ATVs and Snowmachines on Borough Roads

Effective January 1, 2022 – The State of Alaska regulation permits the use of all-terrain vehicles on public roads in Alaska that have posted speed limits of 45 mph or less.

Vehicles eligible under the new rules must follow certain guidelines:

• All-purpose vehicles must have a headlight, a rear-facing red light, a rear-facing red reflector, and a rear-facing red brake light.  The vehicle must have brakes, a muffler, a carburetor, and a throttle.
• Drivers must have a valid driver’s license and insurance but do not have to wear a helmet.  However, Passengers must wear a helmet.
• If the vehicle has seatbelts, they must be used, and any vehicle with seatbelts must use a child seat when carrying a child young enough.
• The vehicle must be registered and have license plates or a valid DMV decal.

Snow machines and hovercrafts remain prohibited on state roads.

Below is previously published information regarding snow machines compiled by the police department.

Snow Machine Operation:

The Haines Borough does not prohibit snow machines from being used on borough streets.  Snow machines may not be operated on state-maintained roads but may cross them (13 AAC 02.455[a-f]).  A map of the Haines area is attached, and lines indicate state roads upon which snow machines are prohibited from traveling.  Haines Borough Code 10.34.005(b) prohibits the use of snow machines in the Ft. Seward Parade Grounds and in Tlingit Park between the hours of 9:00pm and 8:00am.  Additionally, crossing private property may result in criminal charges of trespassing or disorderly conduct.

Parental Responsibility:

Both State and borough regulations (13 AAC 02.430 and HBC 10.343010) hold parents and guardians responsible when they authorize or knowingly permit a child to operate a snow machine in violation of requirements for licensing, registration, safety equipment, or other rules of the road.  This means that both an underage driver and the parent or guardian could receive citations for a violation.

Registration:

Alaska Statute (AS 05.30.010) prohibits operating any snow vehicle on property other than the owner's unless it has been registered with the Department of Administration.  When you register your snow machine, you will be given two numbered registration decals.  Alaska Statute (AS05.30.040(a)) requires the decals to be displayed on each side of the snow machine's cowling.  A snow machine may not be operated on borough streets unless it has been properly registered and valid registration decals are displayed.  In Haines, a snow machine may be registered at the Department of Motor Vehicles office in the Gateway Building or online at http://doa.alaska.gov/dmv/faq/renewal.htm.  For more information, contact the DMV at (907) 766-2553.

Driver's Licenses:

Alaska Statute (AS 28.15.011(b)) requires drivers to be licensed and requires the license to be carried when operating a motor vehicle, including a snow machine, on public roadways and public property.  An instruction permit or restricted instruction permit is not an acceptable license to operate a snow machine on borough roads.

Required Safety Equipment:

13 AAC 04.400(a)  At least one headlight of specific illumination
13 AAC 04.400(b)  Red light, stop signal light, and reflector on the rear.
13 AAC 04.405       Brakes required
13 AAC 04.410       Throttle in good working condition
13 AAC 04.415(a)  Mufflers and emission control system required.
13 AAC 04.420(a)  Rear snow flap, protective shield over moving parts, side reflectors, spark arrester, and rigid towbar for sleds required.
13 AAC 02.445(a) Permanent seats required for driver and passengers.

This information has been provided as a public service by the Haines Police Department.  If you have any questions or comments regarding this publication or snow machine operation, please contact us at (907) 766-2121.  Have fun and be safe!