Ask The Editors: How to Make ATVs Street Legal in My State?
I started an online petition on the subject at change.org. I have also contacted my local state representative. Has anyone out there gone through a similar process? If so, what are some tips to getting this accomplished?
WillStubbs
Congratulations on taking the initiative to get things rolling. Clashing against the government to get laws overturned can often feel like an uphill battle to be sure but you are starting off on the right path.
Vehicle and traffic laws are indeed under the jurisdiction of the state legislature, which means you were correct to contact your state’s representative as a starting point.
From here about the best course of action would be to work with said legislator in the hopes of swaying them to your cause. This is the part that can be extremely difficult but there is certainly power in numbers.
The higher the level of government you wish to reach, the more voices required. The best way to get a politician’s attention for your issue is with petitions signed by tens of thousands of registered voters of like-minded opinion.
If your online petition fails to generate the type of numbers you need, don’t be afraid to reach out to the media. Call news reporters who typically cover local news. Write a letter to the editor of the local newspaper. Take out an article in area Pennysavers. Be active, the more support you gain, the greater your chance of being taken seriously.
Finally don’t forget to check into town/ city & county ordinance which can actually supersede state mandates in certain instances like these. For example, we are aware of individual towns where ATVs are street legal/ allowed to traverse public roads for certain events located within states where road-use for off-road vehicles is prohibited. To get the ball rolling here, you’re going to want to make contact with your local councilman, supervisor or mayor for your town or county executive.
Best of luck on a truly worthy cause!
