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Residents press council to allow UTVs on city streets; police urge caution
Summary
Multiple residents asked Sioux City to permit utility terrain vehicles (UTVs) on city streets under Iowa's 2022 law; police leaders and the police chief said they oppose or urge caution, citing enforcement and safety concerns and offered to re‑share prior presentations and data.
Residents at Monday’s council meeting urged elected officials to consider allowing utility terrain vehicles (UTVs) on city streets, citing Iowa’s 2022 law and potential convenience and revenue benefits. Several speakers said neighboring cities allow on‑street use and urged Sioux City to follow suit.
"The state of Iowa passed the law in 2022," resident Penny Tobin told the council and described UTVs as well‑equipped with lights, turn signals and seat belts. Another resident, Scott Bishop, said he owns multiple UTVs and criticized the city’s current restrictions as inconsistent with nearby jurisdictions.
Police leaders said they remain concerned. "I would be opposed to ATVs and UTVs on city streets," Capt. Chris Groves said, expressing worry about owners who would not properly equip vehicles for safe on‑street operation and the additional enforcement burden. The police chief offered to re‑send prior presentations with empirical data and said that any change would require a city ordinance.
Councilmembers asked staff to re‑ circulate the police department’s past presentations and data about experience elsewhere so the council can make an informed policy decision. No ordinance or vote was taken.
What happens next: Police will re‑share their earlier presentation and supporting data for council review; council may schedule a future discussion with staff, legal and public safety to consider whether a local ordinance should be drafted.
