What are the laws about 4-wheelers and children?

[Mozz]

He rides in the yard and the field behind the yard (lots of land, he wont stray out of there). He wears a helmet and safety glasses. He's 9, weighs... I dont even know (how bad a parent am I?) Live in Mass. We recently came into a 4-wheeler. I know there was a lot of talk about changing the laws so that kids couldn't ride them anymore. I didn't pay attention because it had nothing to do with me. Now I need to know and can't find any useful google results. Did the law change? What is it? Are previously purchased 4-wheelers grandfathered in? (They're made especially for kids and cost a mint.)

[hpenlife]

you can call your local DMV and they should be able to tell you but if there is an age limit it will not have a grandfather clause

[BoSox27]

Did you hear about the boy in Plymouth last year? He was 8 years old and riding on a 4 - wheeler with his friend. It flipped over, pinning the boy down. Sadly, he didn't survive. I wouldn't take the risk.
But in case that doesn't do it for you, here's an outline of the Massachusetts laws regarding ATV use. http://www.mass.gov/dfwele/dle/atvsafety.htm
Note the last line: "Under no circumstances, may a person operate who is less than 10 years of age."

[kitkat]

Massachusetts law prohibits operation of a snowmobile or recreation vehicle: (1) so as to endanger any person or property, (2) in a reforested or planted area in a manner that damages growing stock, (3) across a public highway ** anyone under age 16 and one-half, (4) ** anyone under age 14 unless supervised ** an adult, or (5) in a manner that harasses wildlife

http://www.cga.ct.gov/2002/olrdata/tra/rpt/2002-R-0580.htm

[hotheat78]

It should be ok as long as the ATV bought for your son to ride is age appropriate. I know in AZ if you ride the ATV on a paved road, you have to be old enough to have a drivers license and the bike has to be insured and registered just like any other vehicle. And a helmet is suppose to be worn. The bigger ATV's speicifaclly have a warning label on them saying if you are under 16, you ** law cannot be riding that specific ATV. You could call the local police department and ask your questions there. I am sure they would know the laws. Good luck