Benton County, WA Mobility & Curb Rules: Bike Lane Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- BCC 10.14.100(c)
- Applies to
- Unincorporated Benton County roads, excluding Hanford
- Penalty
- Up to $250 traffic infraction plus assessments
- Adopted by
- Ordinance 626 (2020)
- Also banned
- WATVs on sidewalks, park trails, walking paths
- Charging option
- Criminal conduct charged at state-law penalty instead
Summary
Benton County bans wheeled all-terrain vehicles from bicycle lanes, bike paths and walking paths on unincorporated county roads. Benton County Code 10.14.100(c) makes it unlawful for a WATV operator to enter a bicycle lane, protecting the space cyclists rely on. The prohibition sits inside the county's 2020 WATV ordinance, which also bars WATVs from sidewalks and road shoulders outside Hanford.
10.14.100 PROHIBITED AREAS.
(a) It is unlawful to operate a wheeled all-terrain vehicle on a sidewalk, on the road shoulder or any other area where it is unlawful to operate a motor vehicle.
(b) Except for use by county maintenance staff, it is unlawful to operate a wheeled all-terrain vehicle on any county park trail, path, walkway, etc other than in areas designated for motor vehicle operation.
(c) It is unlawful to operate a wheeled all-terrain vehicle on any bicycle or walking path or in a bicycle lane. [Ord. 626 (2020) § 10]
Full Breakdown
14 of the Benton County Code, adopted by Ordinance 626 in 2020, regulates wheeled all-terrain vehicles (WATVs) operating on county roads in unincorporated Benton County. 020 limits the chapter to unincorporated areas, expressly excluding the Hanford Nuclear Reservation. 310, and defines "county road" as any road in unincorporated Benton County maintained by the county, excluding Hanford roads. 100(c) regardless of the road's speed limit or the rider's age or license status. 090 insurance requirements. 050(d).
Violations & Fines
Under BCC 10.14.110, any violation of Chapter 10.14, including riding a WATV in a bicycle lane under 10.14.100(c), is a traffic infraction punishable by a monetary penalty of up to $250, exclusive of statutory assessments that Washington courts add to infractions. If the same conduct also amounts to a criminal offense under separate state law, the county can charge it as such and pursue the maximum penalty allowed for that offense, not just the $250 infraction cap.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I ride a wheeled ATV in a bike lane in Benton County?
What's the fine for driving a WATV in a bicycle lane?
Does the bicycle lane ban apply inside Kennewick or Richland?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Benton County
Compare Benton County to another location·View the Washington mobility & curb rules overview
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