(a) Conduct and operations on Tribal roadways by Yurok Tribal members and other persons within the Reservation have a direct effect on the political integrity, economic security, health and welfare of the Yurok Tribe and its members. Traffic violations endanger the health, safety, and welfare of all persons within the Reservation. There is a need to govern the actions of motorists within the Yurok Reservation boundaries and to adopt safety measures and regulations relating to vehicles operated on the Reservation.

(b) It is within the Yurok Tribe’s sovereign prerogatives and a responsible governmental action for the Yurok Tribe to assume regulatory jurisdiction over all public roadways and Tribal thoroughfares within the Reservation boundaries, which is a finding supported by state of California decisions regarding Public Law 280 as it relates to Indian Tribes. It is also in the Yurok Tribe’s best interest to adopt provisions for licensing of Yurok Tribal member drivers and registration of vehicles on the Reservation.

(c) Due to the Public Law 280 status of the Yurok Reservation, it is in the best interest of efficient enforcement to adopt the sections of the California Vehicle Code which provide for public safety and order to minimize confusion to the driving public. [Ord. 30 § 3002, adopted, 10/12/2012.]