Illinois Changes Law on Insurance of All-Terrain Vehicles

Illinois Changes Law on Insurance of All-Terrain Vehicles As Of January 1, 2010

The General Assembly of Illinois has enacted legislation requiring liability insurance coverage of any "non-highway vehicle" used on Illinois roadways. In accord with the newly-adopted provision of the Illinois Motor Vehicle Code (625 ILCS 5/11-1426.1), any person operating a "non-highway vehicle" on a street, highway or roadway is now subject to the state's mandatory insurance requirements, just like automobiles.

For purposes of the law, a "non-highway vehicle" means a motor vehicle not specifically designed for use on a public highway, including the following:

1. An all-terrain vehicle

2. A golf cart

3. An off-highway motorcycle

4. A neighborhood vehicle. A neighborhood vehicle, as defined in 625 ILCS 5/1-148.3m, means a self-propelled, electronic-powered, four-wheeler motor vehicle (or a self-propelled, gasoline-powered, four-wheeled motor with an engine displacement under 1,200 cubic centimeters) that is capable of attaining a speed of more than 20 miles per hour, but not more than 25 miles per hour, and which conforms to federal regulations under Title 49 C.F.R. Part 571.500.

The law also requires that an insurance card or policy Declarations page establishing proof of coverage must be presented to any law enforcement officer stopping one of these vehicles on a public roadway and requesting proof of insurance. Failure to produce the insurance card may subject the operator to a suspension of your automobile operator's license and/or a fine.

YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES

The law requires you to have a "non-highway vehicle" insured for liability losses if operated on a public roadway. This would include a "non-highway vehicle" operated on a highway right-of way. You are strongly encouraged to immediately contact your insurance agent and inquire whether your "non-highway vehicles" are insured by such a policy or endorsement. Please provide a description of your "non-highway vehicle" and serial numbers to your agent.

If your "non-highway vehicles" have been properly insured, your agent will issue an insurance card for you to produce if stopped by a police officer on a public roadway.