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Supervisors approve first reading of ATV/off-road vehicle ordinance
Summary
Kossuth County supervisors completed a first reading of an amended ordinance regulating all-terrain and off‑road utility vehicles on county secondary roads and passed the first reading unanimously; second reading is scheduled.
The Kossuth County Board of Supervisors completed the first reading of an amended ordinance (Ordinance No. 114C) that would regulate the operation of all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and off‑road utility vehicles (ORVs) on county secondary roads. The board approved the first reading by roll call; the ordinance will return for a second reading at the next meeting.
County staff read the ordinance aloud during the meeting. The ordinance text defines ATVs and ORVs by engine size, tire count and weight limits (text cites "Iowa code section 321" as the definition source in the reading). It designates the county secondary roads as the road class on which registered ATVs and ORVs may operate from 5:00 a.m. to 11:30 p.m., subject to restrictions and to applicable Iowa Code rules. The proposed ordinance sets a maximum speed that is “reasonable and proper” under conditions and caps operation at 35 miles per hour where conditions permit. It lists prohibited activities (for example, reckless operation, carrying firearms except in specified, restricted circumstances, operation on primary roads except to cross at established crossings, use of headlights and mirrors, and age and licensing requirements). The ordinance requires registration with the Iowa DNR, proof of ownership, proof of a valid driver’s license, and — for operators born after 1995 or aged 16–17 under limited circumstances — completion of an Iowa DNR-approved ATV education course.
During the roll call, supervisors voted "yes" (Haas, Garman, Wachter, and others recorded present) and the chairman declared the first reading passed; a second reading was scheduled for the next meeting. The ordinance language also incorporates penalties: violations would be county infractions with fines between $65 and $625 plus court surcharges, with dismissal possible if the defendant presents proof that statutory requirements were met at the time of the citation.
The ordinance text and the reading repeatedly referenced the Iowa Code definitions and provisions (as recited in the meeting) and reserved exemptions for government vehicles, vehicles used as farm implements, and authorized enforcement or rescue uses.
Votes at a glance: first reading of amended Ordinance No. 114C was approved by roll call; second reading planned for the next board meeting.
