hb1216_LC_34_0581_a_2.html
06 LC 34 0581
House Bill 1216
By: Representatives Freeman of the 140th, Rice of the 51st, Porter of the 143rd, Talton of the 145th, Byrd of the 20th, and others

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT

To amend Part 5 of Article 1 of Chapter 8 of Title 40 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to equipment of law enforcement and emergency vehicles, so as to allow the use of properly equipped all-terrain vehicles by law enforcement agencies; to provide for related matters; to provide for an effective date; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF GEORGIA:

SECTION 1.
Part 5 of Article 1 of Chapter 8 of Title 40 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to equipment of law enforcement and emergency vehicles, is amended by adding a new Code Section 40-8-91.1 immediately following Code Section 40-8-91, relating to marking and equipment of law enforcement vehicles, to read as follows:
40-8-91.1.
(a) As used in this Code section, the term 'all-terrain vehicle' means any motorized vehicle designed for off-road use which is equipped with at least a 500 cubic centimeter engine, three or more low pressure tires, a seat to be straddled by the operator, and handlebars for steering control.
(b) Every all-terrain vehicle must comply with the equipment and marking specifications set forth in this article before such vehicle can be used by law enforcement agencies and officers upon the public roads of this state. All provisions of law relating to safe operation of law enforcement or emergency vehicles shall be applied to the operation of such all-terrain vehicles.
(c) Any all-terrain vehicle which is operated by law enforcement agencies and officers upon the public roads of this state shall be registered and licensed in accordance with the provisions of Code Section 40-2-37.

SECTION 2.
This Act shall become effective on July 1, 2006.

SECTION 3.
All laws and parts of laws in conflict with this Act are repealed.