Iowa 2025-2026 Regular Session

Iowa House Bill HF1005

Introduced
4/10/25  

Caption

A bill for an act requiring persons twelve years of age or older to pass a written test and obtain an education certificate prior to operating an all-terrain vehicle or off-road utility vehicle on streets, highways, certain land, ice, and trails, providing fees, and making penalties applicable.(Formerly HF 762, HF 73.)

Impact

The bill amends existing statutes to eliminate exceptions previously granted to UTV operators concerning education instruction and certification. By requiring operators to possess an education certificate while operating ATVs and UTVs in various public spaces, it aims to standardize safety practices and increase awareness about legal responsibilities. The education fee for obtaining such a certificate will still be set at $5, with funds directed toward educational programs, ensuring that public safety measures remain funded and effective.

Summary

House File 1005 mandates that individuals aged 12 and older must pass a written test and obtain an education certificate before operating an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) or off-road utility vehicle (UTV) on public streets, highways, land, ice, and trails. This legislative move seeks to enhance safety measures associated with the operation of ATVs and UTVs, particularly emphasizing the need for operator education. Currently, minors are subject to specific regulations regarding ATV operation, and this bill seeks to expand those requirements to include UTV operators where previous exemptions existed.

Contention

Some concerns raised during discussions of HF1005 include the impact on young operators' accessibility to recreational activities and the potential burden of added regulations. Critics argue that additional tests could deter young individuals from participating in ATV and UTV use, while supporters insist that the proposed regulations are essential for improving safety and reducing accidents among youth riders. Moreover, the harmonization of education certification between varying vehicle types is seen as a necessary step to ensure a consistent understanding across operators regarding safe riding practices.

Companion Bills

IA HF73

Similar To A bill for an act requiring persons to pass a written test and obtain an education certificate prior to operating an all-terrain vehicle, off-road motorcycle, or off-road utility vehicle on certain land, ice, and trails, providing fees, and making penalties applicable.(See HF 762, HF 1005.)

IA HF762

Similar To A bill for an act requiring persons twelve years of age or older to pass a written test and obtain an education certificate prior to operating an all-terrain vehicle or off-road utility vehicle on streets, highways, certain land, ice, and trails, providing fees, and making penalties applicable.(Formerly HF 73; See HF 1005.)

Previously Filed As

IA HF762

A bill for an act requiring persons twelve years of age or older to pass a written test and obtain an education certificate prior to operating an all-terrain vehicle or off-road utility vehicle on streets, highways, certain land, ice, and trails, providing fees, and making penalties applicable.(Formerly HF 73; See HF 1005.)

IA HF73

A bill for an act requiring persons to pass a written test and obtain an education certificate prior to operating an all-terrain vehicle, off-road motorcycle, or off-road utility vehicle on certain land, ice, and trails, providing fees, and making penalties applicable.(See HF 762, HF 1005.)

IA HF473

A bill for an act relating to operation of all-terrain vehicles or off-road utility vehicles on public hunting areas.(Formerly HF 107.)

IA SF2382

A bill for an act relating to operating all-terrain vehicles on highways, and making penalties applicable.(Formerly SSB 3131.)

IA SSB3131

A bill for an act relating to operating all-terrain vehicles on highways, and making penalties applicable.(See SF 2382.)

IA HF107

A bill for an act relating to operation of all-terrain vehicles or off-road utility vehicles on public hunting areas.(See HF 473.)

IA HSB638

A bill for an act relating to registration requirements for vehicles designed primarily for off-highway use, including registration of all-terrain vehicles and information required to complete a form to register snowmobiles and vessels, providing fees, making appropriations, providing penalties, and making penalties applicable.

IA HF1015

A bill for an act prohibiting counties from charging a fee to operate a registered all-terrain vehicle or off-road utility vehicle on secondary roads.(Formerly HF 257.)

IA SB2628

All-terrain vehicles and recreational off-highway vehicles; allow tagging for operation on certain roads.

IA SB2258

All-terrain vehicles and recreational off-highway vehicles; allow tagging for operation on certain roads.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.