Iowa state motorcycle laws
| Road |
|
| Safety Helmet |
Not Required
|
| State Funded Rider Ed |
Available for all eligible applicants-required under age 18
|
|
| Eye Protection |
Not Required
|
| Daytime Use of Headlight |
Required by law-modulating headlight permitted, required for vehicles manufactured after 4/1/77 |
|
| Passenger Seat |
Required if carrying a passenger |
| Passenger Footrest |
Required if carrying a passenger |
|
| Passenger Age Restriction |
None |
| Helmet Speakers |
No Restrictions
|
|
| Periodic Safety Inspection |
Not Required
|
| Mirror Left(L) Right(R) |
One required by law
|
|
| Radar Detector |
No Restriction
|
| Turn Signals |
Not Required
|
|
| Muffler |
No acoustical criteria. |
| Maximum Sound Level |
No acoustical criteria. |
|
| State Insurance Requirements |
Compulsory Liability (Minimum Limits)(20/40/15) - Financial responsibilty required. |
| Handlebar Height |
No Restrictions.
Effective April 13, 1998 - Chapter 1075 & Chapter 1178 §3.
|
|
| Rider-Education Waiver |
Skill Test
|
| Accept Motorcycle Endorsement From Other States |
Yes |
|
| Accept RiderEd Completion Card From Other States |
No |
| Motorcycles operating two abreast in same lane |
Yes. 321.275 - Operation of motorcycles and motorized bicycles.
Use of traffic lanes. Persons shall not operate motorcycles or motorized bicycles more than two abreast in a single lane. Except for persons operating such vehicles two abreast, a motor vehicle shall not be operated in a manner depriving a motorcycle or motorized bicycle operator of the full use of a lane.
|
|
| Lane Splitting |
321.275 Operation of motorcycles and motorized bicycles
4. Use of traffic lanes. A motorcycle or motorized bicycle shall not be operated between lanes of traffic or between adjacent lines or rows of vehicles. The operator of a motorcycle or motorized bicycle shall not overtake and pass in the same lane occupied by the vehicle being overtaken unless the vehicle being overtaken is a motorcycle or motorized bicycle. |
| Lemon Law Coverage |
No. |
|
| Off Road
|
|
| Safety Helmet |
Required on funded OHV parks. |
| Eye Protection |
Not Required |
|
| Minimum Operator Age |
It's the Law—Iowa's Off-Road Vehicle Laws
Age Restrictions for ATV Operation
There are no age restrictions for operating an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) on private land. However, the following age restrictions apply to operation of ATVs on designated public lands and ATV Parks.
Under 12 years of age: A person under the age of 12 shall not operate an all-terrain vehicle, including an off-road motorcycle, on a designated riding area or designated riding trail or on ice unless one of the following applies:
The person is taking a prescribed safety training course and operation is under the direct supervision of a certified all-terrain vehicle safety instructor.
ATV and off-road motorcycle riders under the age of 12 must be under the direct supervision of an adult possessing a valid drivers license.
Direct supervision means maintaining visual and verbal contact at all times.
12 to 17 years of age: Persons between the ages of 12 and 17, inclusive, may operate on designated public lands or ice or ATV parks if they have a valid ATV safety certificate.
Persons 18 or older: Persons age 18 and up may operate on designated public lands or ice or ATV parks without a valid ATV safety certificate
|
| Rider Education Certification |
Required if under 16 years of age - Required for ATV riders under age 18
|
|
| Operator License |
Not Required |
| Headlight |
Required after sunset |
|
| Taillight |
Required after sunset |
| Muffler |
Required by law
|
|
| Maximum Sound Level |
86dba measured at 50 feet |
| Spark Arrestor |
Not Required |
|
| Registration |
Required by law
|
| Vehicle Title |
Required by law
|
|
| Trails Program |
Not Available |
|
|
