Bill would allow ATVs on locally approved roads in four counties

The printed text allows ATVs to use specified highway stretches in Buchanan and Tazewell Counties when the stated conditions are met. In Buchanan County, the specified routes run along Pocahontas Trail on Bill Young Mountain and across Route 635. In Tazewell County, they include Pocahontas Trail between Pocahontas and Boissevain, listed highway crossings, the town of Pocahontas, and Department of Corrections property. Each county Board of Supervisors must approve the routes. Use across Virginia Department of Corrections property in Tazewell County also requires permission under § 2.2-1150. Riders must travel in daylight, go no more than one mile between off-road trails, follow road rules, wear approved helmets, and stay at or below 25 miles per hour. Approved warning signs must be posted and paid for by the person or club seeking approval. The text says these ATVs need not meet this title's lighting requirements.

The printed text allows ATVs on highways designated by ordinance in Giles and Pulaski Counties when the stated conditions are met. This applies to highways designated in Giles or Pulaski County by ordinance. The Board of Supervisors must approve the operation. Before designating a highway, the locality must consider traffic and find that ATV use fits transportation plans and the state's pedestrian policy. A highway cannot be designated if ATV use would impede safe and efficient traffic flow. The locality must post approved warning signs. Riders must travel in daylight, follow road rules, wear approved helmets, and stay at or below 25 miles per hour. The text says these ATVs need not meet this title's lighting requirements.

The printed text requires ATV retailers to attach a State Police-approved sticker stating the general limits on ATV operation, or verify that one is attached. The sticker must clearly and completely state subsection A's restrictions on where and by whom ATVs may be operated.