Wheeled ATVs allowed on most Pierce County roads

Wheeled all-terrain vehicles are now allowed on most public county roads with a speed limit of 35 miles per hour or less in the south and east sections of unincorporated Pierce County.

Their use supports economic development, encourages tourism and enhances recreational opportunities for residents.

The Pierce County Council approved Ordinance No. 2020-90s, which expands the number of roads where the vehicles are allowed, Sept. 29, 2020. Pierce County Executive Bruce Dammeier approved it Oct. 5.

As of Jan. 1, an additional 310 miles was added to the current 44 miles of approved roads. A map of the approved roads is available at www.piercecountywa.gov/watv. Additional roads may be added over time.

The Pierce County Council first approved wheeled all-terrain vehicles on select roads in east Pierce County Jan. 1, 2019. Several roads were removed from the list of approved roads on Aug. 1, 2019, after  community feedback.

Wheeled all-terrain vehicles are allowed on some roads within the cities of Roy and Buckley and the towns of Eatonville, Carbonado and Wilkeson. The public should contact the jurisdictions to learn which roads are approved.

ATVs are not permitted on state highways, forest service roads, primitive roads, Pierce County Parks property roads, utility easements, city streets abutting county roads unless approved by the jurisdiction or in national parks. The public should check with the owners of private roads about vehicle use.

Vehicles must have both off-road and on-road wheeled all-terrain vehicle licenses to operate in the Pierce County roadway. Visit the Washington State Department of Licensing website, www.dol.wa.gov, for information on licensing and descriptions of approved vehicles.

The public can submit feedback on the use of wheeled all-terrain vehicles on Pierce County roads at www.piercecountywa.gov/watv or to pctraffic@piercecountywa.gov.