OAR 736-021-0060: Motor Vehicles and Other Motorized Devices

(1) A person operating a motorized vehicle or device on the ocean shore state recreation area must (a) Observe all posted signs, including signs that prohibit the operation of motorized vehicles or devices; and (b) Restrict speed and manner of operation to reasonable and prudent practice, considering the terrain, prevailing conditions, equipment, personal capabilities, personal safety and the safety of all other ocean shore state recreation area users, natural resources, and wildlife. (2) A person operating a motorized vehicle or device on the ocean shore state recreation area may not: (a) Disturb or harass wildlife or other natural resources, or (b) Block access, use, or the safe and uninterrupted passage of others on the ocean shore state recreation area. (3) A person may not use a motor vehicle as defined in ORS 825.005(9) on any area of the ocean shore state recreation area unless the department had posted the area as open. A person may use a motor vehicle on a closed area only pursuant to a permit issued by the department. (4) On an area of the ocean shore state recreation area that the department has posted as open to motor vehicle use, a person may only operate a motor vehicle that is registered to operate on public highways and roads. (5) On the ocean shore state recreation area fronting the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area and Sand Lake Recreation Area, a person may use an ATV or OHV provided that the vehicles is equipped with at least the minimum safety equipment as specified in OAR 735-116-0000. (6) A person may not operate a Class I ATV on the ocean shore state recreation area, except: (a) If the person obtains an Ocean Shores ATV Operating Permit from the department as provided in OAR 736-004-0062. (b) On the ocean shore state recreation area fronting the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area and Sand Lake Recreation Area. A person may operate a Class I ATV registered in a state other than Oregon under this subsection. (7) Unless otherwise posted, a person may not operate motorized vehicles or devices within the ocean shore state recreation area at speeds in excess of 25 mph in open sections and 10 mph in closed sections. (8) A person operating a motorized vehicle or device must comply with regulatory signs in the ocean shore state recreation area. All provisions of motor vehicle laws of the State of Oregon are applicable and enforceable. (9) The department may have a motorized vehicle or device towed at the owner’s expense if left unattended for more than 24 hours or immediately if it meets one or more of the following criteria: (a) Blocks or restricts a beach access, (b) Is owned by a person who has been excluded or who is in violation of criminal trespass, or (c) Poses harm to the beach environment or ocean shore resources, creates a hazard to humans or wildlife, is a nuisance or may become a navigational hazard if washed out to sea. (10) Vehicle operators must have a valid driver's license in their possession, except at ocean shore state recreation area adjacent to Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area and Sand Lake Recreation Area that are open to ATV use. (11) A person whose driving privilege has been suspended or revoked may not operate any vehicle on the ocean shore recreation area, including at ocean shore state recreation areas adjacent to the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area and at Sand Lake Recreation Area. (12) A person may not use any vehicle in western snowy plover-management areas as provided in OAR 736-021-0090. (13) A person operating an ATV on designated portions of the ocean shore state recreation area under this rule must comply with the following equipment requirements: (a) Flag: All vehicles must display a highly visible red or orange flag when on the sand. (A) The flag must be displayed vertically and be at least nine feet from the ground level when the vehicle is under power; and (B) The flag dimensions must be at minimum 8 inches wide and 12 inches long. (b) Helmet: Operators and passengers younger than 18-years-old in a Class I, III or IV ATV must wear a Department of Transportation-approved helmet with the chin strap fastened while operating an ATV. In addition, operators and passengers younger than 18 years of age must also wear a Department of Transportation-approved helmet with the chin strap fastened while operating a Class II nonregistered vehicle. (c) Fuel tank: All fuel tanks must meet the following requirements: (A) Must be securely mounted; (B) Must be properly constructed of industrial material for carrying fuel; (C) All connections must be secure and tight; and (D) All mechanical fluids and fuel must be securely contained to ensure no leakages that may affect the ocean shore state recreation area. (d) Muffler: All vehicles must be equipped with a muffler that conforms to the current noise level and defect standards of the Department of Environmental Quality for vehicles operated off road. (14) A person operating an ATV on designated portions of the ocean shore state recreation area is subject to the following conditions: (a) ATV Operator Permit: Operators of Class I, III and IV ATVs must obtain an ATV Safety Education Card, also known as an ATV operator permit, according to OAR 736-004-0085 and comply with all the provisions in OAR 736-004-0085. (A) The department shall honor an ATV permit issued by another state, as detailed in OAR 736-004-0070. (B) A temporary ATV Safety Education Card is valid for operation on the ocean shore state recreation area if the operator meets the provisions of OAR 736-004-0095. (C) These rules apply to all ATV operators, regardless of state of residence. (D) Only persons with disabilities and park employees, emergency personnel or natural resources workers on official duty that have obtained an Ocean Shores ATV Operating Permit from the department may operate a Class I ATV on the ocean shore state recreation area. (b) Placement of ATV Permit: A person must display his or her ATV operating permits as provided in OAR 736-004-0065. (c) Rider Fit: ATV operators younger than 16 years of age must meet the rider-fit criteria established in OAR 736-004-0115 (15) A person may take off or land on the ocean shore in a powered aircraft, airborne vehicle or other aircraft: (a) In an emergency, or (b) As authorized in a special-use permit from the department as provided in OAR 736-016. (16) Electric assisted bicycles that do not fit under the classifications as outlined in ORS 801.258 or have been modified out of the classification criteria, will be considered “Motorized vehicle or device” and only allowed on the ocean shore where motor vehicles are allowed.