of the reps of the state. I want them to see exactly how much money they are leaving on the table by not allowing this and how many powersports enthusiasts are asking for this change.

avatar of the starter
Patrick ThatcherPetition StarterSingle dad and veteran just trying to make a difference in my community.
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6,161


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Petition created on May 22, 2022