The Perry City Council gave final approval Oct. 3 to an amended city ordinance permitting the in-town use of utility terrain vehicles (UTVs).
The revised ordinance followed an appeal in July by four Perry-area residents who wished to drive their UTVs in town as permitted by a 2022 state law that established uniform rules across all Iowa counties for on-road use of all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and UTVs.
The new Chapter 75 of the Perry Code of Ordinances has been retitled “All-Terrain Vehicles, Off-Road Utility Vehicles and Snowmobiles.” Chapter 75.05.5 specifies the requirements for operation and equipment of UTVs:
a. As required per Chapter 321I of the Code of Iowa and Iowa Code Section 321.385.
b. The operator must be at least eighteen (18) years of age, have a valid driver’s license, and have proof of financial liability coverage.
c. The off-road utility vehicle must have a current registration.
d. Off-road utility vehicles shall display lighted headlamps at all times.
e. Seat Belts: Drivers and/or passengers of the off-road vehicle most properly wear the
manufacturers equipped safety restraints/belts.
f. Child Restraint Devices: Child restraint devices are required when applicable and most
properly be utilized as defined in Chapter 321.446 of the Code of Iowa.
g. Roll-over Protection: The off-road vehicle most be equipped with the manufacturer installed roll-over protection.
The use of ATVs on Perry’s city streets remains prohibited in the new ordinance, while snowmobiles may only use city streets when traveling “from any designated snowmobile trail to the nearest fueling station using the most direct and accessible route,” according to Chapter 75.04.1.a.
The use of ATVs and UTVs on state roads is covered in Iowa Code Chapter 321.234A. Their use on county and city roadways is covered in Iowa Code Chapter 321I.10. The amended section that applies to cities read:
321I.10.3. A city may regulate the operation of registered all-terrain vehicles and off-road utility vehicles and may designate streets under the jurisdiction of the city within its corporate limits, and two-lane primary and secondary road extensions in the city, which may be used for the operation of such vehicles. In designating such streets, the city may authorize all-terrain vehicles and off-road utility vehicles to stop at service stations or convenience stores along a designated street. However, a city shall not charge a fee to operate a registered all-terrain vehicle or off-road utility vehicle within the city.
Among the most important provisions of House File 2130, which took effect July 1, are the following:
- Operators must be at least 18 with a valid license and proof of insurance.
- Maximum speed is 35 mph.
- Working headlights, taillights, brake lights, horn and rear-view mirrors are required.
- Operation is prohibited on interstate highways and four-lane highways.
- Four-lane highways may be crossed, but interstate highways may not be crossed.
- The vehicles may only travel on state highways along the most direct and accessible route to and from an all-terrain vehicle park or trail, to the nearest county road or to an authorized city street or one’s residence.
