Editorial: Register those ATVs

Monday, Sept. 13, 2004 | 9:01 a.m.

The best guess is that there are between 30,000 and 100,000 all-terrain vehicles in Nevada. The numbers cannot be any more precise because, unlike in other Western states, owners in Nevada do not have to register their ATVs. This may be changed by the 2005 Legislature.

ATV owners in the past have opposed a registration law. But this time may be different. A Las Vegas ATV club will propose that a portion of any registration fees be dedicated toward developing and maintaining trails. This is reasonable and we hope the Legislature sees it that way.

Many enthusiasts buy their ATVs out of state, to avoid Nevada's higher sales tax. A dealer in St. George, Utah, told the Sun he's sold 2,800 ATVs to Nevadans within the last three years. With a law requiring registration, the state could identify the point of sale and collect the tax. Additionally, by removing the incentive to buy ATVs out of state, the law would help Nevada dealers.

Registration fees for cars and trucks help pay for their impact, and also generate sales taxes to help pay for education and other services. With their heavy impact on off-road areas, there is no reason why ATVs should be exempt from fees and taxes.