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Governor signs Hinkle's 'ORV
bill' into law
Gov. Gregoire signed House
Bill 1003 into law Thursday. The bill, sponsored by
Rep.
Bill Hinkle, R-Cle Elum, will allow off-road vehicles (ORVs) to
operate on non-highway roads with the landowner’s approval.
“This is a major win for the people of our community,” Hinkle said.
“Using ATVs and ORVs is a favorite pastime for many families and groups
of friends. But the places they could ride were becoming increasingly
limited. I am glad we were successful with this legislation and have
opened up more room for them to roam. We’ve also done it in a
responsible way, which is a win all the way around.”
Having the new law in place will clarify under what standards ORVs can
operate on non-highway roads. In 2003, the Forest Service approved the
use of ORVs on Pacific Northwest non-highway roads when the state said
it was OK. However, a 1972 Attorney General’s opinion still defined
Forest Service roads as “highways,” – and ORVs are illegal on highways.
Hinkle’s bill cleared that up and allowed the Forest Service and other
state agencies (primarily the departments of Natural Resources and Fish
and Wildlife) to consider opening their roads to ORV and ATV use. These
landowners will not be forced to open up their roads, but may decide
whether doing so falls within their land-management plans, Ultimately
they can choose which roads, if any, to open.
The new law also exempts ORVs and ATVs operating on non-highway roads
from the vehicle licensing, equipment and lighting requirements that
apply on highways. Finally, it states that children under 13 can only
operate an ORV on a non-highway road under the direct supervision of an
adult with a valid driver’s license.
“This bill puts into place new safety requirements that the law did not
already address, which will encourage people to ride safer and more
responsibly,” Hinkle noted. “It will also protect our forests and the
environment, because riders will be more inclined to stay on these roads
rather than make their own trails. And I am confident it will help
decrease user conflicts between motorized and non-motorized users.
“I am pleased that we were able to get this bill through after two years
of trying,” Hinkle said, “It will be very meaningful to many people in
the 13th District and across Central Washington.”
The bill takes effect on July 1, 2005.
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For more information, contact:
John Handy, Assistant
Communications Director - (360) 786-5758
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