Forks Police Department Reminds Residents of Vehicle Ordinances and Enforcement Efforts
Published 1:30 am Thursday, July 23, 2026
FORKS, WA — The Forks Police Department is reminding residents that local ordinances regulating motorized scooters, wheeled all-terrain vehicles (WATVs), and other motorized vehicles operating on public roadways remain in effect and will be actively enforced to ensure the safety of motorists, pedestrians, and the community as a whole.
Over the past several months, the Police Department has received numerous complaints regarding unsafe vehicle operation on city streets, sidewalks, parks, and other public areas. Concerns have included underage operators, excessive speeds, operation of unlicensed vehicles on public roadways, reckless driving, riding without required safety equipment, and operation of vehicles in areas where motorized vehicles are prohibited.
Under Forks Municipal Code Chapter 10.30, motorized scooters are subject to specific restrictions, including age requirements, helmet requirements, roadway limitations, and prohibitions against operating on sidewalks, city parks, designated pathways, and other restricted areas. Motorized scooters may not be operated on roads with posted speed limits greater than 25 miles per hour and may not carry passengers.
Additionally, Forks Municipal Code Chapter 10.35 permits the operation of properly licensed and equipped Wheeled All-Terrain Vehicles (WATVs) only when operators comply with state and local regulations. WATV operators must possess a valid driver’s license, maintain proper registration and equipment, wear approved helmets when required, and obey all traffic laws. Certain vehicles, including go-karts, homemade unlicensed vehicles, rally cars, and golf carts, are not authorized for operation under the WATV ordinance.
The Forks Police Department wishes to emphasize that violations of these ordinances may result in traffic infractions, citations, fines, and, when authorized by law, the impoundment of vehicles being operated unlawfully. Vehicles operated by unlicensed drivers, operated in a reckless manner, or operated in violation of state or municipal laws may be subject to seizure or towing.
Parents and guardians are encouraged to familiarize themselves with local ordinances and ensure that minors are operating vehicles legally and safely. Parents may also be held responsible when allowing underage or unlicensed individuals to operate motorized vehicles on public roadways.
“Our goal is not to issue citations or impound vehicles,” said Chief Mike Rowley. “Our priority is public safety. We want everyone to enjoy recreational vehicles responsibly while respecting the laws that protect our community. We encourage residents to review the applicable ordinances and ensure that any vehicle being operated on public roadways is legal, properly equipped, and operated safely.”
The Police Department encourages residents to review the applicable sections of the Forks Municipal Code regarding motorized scooters and WATVs and to contact the department with any questions regarding vehicle legality or roadway use.
Residents with questions may contact the Forks Police Department at (360) 374-2223.
Safety Reminders
• Wear approved helmets when required by law.
• Ensure vehicles are properly registered and equipped.
• Obey all posted speed limits and traffic laws.
• Do not operate motorized vehicles on sidewalks, parks, or restricted pathways.
• Never allow unlicensed or underage individuals to operate vehicles on public roadways.
• Report reckless or unsafe vehicle operation to law enforcement.
The Forks Police Department appreciates the cooperation of residents in helping maintain safe roadways and public spaces for everyone.
The Forks ordinances provided establish restrictions on motorized scooters and WATVs, including age limits, helmet requirements, roadway limitations, and traffic-infraction penalties. The city’s WATV ordinance authorizes use on roads with speed limits of 35 mph or less when operators meet licensing, registration, and equipment requirements.
Thank you,
Chief Mike Rowley A1
