Bill > HF73

Introduced Session

Under current law, a person 12 years of age or older but less than 18 years of age is required to obtain a valid education certificate approved by the department of natural resources (DNR) prior to, and have the certificate in the person’s possession while, operating an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) on public land, public ice, a designated riding trail, or land purchased with ATV registration funds in Iowa. Persons operating an off-road motorcycle or off-road utility vehicle (UTV) are excepted from the education instruction, certificate, and associated fee requirements. This bill strikes such exceptions for off-road motorcycles and UTVs and the age range associated with education certificates. As a result, the bill requires every person to obtain a valid education certificate approved by DNR prior to, and have the certificate in the person’s possession while, operating an ATV, off-road motorcycle, or UTV on public land, public ice, a designated riding trail, or land purchased with ATV registration funds in Iowa. A person is not required to possess an education certificate if the operation is part of a prescribed education training course and the operation is under the direct supervision of a certified ATV education instructor. The bill does not amend similar education certification requirements in Code chapter 321G (snowmobiles) for persons 12 though 17 years of age operating a snowmobile in Iowa. Under current law, the fee for an education certificate is $5 and an education certificate must be issued to a qualified applicant who successfully completes an education course and pays the fee. The fees are credited to the special ATV fund and must be used for educational programs. Any person who has completed a course of instruction established under DNR rules, including the successful passage of an examination which includes either a written test relating to such course of instruction or the demonstration of adequate riding skills, is considered qualified to receive an education certificate. An education certificate does not expire and remains valid until the certificate is suspended or revoked by the DNR director as a result of a Code chapter 321I (ATVs) law or rule violation. The bill strikes the ability of a person who wishes to obtain an education certificate to do so by demonstrating adequate riding skills, thus requiring all such persons to successfully complete a written test. This aligns these provisions with the written test requirements for students qualifying for a snowmobile education certificate under current law. A person who is required to have a valid education certificate and who operates an ATV, UTV, or off-road motorcycle without a valid education certificate commits a simple misdemeanor punishable by a $70 scheduled fine.

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Josh Meggers (R)*, 

Committee report approving bill, renumbered as HF 762. (on 03/05/2025)

Official Document