FORKS — A proposed city ordinance allowing all-terrain vehicles on city roads is under consideration by the City Council.
The council held a public hearing at Tuesday’s regular meeting to discuss the proposed city ordinance, and the measure is expected to go to a vote in June, said Rod Fleck, city attorney and city planner.
The proposed new city ordinance would allow those 16 or older to ride or drive an ATV on city streets with a posted speed limit of 35 mph or less, as long as the vehicle is equipped with headlights, taillights, brake lights, turn signals, a rearview mirror, a horn, brakes and a muffler.
Some ATVs would require seat belts, and the rider must wear goggles or have a windshield.
Children 15 and younger would not be allowed as passengers unless seat belts are used, and ATVs may not tow trailers or any other item.
There were two opposing views stated at Tuesday’s council meeting, Fleck said.
One person questioned whether anyone would benefit from the ordinance, while another said it would open options for new equipment rentals for visitors, he said.
Fleck said the city is in continuing talks with the National Forest Service to see if the agency would consider working together to allow ATV uses to match across jurisdictional borders.
A similar ordinance is being considered by the Clallam County commissioners to allow ATVs on select county roads.