ATV & Snow Machine Information

This information is provided as a Public Safety Announcement to prevent unnecessary enforcement actions

The City of Nome and the Nome Police Department advises citizens of safety issues relating to the operation of off-road vehicles within the City.

** State Road Rules **

Hi Nome! As you've heard...beginning Jan 1, 2022. ATV's (now under the definition of APV, All Purpose Vehicle) will be allowed on state roads with a speed limit of 45mph or less. This does not include snow-machines or hovercrafts.
Many municipalities and boroughs are adopting ordinances to ban the usage, so please check with any other city or village you travel to! However, Nome has not so we want to get ahead of the game and provide answers to your questions!

**However! This does not mean you can grab your rig and take it for a spin on Front Street or a State road right away. See below of what you need to do first!

We will try and provide updates of any changes, amendments, or city ordinances that may or may not be referenced here.
Here is what you need:

-You need a driver's license.
-You need to register your APV with the DMV (standard registration, no special registration required.)
-You will need to put those license plates on the Back
-You must carry full liability insurance
-Passengers still require a helmet, drivers are still exempt
-You must have a working head-light, tail-light/brake light, and if you do not have turn signals you must use hand signals.
-Yes, you must still follow all other laws and regulations that full-size vehicles do.
The City of Nome currently authorizes ATV's on City Roads, so no changes there.
Please drive safely and responsibly, as we want all drivers to be educated of the upcoming changes as not only Nome, but the entire State adapts to the changes.

Please feel free to call and ask an Officer for any clarifying questions. 907-443-5262.
 

• By ordinance, the City of Nome has authorized the use of off-highway vehicles within the City as a means of transportation. The following restrictions apply:
  • All off-highway vehicles must comply with applicable state statutes and regulations to include registration and equipment requirements;
  • All persons operating an off-highway vehicle must possess a valid State of Alaska driver’s license; and
  • No person under the age of 16 may operate an off-highway vehicle in the city unless under the direct supervision of an adult.

**Helmet use is strongly encouraged and highly recommended for all ATV riders. Helmets can be purchased at a reduced cost from the Norton Sound Injury Prevention Program. Passengers are still required to use a helmet.

**Off- highway vehicles include snow machines, ATV’s, and all other motorized vehicles that are not registered as passenger vehicles with the State of Alaska Division of Motor vehicles.

This ordinance does not apply to State Highways which include: Front Street; Bering Street; Seppala Drive; Center Creek Road; the Nome/Beltz/Teller Highway and Nome/Council Highway. Off-highway vehicle use of these highways is prohibited. (*Exception if your vehicle is an APV as listed above.*)

PLEASE REFER TO THE ATTACHED MAPS OF AREAS WHERE ATV USE IS RESTRICTED OR PROHIBITED.

Those who are in violation of statutes or ordinance will be subject to issuance of a traffic citation and possible impound of the ATV. The following penalties are listed in Alaska Statute/Administrative Code and Nome Code of Ordinance:

AS 28.10.011 – Driving without a Valid Operator’s License

• Up to $300 fine and 2 points against your license

13AAC 02.455(a) – Off Highway Vehicle Operating on Highways

• $50 fine and 2 points against your license

8.15.020 Unlicensed operators.

(a) No person without a valid Alaska Class D driver’s license, or equivalent from another jurisdiction in their possession shall operate an ATV or snow machine except as provided in Section 8.15.030.

(b) No person shall operate an ATV or snow machine in violation of any condition or limitation of any driver’s license. (Ord. O-08-01-01 § 3 (part), 2008)

**See Penalty for AS 28.10.011

8.15.030 Age—Vehicle operation.

No person under the age of sixteen shall operate an ATV or snow machine unless under the direct supervision of an adult. (Ord. O-08-01-01 § 3 (part), 2008)

• $50 first offense/$75 second offense/$150 third offense
• Mandatory Court Appearance

10.40.010 Helmets Required.

All drivers of motorcycles, motor scooters, all-terrain vehicles, and snow machines under the age of eighteen, and all passengers shall be required to wear DOT approved crash helmets when utilizing aforementioned vehicles within city limits. (Ord. O-98-10-1 (part), 1997)

• $50 first offense/$75 second offense/$150 third offense
• Mandatory Court Appearance

In addition, the parent/guardian of any minor may be held liable for the conduct of the minor they are responsible for...

If you are operating an ATV, the following restrictions apply:

• Not to exceed 20 miles per hour;
• No passengers are allowed on any vehicle not designed to carry passengers;
• You must drive to the far right of the roadway and on the shoulder. If available;
• If an alternate route is available that will not violate regulations, you must take it; and
• Helmet use is required as per the code regardless of location.

If you have questions or concerns, please call the Nome Police Department at (907)443-5262. Thank you for your cooperation and commitment to safety.