Chapter 10.16
ALL-TERRAIN VEHICLES AND OFF-ROAD MOTORCYCLES

Sections:

10.16.010    Definitions.

10.16.020    Prohibited where.

10.16.030    Parent or guardian – Responsibility.

10.16.040    Operator and/or owner – Responsibility.

10.16.050    Operation on private property – Applicability of chapter.

10.16.060    Penalty for violation.

10.16.010 Definitions.

When used in this chapter, the city defines the words and phrases listed below as follows:

“All-terrain vehicle” or “ATV,” also called a “four-wheeler” or “quad bike,” is a small off-road vehicle. ATVs are controlled via handlebars and have a straddle seat which usually only accommodates one rider. Most ATVs do not have built-in rollover protection.

“City” means the city of West Richland, its elected officials, its employees, and its agents.

“City street” means every way, lane, road, street, boulevard, and every way or place in the city open as a matter of right to public vehicular traffic inside the city limits.

“Off-road motorcycle,” often referred to as a “dirt bike,” has a frame that is small and light. The dirt bike is built for mobility and jumping, and the frame cannot be heavy. A heavy metal frame is hard on the suspension and more difficult to control and manipulate. Dirt bike frames are often constructed from hard plastics with limited metal. A dirt bike does not have the required legal equipment for street use.

“Sidewalk” means that property between the curb lines or the lateral lines of a city street and the adjacent property set aside and intended for the use of pedestrians or such portion of private property parallel and in proximity to a city street and dedicated to use by pedestrians. [Ord. 5-21 § 1, 2021].

10.16.020 Prohibited where.

In addition to the restrictions otherwise imposed by the laws of the state regulating the use and operation of all-terrain vehicles, it is unlawful to operate any all-terrain vehicle, motorcycle or motor-driven cycle in the city outside of the curb line, sidewalk or lateral boundary of any city street. [Ord. 5-21 § 1, 2021; Ord. 242 § 1, 1977. Formerly 10.16.010].

10.16.030 Parent or guardian – Responsibility.

The parent of any child and the guardian of any ward shall not authorize or knowingly permit any such child or ward to violate any provisions of this chapter. [Ord. 5-21 § 1, 2021; Ord. 242 § 2, 1977. Formerly 10.16.020].

10.16.040 Operator and/or owner – Responsibility.

Whenever an act or omission is declared to be unlawful in this chapter, if the operator of the all-terrain vehicle, motorcycle or motor-driven cycle is not the owner of such vehicle, but is operating or moving the same with the expressed or implied permission of the owner, then the operator and/or owner are both subject to the provisions of this chapter with the primary responsibility that of the owner. [Ord. 5-21 § 1, 2021; Ord. 242 § 3, 1977. Formerly 10.16.030].

10.16.050 Operation on private property – Applicability of chapter.

The provisions of this chapter shall not apply to the operation of vehicles on land owned by the owner or operator of the vehicle. [Ord. 5-21 § 1, 2021; Ord. 242 § 4, 1977. Formerly 10.16.040].

10.16.060 Penalty for violation.

Any person violating the provisions of this chapter is guilty of a misdemeanor and subject to a fine of not more than $250.00. [Ord. 5-21 § 1, 2021; Ord. 242 § 5, 1977. Formerly 10.16.050].