Primitive Roads

Primitive Roads Hearing Ordinance

Designated Primitive Roads

What is a ‘Primitive Road?’

Primitive roads are the lowest classification of county road. They do not meet general road standards, which can include a road’s required width, slope and surface. State law allows counties to designate a road as primitive if it meets ALL the following:

  1. It is not classified as part of the county primary road system
  2. It has a gravel or earth driving surface
  3. It has as an average annual daily traffic of 100 or fewer vehicles

Once a road is designated as primitive, the maintenance of that road is discretionary. The county’s only responsibility for these roads is outlined by state law:

Any road designated as a primitive road shall be marked with signs indicating it is a primitive road, as provided in the Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices, at all places where the primitive road portion begins or connects with a highway other than another primitive road.

No design or signing or maintenance standards or requirements, other than the requirement that warning signs be placed as provided in this section, apply to primitive roads.

The design of a primitive road, any discretionary maintenance and the location, placing or failing to place road signs, other than the requirement that warning signs be placed as provided in this section, shall not be considered in any action for damages brought against a county, or against a county employee or county employees, or both, arising from vehicular traffic on the primitive road.


(For full list of County Roads, please see "County Road Maps" here)