Oh, you can't ride your atv on any of the state highways here in Bethel. Here is a map of City-owned roads, The state highway is highlighted in yellow, all other roads are city owned.
http://www.bethel.govoffice.com/vert...EC4F583%7D.JPG
CITY OF BETHEL, ALASKA
ORDINANCE # 06-21
WHEREAS the City of Bethel (“City”) has adopted regulations by reference to the Alaska Administrative Code regarding the operation of snowmobiles and other off-highway motorized vehicles;
WHEREAS the City is aware of the desires of some residents of the community to be able to provide alternative methods of vehicular transportation as well as the need for proving for the safety of those who live and visit the City;
WHEREAS snowmobiles, personal all-terrain-vehicles (ATV or four wheelers), off-road motorcycles and scooters, and other similar vehicles provide alternative transportation, certain rules and regulations are required.
WHEREAS in order to provide for the safety and general welfare of the community and to meet the needs of those who desire or depend upon alternative means of transportation, certain rules and regulations are required.
NOW THEREFOR, BE IT ORDAINED by the City Council of Bethel, Alaska that:
SECTION 1. Classification. The ordinance is permanent in nature and shall be placed in the Bethel Municipal Code.
SECTION 2. Applicability. Section 10.02.455 of the BMC shall be amended to include the following paragraphs and language as a supplement to and not replacing language in the Alaska Administrative Code:
D. Snowmobiles and ATVs shall also be permitted to operate only on City owned and maintained streets subject to the following rules, and regulations:
1. Snow machines and ATVs shall be permitted provided that the driver of the snow machine is at least sixteen (16) years of age and posses at minimum a valid Alaska Class D driver’s license, or equivalent from another jurisdiction, and comply with all State of Alaska laws and regulations pertaining to drivers licenses.
2. Snow machines and ATVs must comply will all State of Alaska and City of Bethel traffic laws and ordinances, including but not limited to:
i. vehicle must be registered through the Division of Motor Vehicles, and proof of registration must be displayed in the designated location on the vehicle;
ii. vehicle must have liability insurance, and proof on insurance must be presented on demand;
iii. vehicle must be equipped with at least one functional headlight, taillight, and brake light that meets Alaska Administrative Code requirements for said equipment;
iv. vehicle may not carry and passengers other than the operator unless it is designed and equipped by the manufacturer to do so;
v. vehicle operator must abide by all speed limits, regulatory signs, and other traffic safety regulations.
3. the operator must comply with all State of Alaska and City of Bethel laws and ordinances as they pertain to the use of eye protection and helmets.
4. towing of sleds or trailers is permitted only under the following restrictions:
i. the sled or trailer must be attached by a solid and rigid towing devise (ropes, cables, tow straps and the like are prohibited);
ii. the sled or trailer must be equipped with the proper lighting that is illuminated if the taillight and brake light of the snow machine or ATV is not visible from behind the sled or trailer;
iii if not required to have lights, the sled or trailer must be equipped with at least two red reflectors, one permanently attached to each uppermost rear corner of the sled or trailer;
iv. trailers being towed must be under 1500 pounds (including its cargo) and the trailer and its cargo can not be blocking the operator’s ability to easily see behind the vehicle and trailer.
SECTION 3. Definitions
As used in Section 10.02.455 of the BMC:
“Snow Machine” means a motor vehicle weighing one (1) ton or less, gross vehicle weight, primarily designed to travel over snow and supported, in part, by skis belts, cleats, tracks or low pressure tires and includes the vehicle commonly known as a snowmobile or snow-go.
“ATV” means a propelled vehicle that has three (3) or more wheels or two (2) or more tracks or treads, measuring less than seventy-five 75 inches in width, having a dry weight of one (1) ton or less, being equipped with low pressure tires or rubberized or metal tracks or treads and designed primarily for travel over unimproved terrain.
SECTION 4. Offenses
A parent or guardian of a minor under the age of sixteen (16) commits an offense under the BMC Section 10.02.455 if he/she knowingly permits, or, by insufficient control, allows the minor to operate a snow machine or ATV in violation of the ordinance. Indifference as to the activities or whereabouts of the minor under the age of sixteen (16) shall be prima facie evidence of insufficient control.
SECTION 5. Fines
Any operator or parent or guardian of a minor operator under sixteen (16) found guilty of a violation of BMC Section 10.02.455 that will not be charged under State of Alaska Statute or Administrative Code is guilty of an infraction and is punishable by a fine of
i. Twenty-five ($25) dollars for a first (1st) citation;
ii. Fifty dollars ($50) for a second (2nd) citation;
iii. Seventy-five ($75) dollars for a third (3rd) citation;
iv. One hundred dollars ($100) for a fourth (4th) citation and each one thereafter.
2. Officers of the Bethel Police Department may impound snow machines and ATVs whose operators have been cited upon the fourth (4th) citation under the provisions of BMC Section 10.02.455.
Welcome to City-Data.com forum! Make sure to register - it's free and very quick! You have to register before you can post and participate in our discussions with 700,000 other registered members. User profiles and some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your free account you will be able to customize many options, you will have the full access to over 15,000 posts/day about local topics and you will see fewer ads. 
Vehicle Selection in Bethel
Warptman's Ride
Linear Mode
