2013 NEW MUST HAVE Off Road Dune Buggy Helmet ... Its the La

1856 · Post by **1856** » Thu Dec 27, 2012 11:45 pm

Unbelievable! read the law AB 1595
What do you think, does it apply?
Does representative Cook deserve an award?
What Kind?

MnC

Ed-Chenal · Post by **Ed-Chenal** » Fri Dec 28, 2012 6:56 am

http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/pub/11-12/bill/asm/ab_1551-1600/ab_1595_bill_20120724_chaptered.pdf

5150bossman · Post by **5150bossman** » Fri Dec 28, 2012 1:37 pm

Interesting. As I see it, since most of our vehicles do not meet ALL of the the requirements. Specifically, they were originally "manufactured" for street use, and so should not fall under this section. "(a) Designed by the manufacturer for operation primarily off of the highway."

That being said, I'm not sure how replacing the body with a F/G tub would be interpreted, especially ones that are then registered as "special construction." The second section including dune buggies and jeeps leaves too much room for interpretation (nothing unusual hear), but I think a street legal buggy would be exempt.

Just my opinion though.

Scott-Drolet · Post by **Scott-Drolet** » Fri Dec 28, 2012 4:22 pm

Thank you for posting this Mark. I fear it's the proliferation of serious accidents involving side-by-side ATV's that led to this. Allthough I agree with Mike's interpretation that our buggies were manufactured to be street vehicles, I'm thinking pretty strongly that once we're offroad this regulation will be enforced. I guess the question is by whom . . .Park Rangers? Offroad Police?

This will also shine a light on our well equipped our buggies are with safety equipment such as seat belts, and at the same time prohibit passengers riding on the back shelf of buggies (which always concerned me anyway). Helmets do save lives, but they're also a drag to wear in a car. Just my opinion.

Mike-Presley · Post by **Mike-Presley** » Fri Dec 28, 2012 4:59 pm

Just my opinion, I was part of the San Bernardino County Sheriffs off highway enforcement team for many years. I would say this only applies to "green"stickered vehicles. If your buggy is licensed for the street it should be exempt as it is primarily used on road. I also suspect we'll start seeing a lot of the cheap motorcycle helmets with counterfeit DOT stickers.

bobmanx · Post by **bobmanx** » Sat Dec 29, 2012 6:36 am

Ok, so where do we find an expert(s) to tell us where we stand with this new law?

Will
they try to enforce it while we are on the street or just off road
only, that could make most runs a 50 /50 proposition for a ticket, since we start and end on a street, to get to and from the dirt?

What
about all of the 4X4 trucks and cars made by all of the vehicle Mfg's
(domestic and import) out there that are off road capable but street
legal and licensed?

who do we ask to get the facts and get them in writing so we can all carry a copy to prove we are legal?

Bob

Also Section 1, item (e) Has an engine displacement equal to or less than 1,000cc (61 ci).

I think most of us are a bit over 1,000cc's... LOL

Tom-Kathleen · Post by **Tom-Kathleen** » Sat Dec 29, 2012 10:16 pm

Old Manx - glad to see you are up and contributing again! Sorry to hear about your accident. Tom

Lee-Hoffer · Post by **Lee-Hoffer** » Tue Jan 01, 2013 7:58 am

I have an email in with the BLM asking about this. If I don't hear back soon, I will give them a call. I'll update this thread once I get the official scoop.

1856 · Post by **1856** » Tue Jan 01, 2013 4:40 pm

Thanks Lee ... This legislation appears to have intrinsic proprieties that could remove some values of common sense & responsibilities.

MnC

5150bossman · Post by **5150bossman** » Wed Jan 02, 2013 8:31 pm

I reviewed the CA Vehicle Code related to this issue and found that our vehicles fall under the "Off-Highway Vehicle" definition and are subject to identification (registration, but we already knew that). The changes to the 38600 section (requiring helmets and seat belts etc.) are for vehicles defined as "Recreational Off-Highway Vehicle(s)," and those are the vehicles that are defined in Section 500 (1000 cc or less etc.). So as I read it, we do not fall under these new laws. Just adding one word makes a world of difference.

1856 · Post by **1856** » Wed Jan 02, 2013 8:45 pm

Thanks Mike ... good news! Do you think this is an openness to field enforcement interpretations?

MnC

Lee-Hoffer · Post by **Lee-Hoffer** » Thu Jan 03, 2013 7:47 pm

I called the BLM office in El Centro, and the lady assured me that the law is for side by sides. Our buggies are not affected. I got the feeling she's been getting a lot of calls like mine!

Ed-Chenal · Post by **Ed-Chenal** » Thu Jan 03, 2013 8:02 pm

When one word makes a difference, it's getting too close for comfort.
Give the California Legislature more time and they will eventually legislate all the fun out of life.

1856 · Post by **1856** » Fri Jan 04, 2013 1:31 am

Ed ... Its up to folks like us to prevent that from happening.

Lee-Hoffer · Post by **Lee-Hoffer** » Fri Jan 04, 2013 6:41 am

I think my next contact will be the Blue Ribbon Coalition. I want to see what they have to say about this, and see if we need to be proactive to keep the highway licensed vehicles exempt from this idiocy.

My buddies and I came up with another scenario. Since the vehicle must meet ALL of the criteria in order to fall under the helmet law, be expecting to see side by sides with greater than 1000cc displacements appearing on the market Real Soon. A law that was intended to make certain vehicles safer will result in vehicles with even more power and speed than before.