This bill amends existing laws regarding the operation of all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), off-road motorcycles, and off-road utility vehicles (UTVs) in Iowa. It removes the previous exemptions for off-road motorcycles and UTVs from the education instruction and certification requirements, mandating that all operators, regardless of age, must obtain a valid education certificate approved by the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) before operating these vehicles on public land, public ice, designated riding trails, or land purchased with ATV registration funds. The bill also clarifies that individuals are not required to possess an education certificate if their operation of the vehicle is part of a prescribed education training course under the direct supervision of a certified instructor.

Additionally, the bill establishes that the only way to qualify for an education certificate is by successfully passing a written test, eliminating the option to demonstrate adequate riding skills. This change aligns the requirements for ATV and UTV education certificates with those for snowmobiles. The bill maintains the existing fee of $5 for the education certificate, which is credited to the special ATV fund for educational programs. Violating the requirement to possess a valid education certificate while operating these vehicles will result in a simple misdemeanor, punishable by a $70 fine.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 321I.1, 321.234A