New "Rider-Fit" OHV Laws in CA and OR

I know most of my readers are bogged down just trying to keep up with all the FS TMR related planning documents and proposed closures in the West. Also, enviros are filing lawsuits at an alarming rate against OHV recreation on both state and federal lands.

The General wants you to take a minute from your busy schedules to be aware of new “rider fit” laws in CA and OR.

In CA, AB 134 will take effect on Jan. 1, 2010. Law enforcement officers will be able to cite the parent or guardian for allowing a child less than 14 years of age to operate an OHV when they (because of their size) are either too small or too big from being able operate all controls needed to safely operate the vehicle.

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AB 134
http://info.sen.ca.gov/pub/09-10/bill/asm/ab_0101-0150/ab_134_cfa_20090630_114101_sen_floor.html

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OR’s law is similar but it impacts children under the age of 16.
http://www.oregon.gov/OPRD/ATV/Rider_fit.shtml

I believe one could argue on either side of this issue regarding if “another OHV law” was needed. The main point is that this type of bill has been in the pipeline for several years in CA and to restate a phrase from the Mayor of SF…”This puppy is coming whether you like it or not.” As many of you know, CA passes laws like some riders pass gas while sitting around a campfire telling stories.

What is different about this new OHV law is that legislators used some common sense in crafting this bill. For CA (and OR) this bill could have been a lot worse.