South Carolina House Approves ATV Safety Bill

South Carolina House has approved a bill putting age and safety restrictions on the use of all-terrain vehicles.

The House voted 65-42 Thursday for a measure barring children younger than 9 from driving an ATV. The bill needs another routine vote before moving to the Senate.

The measure also requires anyone under age 16 to take a safety course and wear a helmet and eye protection. An ATV driver must have a valid driver’s license to carry a passenger.

The requirements would not apply to people farming, ranching, hunting or trapping.

Forty-four states already have ATV safety laws.

Supporters hope the departure of Gov. Mark Sanford will improve the bill’s chances. Sanford twice vetoed the legislation, and supporters couldn’t get enough votes to override the vetoes.