atvs, golf carts and snowmobiles aaron anderson, city of ely and andy lent, city of vinton handouts...

ATVs, Golf Carts and

Snowmobiles

Aaron Anderson, City of Ely and Andy Lent, City of Vinton

Handouts and presentation are available online at www.iowaleague.org

ATVs & Golf Carts in Cities

• What Can the City Do?– Nothing: State Code prohibits golf carts and ATV’s

on public roads and streets unless City specifically authorizes them by ordinance.

– Make it Simple: A blanket ordinance that authorizes both types of vehicles on city streets.

– Make it Very Difficult: Allow by ordinance but with extremely restrictive conditions.


Where Is This Stuff in the State Code?• ATV’s in Sections 321I and 321.234A.• Golf Carts in Section 321.247.


What Did Ely Do?• Somewhere between “Simple” and “Very

Difficult”• City Council enacted ordinance that allows

ATV’s and golf carts to be operated on city streets (only) if vehicle and operator meet conditions set by Ely City Council.


Why Allow Them in Ely?• Resident requested City Council to allow ATV’s

for “legitimate use”.• City Council received petition requesting City

to create an ordinance to allow them to be driven on city streets for “snow removal, lawn care and gardening.” (92 signatures)

• Resident convenience and fuel efficiency.


You folks in Ely use Golf Carts to push snow?• Golf Carts were added without the

“legitimate” use requirement.• Resident petition included allowing golf carts

on city streets.


ATV’s on Ely’s Streets• Ely’s ordinance allows ATV’s on city streets if:– Vehicle is registered with the city.– For allowed purpose– If the vehicle has proper equipment.– If driver meets city’s requirements (more stringent

than State Code minimum.


ATV Registration in Ely• Fill out the form (there is always a form)• ATV must be registered with IDNR.• Proof applicant owns the vehicle.• Proof of insurance or financial responsibility

per Sect. 321.20B State Code. • Owner/applicant pays annual $25 fee.• City Clerk visually confirms.


Ely’s Authorized ATV Uses• Snow removal – snowplow or blade has to be

attached.• Gardening and/or lawn work.• Special events authorized by the City Council.


Required Equipment for ATV’s• Must be equipped per Sections 321I.12 &

3211I.13, State Code - mufflers, headlights, taillight, brakes.

• “Bicycle” Safety flag - orange flag at least 5’ above ground.

• City sticker on rear, left fender when possible.


ATV Driver & Driving Requirements• At least 18 years old• Must have valid Iowa Driver’s License• No faster than 25 mph• Must use lights when dark• Not between 10:00 p.m. and 6:30 a.m. except

for emergencies.


ATV Driver & Driving Requirements• ATV’s may be operated at night for snow

removal only.• Number of occupants not to exceed number

of seats.• Any street except State Street, but may cross.– State Code prohibits them on state highways.


Golf Cart Registration• Proof of liability insurance– Most homeowners policies cover golf carts.

• Properly Equipped.• Fill out the form (there really is always a form)• Owner/applicant pays annual $25 fee.• City Clerk visually confirms.• “Off-Road Utility Vehicles” allowed as golf carts.


Required Equipment for Golf Carts• Slow moving vehicle sign. (State Code)• Bicycle Safety Flag. (State Code)• Brakes. (State Code)• Headlights• Taillights• Ely tag on left rear


Golf Cart Driver & Driving Requirements• At least 18 years old• Must have valid Iowa Driver’s License• No faster than 25 mph• Only between sunrise and sunset (State

Code).• Number of occupants may not exceed number

of seats.

ATVs & Golf Carts in CitiesPenalties

• 1st Time - $100 fine and Ely registration revoked for 2 months

• 2nd Time - $200 fine and 2-year revocation• 3rd Time - $300 fine and permanent

revocation.


Ely Registration Process• Vehicle owner fills out registration form.• City Clerk visually inspects vehicle to make

sure it has required equipment• Owner pays $25 fee to City.• Owner gets ATV/Golf Cart tag.• 1-year registration, expires March 31.


Suggestions• Use same color for ATV/Golf Cart tag you use

for other annual city tags/stickers. • Keep a list of registered ATV’s/Golf Carts.

(Aaron’s morning “D’Ohh!” moment)• Advertise that registrations have to be

renewed & remind people who have tags.


Ely’s ATV & Golf Cart Challenges• Active Enforcement – Ely contracts with Linn

Co. Sheriff and does not have local police patrol.

• Violations – Difficult to catch, and can be difficult to prove identity.

• Misperception that driver doesn’t have to be at least 18.


“The secret to good government work is a good copy machine” – Prof. David Paulsen, U of Nebraska at Omaha, 1989(ish)

• Thanks to:– Gerald Clausen, City of Carroll– Scott Wynja, City of Sheldon– City of Swisher

For the parts of Ely “borrowed” from your cities


In that good Iowa & Prof Paulsen spirit:• Also in handout:– Ely’s 2011 Ordinance (No. 224)– Ely’s ATV/Golf Cart Registration form– Ely’s ATV/Golf Cart Registration tag– Also in electronic form (.pdf or Word format).


• Questions, Suggestions, Other Thoughts?

• Thanks!

Aaron AndersonCity AdministratorCity of Ely(319)848-4103Email: [email protected]

mailto:[email protected]

atvs, golf carts and snowmobiles aaron anderson, city of ely and andy lent, city of vinton handouts...

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