Jefferson County residents interested in riding all-terrain vehicles on local roads had an opportunity to weigh in this month as the Jefferson County Board of Commissioners considered a new ordinance that would govern ATV use on designated county roadways.
The board accepted public comment on the proposed ordinance at the Jefferson County Administration Building, 66 SE D Street in Madras, during their September 9 session. The ordinance — formally titled "In the Matter of Authorizing and Regulating the Operation of All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs) on Certain Roadways in Jefferson County" — would establish a framework for where and how ATVs can legally be operated on the county's road network.
What the Ordinance Would Do
If adopted, the ordinance would designate specific county roads as open to ATV travel, likely including operational requirements such as:
- Required safety equipment (helmets, mirrors, flags)
- Speed limits specific to ATV operation
- Age and licensing restrictions for operators
- Designated routes to minimize conflict with standard vehicle traffic
ATV ordinances on county roads have become increasingly common across rural Oregon as communities look to support recreation economies while keeping roads safe for all users. Jefferson County's high desert terrain and wide network of rural roads make it a natural fit for expanded off-highway vehicle access.
Context: A Growing Trend in Rural Oregon
Several neighboring counties and communities across Central Oregon have adopted similar ATV road-use frameworks in recent years. Proponents argue that clearly defined rules benefit both riders and other road users by setting expectations and reducing confusion about where ATVs are and are not permitted.
For ranching and agricultural operations in Jefferson County, ATVs and utility task vehicles (UTVs) are already a daily working tool. An ordinance allowing limited road travel could make it easier for working landowners to move equipment between properties without loading and hauling on trailers for short distances.
Recreation and Tourism Angle
Jefferson County's proximity to public lands and the broader Central Oregon recreation corridor makes ATV access a potential draw for visitors as well. The Madras area, Crooked River Ranch, and outlying rural communities like Ashwood and Antelope sit amid terrain that attracts off-road enthusiasts from across the region.
The Madras Bulletin will continue to follow the ordinance's progress through the commission process. Residents with questions or input can contact the Jefferson County Board of Commissioners at the Administration Building or through the county's official website at jeffersoncountyor.gov.