Chapter 10.08
SNOWMOBILES

Sections:

10.08.010    Designation of roads open to snowmobiles.

10.08.020    Crossing public roadways – Method.

10.08.030    Unlawful operations.

10.08.040    Endangering wildlife or hunting from snowmobiles prohibited.

10.08.050    Violation – Penalty.

10.08.010 Designation of roads open to snowmobiles.

A. All roadways shall be open for use by snowmobiles, as that word is defined in RCW 46.10.300; provided, however, that use of particular county roads by snowmobiles shall be designated by resolution of the board of county commissioners. Such resolutions are determined and declared to be without significant adverse environmental effect and exempt from the requirements of the State Environmental Policy Act of 1971.

B. The county road department shall post all roads upon which snowmobile use is permitted and make yearly inspections of such posting. The county road department shall make available to the public a current list of those county roads, or portions thereof, upon which snowmobiling is permitted, and the dates during which said snowmobiling is permitted. (Ord. 2013-4 § 1 (Exh. B), 2013; Ord. 76-11 § 2, 1976).

10.08.020 Crossing public roadways – Method.

It is lawful to drive or operate a snowmobile across public roadways and highways other than limited-access highways when the crossing is made at an angle of approximately 90 degrees to the direction of the highway and at a place where no obstruction prevents a quick and safe crossing, when the operator of the snowmobile yields the right-of-way to motor vehicles using the public highway or roadway, and when the crossing is made at a place which is greater than 100 feet from any public roadway or highway intersection. (Ord. 2013-4 § 1 (Exh. B), 2013; Ord. 76-11 § 3, 1976).

10.08.030 Unlawful operations.

It shall be unlawful for any person to operate any snowmobile:

A. At a rate of speed greater than 25 miles per hour.

B. While under the influence of intoxicating or habit forming drugs.

C. In a manner so as to endanger the person or property of another.

D. Without a lighted headlight and taillight between the hours of dusk and dawn, or when otherwise required for safety of others.

E. Without an adequate braking device which may be operated either by hand or foot.

F. Without an adequate and operating muffling device which shall effectively blend the exhaust and motor noise in such a manner so as to preclude excessive or unusual noise and, on snowmobiles manufactured after January 4, 1973, which shall effectively maintain such noise at a level of 82 decibels or below on the “A” scale at 100 feet under testing procedures as established by the Washington State Patrol; except snowmobiles used in organized racing events in an area designated for that purpose may use a bypass or cutout device.

G. Upon the paved portion or upon the shoulder or inside bank or slope of any public roadway or highway, or upon the median of any divided highway, except as provided in RCW 46.10.460 and 46.10.470.

H. In any area or in such a manner so as to expose the underlying soil or vegetation, or to injure, damage, or destroy trees or growing crops.

I. Upon or over any roadway except as permitted by this chapter as modified by resolution provided in OCC 10.08.010; provided, that this provision shall not apply in an emergency during the period of time when and at locations where snow upon the roadway or highway renders such impassable to travel by automobile.

J. Upon or across any private property which has been posted against trespassing snowmobilers or all-terrain vehicles.

K. Without proof of liability insurance covering such operation.

In an area designated by resolution for snowmobile use, and posted by appropriate signs, it shall be unlawful for any motor vehicle to operate at any time without headlights. (Ord. 2013-4 § 1 (Exh. B), 2013; Ord. 94-13 § 1, 1994; Ord. 76-11 § 4, 1976).

10.08.040 Endangering wildlife or hunting from snowmobiles prohibited.

No person shall operate a snowmobile in such a way as to run down or harass any wildlife or animal, nor hunt from, any off-road vehicle except by permit issued by the director of fish and wildlife under RCW 77.32.237; provided, that it shall not be unlawful to carry, transport, or convey a loaded pistol in or upon an off-road vehicle if the person complies with the terms and conditions of Chapter 9.41 RCW. (Ord. 2013-4 § 1 (Exh. B), 2013; Ord. 76-11 § 5, 1976).

10.08.050 Violation – Penalty.

A. Except as provided in OCC 10.08.040, any person violating the provision of this chapter shall be guilty of a misdemeanor.

B. In addition to the penalties provided in subsection A of this section, the operator and/or owner of any snowmobile used with the permission of the owner shall be liable for the amount of any damage to trees, shrubs, growing crops, or other property injured as the result of travel by such snowmobiles over the property involved. (Ord. 2013-4 § 1 (Exh. B), 2013; Ord. 76-11 § 6, 1976).