It was announced that Alaska will amend its statewide regulations, and starting January 1, 2022, four-wheelers and other all purpose vehicles will be allowed to be operated on public roads that have speed limits of 45 mph or less. Though the regulations apply statewide, state law allows for municipalities to opt out, which is what Kenai and Soldotna have done during recent city council meetings.
City Manager Stephanie Queen told the Soldotna City Council in November:
“As you’re aware, the city prohibits the use of ATVs on roads. They’re allowed to cross roadways in certain circumstances and our attorneys have determined that that existing set of regulations and our ability to enforce that section of code will remain in effect. Essentially, our city code is robust. It is properly articulated. When the change at the statewide level goes into effect on January 1, if the council chooses to do nothing, it will be status quo in terms of what’s happening inside our city limits.”
Kenai Police Chief Dave Ross explained to the Kenai City Council:
“Our city ordinance, our code that has not allowed ATVs on the road for years, is based on a definition of off-road vehicle that will no longer apply when that happens. Our code says that an off-road vehicle is one that’s not allowed on the road by state regulation, basically. So, come January 1st all those ATVs will be allowed on the road by state regulation, that make sense? Kenai municipal code says no off-road vehicles on bike paths, sidewalks, roads, parklands, private or public property without express permission. If we don’t change the definition, then off-road vehicles would probably be allowed in all of those places, bike paths, sidewalks, parks and stuff, so it’s important to change the definition. That’s all that this does.”
Even though the state regulations will not impact what is allowed within the cities of Kenai or Soldotna, there are several highways/roads at the boundaries where all purpose vehicles will be allowed at the start of the year.
A current valid driver’s license will be required to operate an all-purpose vehicle on roadways, as will a motor vehicle liability policy. If the vehicle is equipped with seatbelts, the driver and any passengers will be required to use them, and child restraint systems such as car seats will be required. Where no seatbelts exist, child restraints will not be required. Helmets will be required for passengers only, but not drivers who operate the all-purpose vehicle.
Please see the FAQ document from the Department of Public Safety for additional information:
ATVFAQ