River Bend Times

The Maquoketa City Council met on January 16 where they had a first reading of new amendments to the city code, better reflecting recent changes in Iowa state law. The city council supported the changes.

City Manager Josh Boldt said that last year the state changed ATV laws that became effective on July 1. Changes opened up more roadways and areas for ATV and UTV drivers, which gives them access in all 99 counties across the state. There are restrictions on who can operate and where, but city and county roads are now free for them to access. The main change is that State law now grants the city the right to regulate ATV access on their streets.

“I do want to make sure city code mirrors what the state’s intent is and that the police have a better option if they have to eventually do something,” Boldt said.

The city council considered amending the city code to reflect changes following public participation several months back from local residents who wanted the rules clarified. Boldt said the city police have not had issues with violations thus far, but the city felt it was important to not have any major conflicts with the state law in the case the police should have to take steps. One major change was striking the rule that stops ATVs from operating on city streets between 10 p.m. and 4 a.m.

“The next item is reducing some language down to what the state actually has so it doesn't put it on you the council, it puts what we can do on the state,” Boldt said. “So that if there's some change again in the state, we don't have to come back and revisit it each time. We're just following the state languages and it would allow our police, if there's a vehicle accident of some sort to take state action on some tickets or on civil traffic enforcement. If, for example, there's an ATV riding roadways without lights on.”

Requirements for an ATV include that the operator must be 18 or older, and also have a valid driver’s license and proof of insurance. The ATV need to be registered with the Department of Natural Resources and display the proper tags. It must be in good working condition with the necessary headlights and lighting.