Do You Need a Slow-Moving Vehicle Sign on a DNR-Registered UTV in Iowa?

This question came from one of our users:  

Iowa: "Is a DNR-registered, non-agricultural use UTV required to display a slow-moving vehicle sign?" 

‍Usually, yes, whether for agricultural use or personal use, a UTV is required to display a Slow-Moving Vehicle Sign on the rear of the vehicle while driving on public roads and streets. However, when a UTV is being driven on a highway, it is required to have a bicycle safety flag that is attached to the rear of the vehicle and extends at least five feet above the ground. The bicycle safety flag shall be triangular with an area of at least thirty square inches and must be Day-Glo in color. If this bicycle safety flag is attached, then the UTV is not required to display a slow-moving vehicle sign. 

When being used on private property, a UTV is not required to display a slow-moving vehicle sign. 

What is a slow-moving vehicle? 

Slow moving vehicles are any farm tractors or tractors with towed equipment, self-propelled farming equipment vehicles (such as a combines or harvesters), road construction or maintenance vehicles, road graders, horse-drawn vehicles, or any other vehicles mainly designed to be used off the highway that is operated on a highway in Iowa at a speed of 35 miles per hour or less. 

Are ATVs and UTVs slow-moving vehicles? 

Yes, ATVs and UTVs are slow-moving vehicles. When driven on a public road, UTVs and ATVs must not be driven faster than 35 miles per hour. Because they are primarily driven off-road, they are considered to be designed to be used off the highway. 

Are ATVs and UTVs required to be DNR registered to be driven on public roads and streets? 

That depends. If an ATV or UTV is owned for agricultural use, they do not need to be registered with DNR. However, if an ATV or UTV is owned for non-agricultural use, it must be registered with the DNR to be driven on public roads. After registering an ATV or UTV with DNR, you will receive a registration decal that should be  

What other lighting and safety equipment is required to drive non-agricultural use ATVs and UTVs on public roads and streets? 

As slow-moving vehicles, non-agricultural use ATVs and UTVs are also required to have headlamps, a horn, a rear-view mirror, a rear lamp, and signal lamps that indicate the vehicle's intention to stop. Turn signals are not required. 

Designed for general information use only. The content above does not constitute legal advice or the formation of an attorney/client relationship.