It's the Law—Definitions

All-terrain vehicle (ATV): A motorized flotation-tire vehicle with not less than three and not more than six low-pressure tires, that is limited in engine displacement to less than 1,000 cubic centimeters and in total dry weight to less than 1,000 pounds and that has a seat or saddle designed to be straddled by the operator and handlebars for steering control.

Dealer: A person engaged in the business of buying, selling, or exchanging ATVs required to be registered under this chapter and who has an established place of business for that purpose in this state.

Designated riding area: An all-terrain vehicle riding area on any public land or ice under the jurisdiction of the Department that has been designated by the Department for all-terrain vehicle use.

Designated riding trail: An all-terrain vehicle riding trail on any public land or ice under the jurisdiction of the Department that has been designated by the Department for all-terrain vehicle use.

Direct supervision: To provide supervision of another person while maintaining visual and verbal contact at all times.

Manufacturer: A person engaged in the business of constructing or assembling ATVs required to be registered under this chapter and who has an established place of business for that purpose in this state.

Motorcycle: A motorcycle as defined in the Iowa Code (321.1, Subsection 40, Paragraph A), may be registered as an all-terrain vehicle as provided in this section. A motorcycle registered as an ATV may participate in all programs established for ATVs under this chapter except for the safety instruction and certification program. Off-highway motorcycles are exempt from age and safety certificate requirements.

Motor Vehicle: A vehicle which is self propelled. Which includes: cars, trucks, motorcycles and tractors.

Non-ambulatory person: An individual with paralysis of the lower half of the body with the involvement of both legs, usually caused by disease of or injury to the spinal cord, or caused by the loss of both legs or the loss of a part of both legs.

Off-road motorcycle: A two-wheeled motor vehicle that has a seat or saddle designed to be straddled by the operator and handlebars for steering control and that is intended by the manufacturer for use on natural terrain. “Off-road motorcycle” includes a motorcycle that was originally issued a certificate of title and registered for highway use under Chapter 321, but which contains design features that enable operation over natural terrain.

Off-road utility vehicle: A motorized flotation-tire vehicle with not less than four and not more than six low-pressure tires that is limited in engine displacement to less than 1,500 cubic centimeters and in total dry weight to not more than 1,800 pounds and that has a seat that is of bench design, not intended to be straddled by the operator, and a steering wheel for control.

Operate: To ride in or on, other than as a passenger, use or control the operation of an ATV in any manner, whether or not the ATV is moving.

Public land: Land owned by the federal government, the state, or political subdivisions of the state and land acquired or developed for public recreation pursuant to Section 321I.8.

Railroad right-of-way: The full width of property owned, leased or subject to easement for railroad purposes and shall not be limited to those areas on which tracks are located.

Roadway: The portion of a highway improved, designed, or ordinarily used for vehicular travel.

Safety certificate: An ATV safety certificate issued by the Iowa DNR or ATV Safety Institute to a qualified applicant who is 12 years of age or older.

Special event: An organized race, exhibition, or demonstration of limited duration which is conducted according to a prearranged schedule and in which general public interest is manifested.

Street or highway: The entire width between property lines of every way or place of whatever nature when any part thereof is open to the use of the public, as a matter of right, for purposes of vehicular travel, except in public areas in which the boundary shall be 33 feet each side of the center line of the road way.