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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

ATVs could get OK to cross state highways

OLYMPIA – Drivers of all-terrain-vehicles sometimes will be able to cross a state highway to get into town, under a new Washington law.

Current state law allows ATV drivers to use local roads, with speed limits as high as 35 mph. But a problem arises when the driver approaches an intersection with a state highway, where speed limits can be as high as 60 mph. Driving across that highway, however briefly, can result in a ticket.

Under a bill sponsored by Rep. Joe Schmick, R-Colfax, and signed Monday by Gov. Jay Inslee, counties will be able to allow the vehicles to cross those intersections that are between off-road ATV areas and nearby towns.