Ask the TH: Are ATVs legal in city limits?

Question: If snowmobiles are legal in the Dubuque city limits, are four-wheelers? If not, why?

Answer: The two are legal in the city limits under very specific circumstances.

There are two separate sections in the Iowa Motor Vehicle Code that address snowmobile and ATV operation.

While some similarities exist in the code, there also are some differences.

For instance, a snowmobile only may be operated within the right-of-way of an interstate highway or freeway when using an underpass that is abandoned and is no longer used by vehicles or it's the only alternative to the use of the roadway.

A snowmobile cannot be operated on public highways on the roadway portion of the highway or the adjacent shoulder.

An ATV, however, owned by the owner of land adjacent to a highway may be operated by the owner or a member of his or her family on the portion of the highway right-of-way between the shoulder of the roadway and the owner's property line. A person who operates an ATV within the highway right-of-way must comply with registration, safety and age requirements.

An ATV should not be operated on a highway unless one or more of the following conditions apply:

• The operation of the vehicle is between sunrise and sunset and is for agricultural purposes.
• The operation of the vehicle is for the purpose of surveying land by a licensed engineer or land surveyor.
• The vehicle is operated by an employee of a political subdivision or public utility for the purpose of construction or maintenance on or adjacent to the highway.
• The vehicle is operated by an employee of a public agency to provide emergency services or rescue.
• The vehicle is operated for the purpose of installing approved trail signs or providing maintenance on a snowmobile or ATV trail.
• The vehicle is operated by the owner of land adjacent to the highway.

Any person operating an ATV on a highway needs a valid driver's license and the vehicle should be operated at 35 mph or slower.

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Source: http://www.thonline.com/article.cfm?id=276533

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