Photo Courtesy of Iowa DNR

A recent addition made by the Iowa Legislature allows for more uses of an all-terrain vehicle (ATVs) in the state.

Iowa Department of Natural Resources Conservation Officer for Greene County Aaron Arthur says ATVs are now allowed to be operated in state parks as well as county parks but only on designated roadways. 

“We had a few issues over Memorial Day weekend where people didn’t stay on the roads, and I’ve had people get on the Raccoon River Valley Trail, on the bike trail, because of this new law. So just be aware, they’re (ATVs) are allowed to be operated on the roads under those certain conditions, but still not allowed to operate off road, or on our bike trails, or in our parks, or in our wildlife areas. So stay on the roads and follow the rules.”     

Arthur points out those rules include being at least 18 years old to operate an ATV, having a valid driver’s license, proof of insurance, the ATV has working brakes and headlights, turn signals and mirrors, along with going 35 miles per hour or less.