As fall approaches, all-terrain vehicles (ATV), utility-task vehicles (UTV) and off-road utility vehicles (ORV) are often the transportation choice for Iowans at work and play. In recent years, these types of vehicles have created efficient choring transportation for farmers and popular recreational trail riding.
Although these are primarily off-highway vehicles, their use on roadways gained new traction in 2022 when Iowa law changes allowed for more standardized rules across all 99 counties. Specifically, ATVs and UTV/ORVs can be driven on primary and secondary public roadways as provided in Iowa code sections 321I and 321.234A which regulates their use on public roads and streets. Operators should always refer to the most current versions of these codes and their local municipal ordinances for legal guidance.
Partnership Aims to Increase Safety
Driving these vehicles on public roadways may take a different skill set and requires an understanding of the rules of the road. Although Iowans and visitors enjoy driving these off-highway vehicles for recreation and lifestyle, drivers should always be familiar with when, where, and how to drive legally, and understand what is required for the vehicle to make sure you and other motorists have a safe experience.
To help make that process easier, the Iowa DOT has teamed up with the Iowa State Patrol and the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to create resources that educate Iowans about riding safely and legally on public roads and streets.
“As partners, our agencies each have areas of expertise, and we’re all committed to working together to provide the information drivers need to understand their responsibilities and stay safe,” says Iowa DOT’s Government and Community Relations Director Daniel Yeh. “Many Iowans and visitors are driving these vehicles in place of cars and trucks, so it’s important that drivers operate them safely and that other motorists are aware that they’re sharing the road with them,” he added.
Yeh pointed out that the goal of the partnership is to reduce injuries and fatalities. DOT data shows that from 2019 to 2021 there were a total of 19 deaths on public roadways related to ATV/UTV crashes. In 2022 and 2023, Iowa recorded 12 ATV/UTV deaths each year, with a record high 20 fatalities in 2024. Currently, fatalities are trending down with seven deaths in 2025 to date.
Who & How You Can Ride
Public interest in ATV and UTV/ORVs is growing exponentially. In fiscal year 2024, 57,394 UTVs were registered by the Iowa DNR – a 47% increase in registrations since the law went into effect in 2022. Much of that growth is attributed to the rule change expanding their use.
To drive these vehicles on public roads in Iowa, drivers must be at least 18 years old with a valid driver’s license. Speed limits on public roads and streets should be followed, but drivers are not to exceed 35 mph. As with all forms of motorized vehicles, operation is not allowed while impaired or with open alcohol containers on board.
In addition to use of public roadways, the Iowa DNR is generally seeing increased interest in driving off-road vehicles. "More and more Iowans are finding that riding off-road vehicles is an enjoyable form of outdoor recreation,” says Iowa DNR Communications Director Tammie Krausman.
“Iowa offers seven public off-roading parks where operators can utilize these recreational vehicles. These public parks offer trails with varying degrees of difficulty, beginner and skill development areas, and specialty tracks. The Iowa DNR encourages all operators to take a safety course, follow manufacturers recommendations on operation, and wear proper safety gear,” Krausman adds.
Equally important is being educated about what information and equipment is required when operating a vehicle on public roadways:
- Proof of insurance.
- Current vehicle registration with the Iowa DNR and a sticker displayed on rear of vehicle.
- Out-of-state vehicles must have an Iowa DNR non-resident user permit sticker.
- Functioning required equipment: horn, mirrors, headlights, tail lights, and brake lights.
- Display slow-moving vehicle sign.
When & Where You Can Ride
According to Iowa State Patrol Public Information Officer Sgt. Alex Dinkla, a common misperception is that off-highway vehicle operators can legally ride anytime on any city street and travel on rural two-lane highway between towns.
While properly-equipped off-highway vehicles can be operated day or night using headlights, there are only certain Iowa roadways that are legally accessible. Roadways where off-highway vehicles are never allowed include interstates and four-lane roads. Crossing multi-lane highways is allowed, but only at intersections from authorized roads.
Under Iowa codes, registered ATVs and UTV/ORVs can be used on undivided two-lane primary highways; unpaved gravel roads; paved, undivided two-lane secondary roads; and designated city streets, following the most direct route between places like parks, trails, and residences.
“One of the things that we typically see is people driving vehicles in excess of their 35 mile per hour speed limit. A lot of these vehicles are not street acclimated. As more of an off-road type vehicle, they’re not engineered or outfitted with the proper tires to operate at those higher speeds safely on pavement,” says Iowa State Patrol Sgt. Alex Dinkla.
“But another common issue we see is people approaching intersections at improper speeds. To the motoring public who are not aware that these vehicles are driving that fast, they can blend in similar to a motorcycle and become hard to see at intersections.”
What Ag Exemptions Apply
When driven as implements of husbandry in agricultural work, there are some exemptions for off-highway vehicles. Used for farm purposes, no DNR registration is required. Additionally, no license is needed if the rider is operating within two miles of a farm, but vehicles cannot be operated if a person’s existing license is suspended, barred, or revoked. Operation beyond two miles of a farm requires a Class C license. The hours of operation for ag-related tasks are between sunrise and sunset.
By educating yourself on the many aspects of safe and legal use of off-highway vehicles on public roads, you can avoid tragedy, enjoy your experience, and set a good example for the next generation of riders.
Tips For Safe Operation:
- Take an ATV or UTV/ORV safety course.
- Always wear appropriate safety gear (helmets, goggles, clothing).
- Ride an off-highway vehicle that’s appropriate for your age.
- Never carry a passenger on a single-rider ATV.
- Supervise riders younger than 16.
- Never drink or use drugs when operating.
Key Questions and Answers:
Q: Where can I find a listing of what cities allow their use and what ones don’t?
A: We do not maintain a listing of city ordinances regarding ATV and UTV/ORVs. We recommend you contact your local municipalities.
Q: What are the signage requirements for these vehicles?
A: The State of Iowa adheres to the American Society of Agricultural Engineers (ANSI/ASAE S276.5 MAY98Standard 279.14-Part D) for slow-moving vehicle (SMV) signs. The is an equilateral triangle designed to enhance the visibility of slow-moving vehicles, such as farm equipment, on public roads.
According to this standard, the SMV emblem has the following features:
- Shape: Equilateral triangle.
- Size: Minimum height of 14 inches. While the minimum height is 14 inches, many commercially available SMV emblems are 16 inches wide by 14 inches high to facilitate easy viewing.
- Materials: Constructed of reflective materials, with a fluorescent orange center and a red retroreflective border.
- Visibility: It should be visible from a distance of at least 1,000 feet both day and night.
Q: Where can I get my ATV or UTV/ORV inspected so I can get it registered and licensed?
A: Please contact the Iowa Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Division in your area for inspection information. All newly owned machines, or machines not yet entered into the recreational vehicle and vessel registration system (RVVRS), must be registered through the County Recorder’s Office in the owner’s county of residence.