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92_SB1294gms
State of Illinois
OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR
Springfield, Illinois 62706
George H. Ryan
GOVERNOR
July 18, 2001
To the Honorable Members of
The Illinois Senate
92nd General Assembly
Pursuant to Article IV, Section 9(b) of the Illinois
Constitution of 1970, I hereby veto and return Senate Bill
1294 entitled "AN ACT concerning vehicles."
Senate Bill 1294 amends the Illinois Vehicle Code
definition of "vehicle" to include all-terrain vehicles or
off-highway motorcycle purchased on or after January 1, 1998.
The Illinois Vehicle Code defines "all-terrain vehicles" as
any motorized off-highway device 50 inches or less in width,
having a manufacturer's dry weight of 600 pounds or less,
traveling on 3 or more low-pressure tires, designed with a
seat or saddle for operator use, and handlebars or steering
wheel for steering control.
As a result of expanding the definition of vehicle to
include all-terrain vehicles or off-highway motorcyles, this
legislation would require the purchaser of these types of
vehicles to purchase them from licensed dealers only.
Consequently, some retailers will no longer be able to offer
these types of vehicles for sale without becoming licensed
dealers. Such a requirement may severely restrict the market
place and limit the consumer's abilities to locate a licensed
dealer in their area.
In addition, it appears that the definition of
all-terrain vehicles is broad enough that it could be argued
to include riding lawn mowers, thereby necessitating all
sellers of these types of vehicles to be licensed dealers as
well.
For these reasons, I hereby veto and return Senate Bill
1294.
Sincerely,
George H. Ryan
GOVERNOR
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