Section 6000.308  Dune Buggies and All-Terrain Vehicles

a)         Vehicle Requirements

1)         All vehicles shall be equipped with driver padding and passenger padding, if applicable, including, but not limited to, steering wheel pad, headrest pad, steering wheel support post and seat cushions.

2)         All vehicles shall be guarded to prevent interlocking of wheels during operation.

3)         All vehicles equipped with seat belts shall be equipped with a roll over protection system.

4)         Vehicles shall be equipped with a guarding system that covers or encloses all rotating parts of the drive mechanism except the tires.  The guarding system shall also cover the exhaust to protect the passenger when entering or exiting the vehicle.

5)         Vehicles' fuel tanks shall be mounted and/or guarded in such manner that provides protection to the passenger during operation and if an accident should occur.  Fuel tank caps shall conform to ANSI SAE J-1241.

6)         Wheels shall be retained by a castellated nut and cotter pin or other positive method recommended by the manufacturer.  Nuts with inserts of nylon or other material shall not be re-used.

b)         Track and Course Requirements

1)         A minimum width of 10 feet shall be maintained throughout the entire course or track.

2)         The track or course shall be marked with signs to indicate designated path and to prohibit pedestrian or other traffic.

3)         A fence or railing system shall be installed at maintenance buildings, driveways, pit areas, and fuel storage pumping areas to keep patrons awaiting rides and spectators from entering these track areas without the permission of, or direction by, track personnel.

4)         No intersecting configurations, including but not limited to a figure 8 course or opposing traffic configuration, shall be permitted.

c)         Operation

1)         Fire extinguishers shall be charged and readily available to the track personnel at all times.

2)         The refueling of the vehicles shall take place in the pit areas.  All storage containers of gasoline and other flammables shall be in accordance with Section 6000.190 (Fire Prevention and Protection).

3)         Beginning at twilight, track lighting is required and lighting is required for indoor tracks at all times during operations.

4)         A separate and distinct maintenance log shall be kept for each vehicle.  The maintenance logs shall be kept on a daily basis and kept available for inspector's review.  All replacement of parts should be documented in the maintenance log for each vehicle.  A comment section should be provided.  On a daily basis, the track mechanic shall sign each log sheet indicating that the vehicle is ready to operate.  This log shall include, but not be limited to, the following information:

A)        Brake inspection;

B)        Tire wear and pressure;

C)        Steering inspection;

D)        Body inspection;

E)        Padding inspection;

F)         Lubrication and engine oil check; and

G)        Drive mechanism.

5)         Only one patron per seat shall be permitted in each vehicle.  No in-line riding shall be permitted.

6)         Personal Safety Equipment

A)        Head Gear – A full-face helmet with head sock complying with a Snell Foundation test specification is mandatory.  A full-face shield is mandatory.  The helmet must be secured by a chinstrap.

B)        Neck Brace – The use of unaltered collar-type neck brace designed for racing is mandatory.  Any driver losing his or her neck brace shall immediately precede to the pits and may, upon replacing the missing neck brace, return to the track.

d)        Special Circumstances/Waiver of this Section

1)         The Director may approve an operating permit for an existing facility that does not meet the requirements of this Section if the following apply:

A)        A written request for waiver is submitted to the Director; and

B)        The facility requesting waiver was built and licensed prior to January 1, 2007.

2)         If, after January 1, 2007, any modifications are made to an existing track that would have otherwise been exempt under this Section, the existing track with the modifications shall not be eligible for a waiver and shall comply with this Section.

3)         Tracks constructed on or after January 1, 2007 shall comply with this Section and are not eligible for a waiver under subsection (d)(1).

(Source:  Amended at 44 Ill. Reg. 19907, effective December 8, 2020)