Iowa ATV/UTV Laws
Posted on July 5, 2022 at 9:34 AM by Town & Country Insurance
On July 1, Iowa residents will be able to ride their ATV or UTV in all 99 of the state’s counties. The decision came after surveys completed by ATV and UTV riders showed that they would like to have more riding options and be able to ride on more county and state roads.
The new law does come with some restrictions:
- ATVs and UTVs have a speed limit of 35 mph.
- All ATVs and UTVs must have operational headlights, taillights, and brake lights, horn, and rearview mirrors.
- They must be operated by a person who is at least 18 years old with a valid driver’s license and carrying valid proof of insurance.
Also, drivers will have restrictions on which roads they can drive on:
- If driving on a state two-lane highway or county highway, it must be over the most direct and accessible route to or from an all-terrain vehicle park or trail, to the nearest county road, or an authorized city street or one’s residence.
- Riders may cross a four-lane highway at an intersection from an authorized road so long as it is not an interstate highway.
- ATVs and UTVs are not permitted to drive on any gravel or paved roadway that is marked under construction, closed, or a detour for normal vehicle traffic.
- ATVs and UTVs may be restricted from county roadways during special events, like RAGBRAI, for a maximum of seven days consecutively or 30 days in a year.
- ATVs and UTVs may only be operated on state highways and may not travel on four-lane or interstate roads. They may be driven on any county unpaved gravel road.
- Riders will be allowed to ride day or night.
All Iowa cities may regulate ATV and UTV traffic within their city limits, including primary and secondary road extensions, but cities may not charge a fee to ATV and UTV owners for use of their streets; these new laws will also override any county ordinances currently in place.
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