Driving Your ATV or UTV/ORV on Iowa Public Roads

ATV (All-Terrain Vehicle)
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How to Drive on Public Roads

  • Do not exceed 35 MPH.
  • Driver must be age 18 or older with a valid driver’s license.
  • Do not drive while impaired or with open alcohol container.
  • Headlight(s) must be on at all times.
     

ATV (All-Terrain Vehicle)  Key Differences
Handlebars
1-2 riders straddle seat
3,4, or 6 wheels

 

ATV (All-Terrain Vehicle)

UTV/ORV (Utility Task Vehicle) (Off-Road Utility Vehicle)- Key Differences

Steering wheel
2-6 riders sit inside bench or bucket seat
4 or 6 wheels

UTV/ORV (Utility Task Vehicle)
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What is Required for the Vehicle 

Slow-moving vehicle sign
  • Proof of insurance.
  • Registered with Iowa DNR and sticker displayed on rear of vehicle.
  • Out-of-state vehicle must have an Iowa DNR nonresident user permit sticker.
  • Functioning required equipment, including but not limited to: horn, mirrors, headlight(s), tail lights, and
    brake lights.
  • Display slow-moving vehicle sign.
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When and Where You Can Ride

  • Operation allowed day or night.
  • Roadway use allowed (except interstates and four-lane
    roads).
  • Use state two-lane or county highways only on the most
    direct, accessible route to: an ATV/UTV/ORV park or trail,
    the nearest county road, an authorized city street, or your
    residence.
  • Crossing multi-lane highways allowed only at intersections
    from authorized roads.
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Iowa Code References

ATVs/UTVs and Iowa Law ATVs/UTVs are regulated for use on roadways by Iowa code sections 321I and 321.234A.  Always refer to the most current version of the Iowa Code for legal guidance.

Know the laws. Ride responsibly.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Where can I find a listing of the cities that allow ATV or UTV/ORV use? 

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. There 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.

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