Summary:

 Senate Bill 96 (SB 96):  This act proposes amendments to the definitions within the Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Act in New Mexico.  These amendments are designed to update and clarify the classifications and requirements of off-highway motor vehicles, reflecting changes in vehicle design and market trends. 

Legislation Overview:

 Senate Bill 96 (SB 96):  Off-Highway Motor Vehicle: The definition remains as a motor vehicle designed for operation exclusively off highways or roads, but now includes specific sub-categories with updated specifications:

a)	All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV): Defined as a vehicle with a width of 50 inches or less, an unladen dry weight of 1,000 pounds or less, traveling on three or more non-highway tires. The seating and steering configurations remain the same—designed to be straddled by the operator with handlebar-type steering control.

b)	Off-Highway Motorcycle: No changes were noted in the definition. It remains a vehicle traveling on not more than two tires, with seating and steering designed to be straddled and handled by the operator, respectively.

c)	Snowmobile: This definition remains unchanged, specified as a vehicle designed for snow or ice travel, steered partly or wholly by skis, belts, cleats, runners, or low-pressure tires.

d)	Recreational Off-Highway Vehicle: Significant updates have been made, including an increase in allowable unladen dry weight from 1,750 to 3,500 pounds and the removal of the engine displacement restriction. The vehicle must travel on four or more non-highway tires, be designed for recreational use, have a steering wheel, non-straddle seating, and a maximum speed capability over 35 miles per hour. The overall width must be less than 80 inches.

The requirement for a 17-character VIN remains for recreational off-highway vehicles, ensuring standard identification practices.

Additional Vehicles: The department retains the authority to classify any new market entrants that fit the general profile of off-highway recreational vehicles under this act by rule.
 

Current Law:

 Current New Mexico Statutes Annotated 1978 - Chapter 66 NMSA 1978
The provisions of the Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Act shall not apply to persons who operate off-highway motor vehicles on privately held lands or to off-highway motor vehicles that are:   [...]  (3) one person from the off-highway motor vehicle industry; (4) one off-highway motor vehicle user;   [...]  operating an off-highway motor vehicle on any road or area closed to off- highway motor vehicle