FILED ON: 3/20/2012
SENATE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . No. 2199
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The Commonwealth of Massachusetts
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In the Year Two Thousand Twelve
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An Act relative to the use of off-highway and recreation vehicles.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court assembled, and by the authority of the same, as follows:
Section 1. Section 21 of said chapter 90B , as amended by section 7 of said chapter 202, is hereby amended by striking out the first sentence and inserting in place thereof the following sentence:-
No person under 18 years of age shall operate a recreation vehicle, unless they have successfully completed a recreation vehicle education safety and responsibility course approved by the director of law enforcement. The director shall have the authority to exempt non-resident participants of a sanctioned race, rally or event from the requirements of this section.
Section 2. Section 22 of said chapter 90B, as amended by section 8 of said chapter 202 , is hereby amended by striking out the first paragraph and inserting in place thereof the following paragraph:-
No person shall operate a snow vehicle or a recreation vehicle unless the vehicle has been registered in accordance with this chapter, and a registration number assigned by the director is displayed on the vehicle. The registration number shall be painted or by means of a decal or sticker which is firmly attached to both sides of the cowling of the vehicle and located so that both are clearly visible and not obstructed. Off-highway motorcycles without suitable cowling may locate registration numbers on the forward suspension components so as they are clearly visible on both sides of the vehicle. The registration number displayed shall be not less than 3 inches in height and not less than one-half inch in width and shall be in a color that is in marked and distinct contrast to the background to which the number is applied. The registration number shall be maintained in a legible condition at all times. A motor vehicle license or learner's permit shall not be required for the operation of a snow vehicle or a recreation vehicle. The director shall have the authority to exempt non-resident participants of a sanctioned race, rally or event from the requirements of this section.
Section 3. Section 24 of said chapter 90B, as amended by section 10 of said chapter 202 , is hereby amended by striking out the second paragraph and inserting in place thereof the following paragraph:-
No snow vehicle or recreation vehicle shall be operated which emits noxious fumes or makes unusual or excessive noise. No snow vehicle or recreation vehicle manufactured on or after January 1, 1998, shall be operated that produces a sound pressure level of more than 96 decibels when measured from a distance of 20 inches using test procedures established by the Society of Automotive Engineers under Standard J1287 JUL98. No snow vehicle or recreation vehicle manufactured prior to January 1, 1998, shall be operated that produces a sound pressure level of more than 101 decibels when measured from a distance of 20 inches using test procedures established by the Society of Automotive Engineers under Standard J1287 JUL98. A snowmobile or recreation vehicle that was manufactured prior to January 28, 1985 and that is substantially maintained in its original or restored condition shall meet the sound and emission specifications in place at the time of its manufacture. This section shall not apply to snow vehicles or recreation vehicles on a privately owned track or closed course as permitted by local municipal authority.