Authorities urge safety as ORV season ramps up at sand dunes

MOSES LAKE — With warmer weather drawing thousands of riders to the Moses Lake Sand Dunes and Beverly Sand Dunes, Grant County law enforcement is urging visitors to follow safety rules meant to prevent crashes, fires and other hazards. 

Deputies say most injuries at the dunes stem from preventable behavior. 

“We want people to have a good time, and we don’t want anyone to get hurt,” Public Information Officer Kyle Foreman said. “Most of the time, injuries are caused by someone’s behavior. Watch out for other people at the sand dunes… it’s not unusual for us to have someone who is run over by an ORV just because they’re not paying attention.” 

The dunes can see thousands of visitors on Memorial Day, Labor Day and other peak weekends, creating congested conditions for riders, campers and families on foot, Foreman said.  

Road rules and underage riding

Grant County Sheriff’s Office ORV Deputy Cody Clark said one of the biggest problems is riders taking side‑by‑sides and quads onto county roads, where they are not allowed. 

“A lot of people think they can ride on the road because it’s 35 mph,” Clark said. “In the state you can, but each county and city can enforce that and make it more strict. The county has yet to allow them, at least in that area.” 

Clark said deputies frequently see children riding unsupervised on the roads, spinning out or doing donuts while parents are elsewhere. 

“If there was an adult watching them, they wouldn’t be on the road,” he said. “Anyone under 16 is still subject to the rules, and the parents are the ones who get the infraction.” 

Equipment requirements and fire risks 

Deputies will also be checking for required safety equipment, including helmets and flags on ORVs. Only motorcycles are exempt from the flag rule. 

Flags help prevent collisions on blind hills, Clark said.  

“It’s just so they don’t have any collisions, especially on some of the hills where it’s harder to see until you get over the top,” he said.  

Alongside this, lights are required and vehicles after dark for visibility and safety of riders.  

Clark also wanted to remind people that helmets are required for all riders.  

“Even if it’s just a short distance, make sure you have a helmet on,” Clark said. “We have had people traveling a short distance to the bathroom, or whatever, and they ended up tipping before they got there.”   

Spark arresters are also mandatory to prevent wildland fires. 

“It’s essentially like a wire mesh inside the exhaust,” Clark said. “It helps catch any sparks so they don’t get pushed out.” 

Campfires are allowed, but burning pallets, tires or wood with nails is prohibited because leftover metal debris can puncture tires. 

Alcohol ban and DUI enforcement 

Alcohol is banned at both dune areas under county code, a rule Clark said was put in place after past crashes and injuries. 

“It’s prohibited. Anyone out there is subject to an infraction,” he said. “You can also be charged with DUI if you’re riding around. Trucks, motorcycles, side‑by‑sides – it’s all the same.” 

Yellow zone closures 

The “yellow zone,” a mud‑flats area near the dunes, is closed to ORVs from Oct. 1 through July 1 to protect wildlife habitat. Visitors may drive the main Power Line Road to fish or camp but cannot leave the roadway. 

“Anything outside of that, if you’re operating a motor vehicle, you can get an infraction,” Clark said. 

Sheriff’s office message 

In a statement, the Grant County Sheriff’s Office said deputies and Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife Police will maintain a visible presence throughout the season. 

“Our goal is to make sure everyone can enjoy the outdoors safely and responsibly,” the statement said. “We want everyone to have a great time, ride safely, follow the rules, and be considerate of others.”