Chapter 11.69
WHEELED ALL-TERRAIN VEHICLES (WATVs)
Sections:
11.69.020 Purpose and applicability.
11.69.035 Operation on city streets.
11.69.045 Operations by persons not possessing a valid license.
11.69.050 Streets designated for WATV use.
11.69.055 Prohibited activities.
11.69.065 Violations and penalties.
11.69.010 Title.
This chapter shall be known and may be cited as “wheeled all-terrain vehicles (WATVs).” (Ord. 3550 § 1, 2025).
11.69.020 Purpose and applicability.
The purpose of this chapter is to enact provisions in accordance with Chapter 46.09 RCW regarding the use of wheeled all-terrain vehicles (WATVs). This chapter shall apply to the operation of all WATVs on those city streets within the city of Longview, Washington, as designated in LMC 11.69.050. (Ord. 3550 § 1, 2025).
11.69.030 Definitions.
(1) The definitions in Chapters 46.04 and 46.09 RCW are adopted and incorporated by reference, with the following exceptions:
(a) “Wheeled all-terrain vehicle” or “WATV” includes ATVs, UTVs and ORVs as defined below.
(b) “All-terrain vehicle” or “ATV” means any motorized nonhighway vehicle with handlebars that are 51 inches or less in width, has a seat with a height of at least 20 inches, weighs less than 1,500 pounds, and has four tires having a diameter of 30 inches or less.
(c) “Utility all-terrain vehicle” or “UTV” means a utility-type vehicle designed for and capable of travel over designated roads that travels on four or more low-pressure tires of 20 psi or less, has a maximum width less than 74 inches, has a maximum weight less than 2,000 pounds, has a wheelbase of 110 inches or less, and satisfies at least one of the following: (i) has a minimum width of 50 inches; (ii) has a minimum weight of 900 pounds; or (iii) has a wheelbase of over 61 inches. Unless specifically cited, for the purpose of this chapter, the term “wheeled all-terrain vehicle” includes those vehicles meeting the definition of “utility all-terrain vehicle.”
(d) “Off-road vehicle” or “ORV” means a non-street-registered vehicle when used for recreational purposes on nonhighway roads, trails, or a variety of other natural terrain. “Off-road vehicle” or “ORV” includes, but is not limited to, all-terrain vehicles, motorcycles, four-wheel drive vehicles, and dune buggies.
(e) “City streets” means all public streets within Longview’s city limits, excluding state highways and other streets specifically restricted by the city.
(f) “DOT approved tires” means tires that meet Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards and are marked with the DOT symbol as defined in 49 CFR 574.5(e)(1). (Ord. 3550 § 1, 2025).
11.69.035 Operation on city streets.
(1) All WATVs operating on city streets must:
(a) Comply with all Washington State registration requirements in accordance with RCW 46.09.410 and 46.09.420 and WATV use permits in accordance with RCW 46.09.430, with the following additions:
(i) Decals required by RCW 46.09.410(7) shall be affixed to the ORV where it is clearly visible.
(ii) Meet all equipment requirements, be certified by a Washington State licensed wheeled all-terrain vehicle dealer or motor vehicle repair shop, and declaration requirements in accordance with RCW 46.09.457.
(2) All persons operating WATVs on city streets must meet all registration and licensing requirements as set forth in Chapter 46.09 RCW, with the following addition:
(a) Registration must be provided to a duly licensed law enforcement officer upon request.
(3) All persons operating WATVs on city streets must obey all traffic laws including but not limited to rules of the road, traffic law or code, parking regulations, and road closures or restrictions, unless otherwise expressly exempted by Chapter 46.09 RCW. WATV operators must obey posted speed limits while traveling on city streets outlined in LMC 11.69.050.
(4) Headlights meeting the requirements of RCW 46.37.030 and 46.37.040 and tail lamps meeting the requirements of RCW 46.37.525 must be used at all times when the vehicle is in motion.
(5) Documentation of safety inspection required by RCW 46.09.457(1)(b)(i) must be carried in the vehicle and provided to a duly licensed law enforcement officer upon request.
(6) All occupants of a WATV shall wear a DOT-approved helmet unless it has an original equipment manufacturing (OEM) roll over protection system (ROPS).
(7) The operator and all passengers in a utility all-terrain vehicle shall wear safety belts. Safety belts are required even if not provided by the manufacturer.
(8) All WATV traveling on city streets must be equipped with DOT-approved tires. (Ord. 3550 § 1, 2025).
11.69.045 Operations by persons not possessing a valid license.
Any person not possessing a valid license to operate a motor vehicle under Chapter 46.20 RCW may not operate any WATV on city streets. (Ord. 3550 § 1, 2025).
11.69.050 Streets designated for WATV use.
(1) City streets with a posted speed limit of 35 miles per hour (mph) or less are designated for WATV use.
(2) Segments of state highway listed in Chapter 47.17 RCW with a posted speed limit of 35 miles per hour or less. (Ord. 3550 § 1, 2025).
11.69.055 Prohibited activities.
(1) No operator may use any WATV to pull a sled, toboggan, inner tube, wagon, trailer, or any other similar device.
(2) No person shall operate or park any WATV on any sidewalk, walkway, pedestrian trail or bridge where the operation of motorized vehicles is prohibited.
(3) Use of any road or street with a posted speed limit above 35 miles per hour, except to cross such roads at intersections. (Ord. 3550 § 1, 2025).
11.69.060 Exemptions.
This chapter shall not apply to an appropriate local, state, and/or federal agency that engages in emergency management, as defined by state law, or to those individuals associated with such agencies and engaged in search and rescue operations, as defined by state law, or law enforcement agencies when operation of any such vehicle is in accordance with the scope of the official duties of the agency. (Ord. 3550 § 1, 2025).
11.69.065 Violations and penalties.
(1) It is a violation of this chapter for any person or WATV to operate on city streets inconsistent with this chapter. Any person violating this chapter shall be guilty of a traffic infraction, provided conduct that constitutes a criminal traffic offense may be charged as such and subject to the maximum penalties allowed for such offenses.
(2) In addition to the penalties provided in this chapter the owner and/or operator of any nonhighway vehicle shall be liable for any damage to property including, but not limited to, damage to trees, shrubs, or growing crops as the result of operating a WATV. The owner of such property may recover from the person responsible three times the amount of the damage per RCW 46.09.490(2). (Ord. 3550 § 1, 2025).