WATVs on Public Roads

On December 6, 2017, the Snohomish County Council in accordance with Chapter 46.09 RCW approved Ordinance 17-032 creating chapter 11.50 SCC allowing the operation of Wheeled All-Terrain Vehicles (WATVs) on certain unincorporated county roads with posted speed limits of 35 MPH or less. Ordinance 17-032 became effective on December 21, 2017.

On September 26, 2018, the Snohomish County Council amended the chapter requiring all persons operating WATVs on county roads to carry proof of liability insurance in compliance with, and with coverage limits at least equivalent to the amounts set forth in Chapter 46.29 RCW. Additionally, county roads designated for WATV use were updated adding public roads to include Old Owen Rd, Mann Rd and Ben Howard Rd, which all have posted speed limits of 35 MPG or less. Ordinance 18-055 became effective on October 16, 2018.

On September 11, 2019, the Snohomish County Council amended the chapter adding additional county public roads designated for WATV use and also updated SCC 11.50.050 prohibited activities and SCC 11.50.080 violations and penalties. A new map replaced the original map to help illustrate the changes with roads designated for WATV use. Ordinance 19-047 became effective on October 4, 2019.

• Snohomish County Code Chapter 11.50 SCC
• Text of Ordinance 17-032 (PDF)
• Text of Ordinance 18-055 (PDF)
• Text of Ordinance 19-047 (PDF)
• Map of County roads (PDF) where you may legally operate a WATV, subject to all Washington State registration and licensing requirements, WATV use permits, and equipment laws.

If you have questions about the operation of WATVs on Snohomish County roads, please email the Council.