History of the ATV Standard
In 1985, the SVIA began development of a standard, which established the requirements for equipment, configuration, and performance of four-wheel all-terrain vehicles in the United States. In 1990, the ANSI approved the first standard for all-terrain vehicles. In 2001, the standard was revised to modify certain definitional language and add several provisions to enhance and clarify the standard. In 2007, the standard was updated to include definitions for Type I and Type II ATVs; new Y-10+ and T category ATVs; requirements of Type II ATV passenger handholds and footrests; new requirements for labels, owner’s manuals, hang tags; and a compliance certification label. The standard was further refined in 2010 to retain the Y12+ Category, updated label requirements, and incorporate the interpretations from the previous editions.
ANSI Standards
American National Standard ANSI / SVIA - 1 - 2001
This standard for four wheel all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) is a revision of American National Standard ANSI/SVIA 1-1990 and has been developed by members of the Specialty Vehicle Institute of America (SVIA) and other manufacturers of all-terrain vehicles.
Work on the original standard was undertaken by the SVIA in 1985 and completed with the publication of ANSI/SVIA 1-1990. Building on these prior efforts, this revised voluntary standard addresses design, configuration and performance aspects of ATVs, including, among other items, requirements for mechanical suspension; throttle, clutch and gearshift controls; engine and fuel cut-off devices; lighting; tyres; operator foot environment; service and parking brake/parking mechanism performance; and pitch stability. Additional requirements, which address maximum speed capability and speed limiting devices, are included for youth-sized ATVs. This present revision modifies certain definitional language and adds several provisions to enhance and clarify the standard.
The standard reflects positively on the high degree of government-industry cooperation that contributed significantly to the development of this standard.
Consensus for this standard was developed by use of the Canvass Method. Suggestions for improvement of this standard will be welcome. They should be addressed to the Specialty Vehicle Institute of America, 2 Jenner Street, Suite 150, Irvine, California 92618-3806.
Vehicle (ATV) Equipment and Configuration
- Service Brakes
- Parking Brake/Parking Mechanism
- Mechanical Suspension
- Engine Stop Switch
- Manual Clutch Control
- Additional Clutch Control for Utility ATVs
- Throttle Control
- Drive Train Controls
- Neutral Indicator
- Reverse Indicator
- Electric Start Interlock
- Carry Bar
- Flag Pole Bracket
- Manual Fuel Shutoff Control
- Handlebars
- Operator Foot Environment
- Lighting Equipment
- Spark Arrester
- Tyre Marking
- Tyre Pressure Gauge
- Security
- Owner’s Manual/Operator’s Manual
- Vehicle (ATV) Identification Number