Recreational Off-Highway Vehicle Association Continues Work on ROV Standards Development
ROV Industry at Work Developing First Ever Design, Configuration and Performance Standards
November 9, 2009
Recreational Off-Highway Vehicle Association Urges Enthusiasts and Industry to Comment on CPSC’s ROV Rulemaking
January 28, 2010

The Recreational Off-Highway Vehicle Association (ROHVA) is disappointed that the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) voted in October 2009 to proceed with a rulemaking process for recreational off-highway vehicles (ROVs) by approving an advanced notice of proposed rulemaking (ANPR). ROHVA believes this action is premature as an American National Standards Institute (ANSI) development process for ROVs is currently being conducted. In fact ROHVA has concluded the second canvass and is completing a public review of an ROV standard in accordance with the requirements of ANSI.

Throughout the ANSI process, ROHVA has met and communicated with CPSC. Following the first meeting in December 2008, ROHVA made several modifications, based on CPSC’s comments, which were incorporated in the first draft of the standard issued in June 2009. CPSC submitted comments to the first draft of the standard in August 2009, requesting new changes to the draft standard regarding stability, vehicle handling and occupant retention and protection. ROHVA quickly submitted a response requesting more information regarding CPSC’s comments.

While awaiting the response from the CPSC, ROHVA retained a nationally known independent expert on vehicle dynamics to evaluate the comments from CPSC staff in order to continue the ANSI process with the benefit of additional expertise. ROHVA subsequently issued a revised draft standard on October 15, 2009 that incorporated many participant suggestions.

Since CPSC issued the ANPR, ROHVA has continued discussions with CPSC staff regarding technical issues and further discussions are planned. We are confident that through continued information sharing, an appropriate standard that reflects the input from all parties can be developed through the ANSI process. We look forward to continuing to work with CPSC and other parties in these efforts.

To be ANSI-accredited, a standards developer is required to adhere to a set of due process-based requirements or procedures that govern the consensus development process. The ANSI standard development process requires involvement from a variety of interests. Participants involved in the process, include CPSC and other government representatives, industry, consumers andothers. The participants will reach consensus on an appropriate ANSI standard for ROV equipment, configuration and performance requirements. ROHVA looks forward to completing the development of this voluntary standard in full compliance with ANSI requirements.

The Recreational Off-Highway Vehicle Association is a national industry organization that promotes the safe and responsible use of ROVs. ROHVA is accredited by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) to develop equipment, configuration and performance standards. Based in Irvine, Calif., the not-for-profit association is sponsored by Arctic Cat, BRP, Polaris and Yamaha.