Operators of UTVs must adhere to the following equipment requirements and restrictions while operating UTVs within the City limits.
1. Operators of UTVs within City limits must be 18 years of age or older and possess a valid driver's license.
2. A person shall not operate a UTV within the City limits unless the operator has proof of insurance complying with that required of an operator of a motor vehicle pursuant to applicable provisions of the Iowa Code, Rules and Regulations, including but not limited to Iowa Code Sections 321.20B and 321A.21.
3. Owners of UTVs operated within City limits shall register their UTV with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, and proof of such registration shall be provided, upon request, to any peace officer requesting it. Out-of-state UTV operators must provide appropriate proof of registration from their home state upon request by any peace officer.
4. UTVs may only be operated on the roadways between the hours of 6:00 a.m. and 10:30 p.m.
5. Operators of UTVs must adhere to noise restrictions set forth under North Liberty Code Chapter 53.
6. UTVs must display lighted headlamps and taillamps at all times while the vehicle is operated on City streets or highways.
7. Operators of UTVs must adhere to all traffic and parking laws, codes, rules, and regulations applicable to other motor vehicles, unless directed otherwise by this chapter.
8. UTVs must be equipped with:
A. Operational turn signal lamps with a manually operated switch controlled by the driver.
B. Operational speedometer, calibrated in miles per hour, which is fully illuminated when the headlamps are activated.
C. Operational horn with a switch controlled by the driver.
D. Two operational headlamps and taillamps must be affixed to each side on the front and back of the UTV. Taillamps shall be red and include a stop lamp actuated by pressing the brake pedal. The use of lightbars, spotlights, or decorative lights is not permitted while the UTV is being operated on City streets or highways.
E. Rear-facing mirror providing the operator with a clear view of the rear.
F. Operational muffler, working in good order, which complies with the standards and procedures required by Iowa Code Section 321I.12 and North Liberty Code of Ordinances Chapter 53.
9. All occupants, except as noted below, must wear safety belts or safety harnesses which meet the definition of a safety belt or safety harness set forth by Iowa Code Section 321.445 while the UTV is in motion.
A. Children under one year old and weighing less than 20 pounds must be secured in a rear- facing child restraint system while the UTV is motion.
B. Children ages one to six years must be secured in a child restraint system (safety seat or booster seat) while the UTV is in motion.
(1) A child restraint system is a specially designed seating system, including a belt positioning seat or booster seat which meets federal motor vehicle safety standards. The child restraint system must be used in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions, the child must be secured in the child restraint, and the child restraint must be properly secured to the UTV.
C. No animals will be transported in the cargo portion or bed of a UTV unless they are contained within an enclosure secured to the UTV.
10. UTV doors or nets must be closed during operation if so equipped.
11. The number of passengers in a UTV shall not exceed the number of factory- installed seats in the UTV.
12. No open containers of alcohol shall be allowed while the UTV is being operated.
13. Drivers may not operate a UTV under the influence of intoxicating liquor or narcotics as prescribed under Iowa Code Chapter 321J.
14. No UTV will be operated in a careless or reckless manner so as to: endanger any person; cause injury or damage to person or property; create unnecessary skidding or sliding; or cause a wheel or wheels to lose traction or contact with the ground.
15. This Section 75.09 shall be automatically repealed and be of no further force or effect as of December 31, 2024.
(Ch. 75 - Ord. 2023-21 – Sep. 23 Supp.)