A. As a result of a law passed by the U.S. Congress and signed by the President, as of February 10th 2009 youth sized ATVs and dirt bikes (those primarily intended for kids 12 and under) are considered banned hazardous substances because they contain lead in certain components and it is illegal for them to be sold in the United States. Stopping the ban means having the law amended to allow for youth ATVs and dirt bikes to be sold legally.

A. No. Youth ATVs and dirt bikes are still considered banned hazardous substances, but the Consumer Product Safety Commission (the federal agency tasked with implementing the law that started the ban in the first place) understands that taking youth models off the market is a bad idea, so they issued a Stay of Enforcement.

A. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has decided not to take enforcement action against those who sell youth ATVs and dirt bikes. So, it remains illegal to sell youth ATVs and dirt bikes, but CPSC won’t try to prosecute those who sell them.

A. First, the Stay of Enforcement is temporary and is set to expire in May 2011. Second, State Attorneys General and private parties do not have to honor the Stay of Enforcement so dealers run the risk of getting sued if they sell. More importantly, youth ATVs and dirt bikes should not be considered hazardous substances. We all know that there is no risk to children from the lead in certain components of these vehicles and the science proves us right. And that the absence of youth model availability will likely result in children under 12 years of age riding the more accessible larger and faster adult-size vehicles, creating – in the CPSC’s own words – a “more serious and immediate risk of injury or death” than any risk from lead exposure . CPSC studies have found that approximately 90 percent of injuries to children under 16 occur on adult-sized ATVs .We need a permanent legislative solution.

A. Only Congress can provide a permanent solution. It is important that you contact your Members of Congress and ask them to Stop the Ban on youth sized ATVs and dirt bikes, nobody else can help at this point.

A. We need your help now because progress is being made. Two years of persistent efforts by powersports enthusiasts, dealers and other industry representatives is finally resulting in action and we anticipate that Congress will begin to address this issue this year. As a result it is more important than ever that you keep the pressure on by weighing-in to make it clear that there cannot be total relief until Congress finally acts to stop the ban.

A. Visit www.stopthebannow.com to find out how to have your voice heard.