This bill amends existing laws regarding the operation of all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) on highways in Iowa. It introduces a new subsection that exempts ATVs used for agricultural purposes from certain restrictions, allowing them to operate on highways under specific conditions. The bill also clarifies that a person must not operate an unregistered ATV on a highway unless certain conditions are met, and it modifies existing provisions related to the operation of registered ATVs on undivided primary and secondary roads. Notably, it removes the requirement that unregistered ATVs can only be operated for agricultural purposes between sunrise and sunset.

Additionally, the bill establishes that cities and counties cannot charge fees for operating registered ATVs on their roads, maintains the speed limit of 35 miles per hour for ATVs on highways, and expands the prohibition against operating ATVs on snowmobile trails to include off-road utility vehicles. It also makes conforming changes to ensure that ATVs are equipped according to motor vehicle standards, while allowing exceptions for provisions that do not apply to ATVs. Violations of the new regulations will result in a simple misdemeanor with a scheduled fine of $70.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 321.20B, 321.234A, 321.1, 321I.10, 331.362, 321.352