Amusement Rides

If you are an amusement ride operator who intends to operate one or more amusement rides in the state of Vermont, you must apply for Certificates of Operation for the intended rides with the Office of the Secretary of State, have your rides inspected per 31 V.S.A. § 723a and provide proof of workers compensation insurance to the Department of Labor. Please allow 7-10 business days for the processing of any filings received by mail.

Secretary of State Requirements

Application Requirements

Whether filing online or by mail, you will need to submit the documentation listed below with your completed application form with a certificate of insurance that includes:

• Coverage of not less than $1,000,000.00 that insures both the owner and the operator against liability for injury to persons and property arising out of the use or operation of the amusement ride.
• A list of rides covered under the policy (this is separate and distinct from the ride list that is part of the application).

In response to the application, the Secretary of State will provide the following documents to the applicant for each ride declared in the enclosed application meeting the statutory definition of “amusement ride” found in 31 V.S.A. § 721(1):

1. Certificate of Operation;
2. Record of Amusement Ride Safety Inspection – to be completed and returned to the Secretary of State;
3. Certification of Amusement Ride Safety Inspection – to be completed with a copy submitted to each hosting organization; and
4. Certificate of Inspection (inspection sticker) – to be completed in permanent pen (not permanent marker) by the inspector and affixed to the amusement ride.

Safety Inspection Requirements

An amusement ride cannot be operated in the state of Vermont without a valid Certificate of Operation AND a completed Certificate of Inspection (inspection sticker) dated within 12 months prior to operation and affixed to the ride itself.

Safety inspections must be conducted in accordance with 31 V.S.A. § 723a which includes:

• The inspection must be conducted within the state of Vermont.
• The inspection must be conducted within the 12 months preceding the operation of the ride.
• The inspection must be conducted by a person who is:
  1. Certified by the National Association of Amusement Ride Safety Officials (NAARSO) as a Level II Inspector; or by the Amusement Industry Manufacturers and Suppliers International at a level that is equivalent to a NAARSO Level 2;
  2. insured, including for liability; and
  3. not the owner or operator of the ride or an employee or agent of the owner or operator.
• The inspection must comply with the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) current standard F770 concerning the practices for ownership, operation, maintenance, and inspection of amusement rides and devices.

Safety inspections must be documented as follows:

• Record of Amusement Ride Safety Inspection – completed and returned to the Secretary of State;
• Certification of Amusement Ride Safety Inspection – completed with a copy submitted to each hosting organization; and
• Certificate of Inspection (inspection sticker) – completed in permanent pen (not permanent marker) by the inspector and affixed to the amusement ride.

The Certificate of Operation must be registered and approved by the Secretary of State at least 15 days before the amusement ride is first operated in Vermont. (31 V.S.A. § 722(b))

An operator or owner who operates without a current Certificate of Operation and Certification of Inspection completed and affixed to the amusement ride in accordance with 31 V.S.A. § 723a may be fined up to $500.00 per day for each day the violation continues. 31 V.S.A. § 724.

For questions regarding Secretary of State requirements, please contact us.

Department of Labor Requirements

The Department of Labor has an interest in keeping your employees and the public safe. Please contact the Department of Labor to register proof of workers compensation insurance that is satisfactory to the state of Vermont. Please recognize that not all workers compensation policies from other states are approved by the state of Vermont. For any questions regarding Department of Labor requirements, please contact them directly at (802) 828-4000.