DES MOINES, Iowa — More Iowans are buying UTVs and ATVs, but that also means, unfortunately, there are more crashes and deaths happening too.

Back in 2022, an Iowa law passed that allows ATVs and UTVs on two-lane or county highways. The thing is, you are only allowed to go 35 miles an hour in them.

Since that law was passed, these vehicles are rapidly growing in popularity in Iowa. The DNR says there were about 39,000 UTVs registered in 2022. In 2024, there were 57,000 registered.

A University of Iowa study found that the state is averaging more than 200 ATV and UTV crashes every year. There were 20 deaths on the road in Iowa last year.

“One of the things that we typically see as people riding these in excess of 35 miles an hour. A lot of these vehicles are not street acclimated. They are more of an off-road type vehicle. So that’s why we need to go at the reduced speeds as they are not outfitted with the proper tires and different things to do those higher speeds on the roadway and pavement,” Sgt. Alex Dinkla with Iowa State Patrol said. “But one of the things we really see is people driving way too fast and approaching these intersections at improper speeds. And then the motoring public is not aware that these vehicles are driving that fast and they kind of blend in similar to a motorcycle at these intersections.”

So far in 2025, there have been three deaths on the road from ATVs and UTVs.

“Some of the typical crashes that we’ve been seeing are these vehicles meeting head on. A lot of these ATVs seem to be riding in the middle of the roadway. They’re getting hit head-on by another car. Intersections. These vehicles are easily put into a blind spot from an actual car or a pickup truck,” Dinkla said.

“So there’s two messages there. One is to the person driving the motor vehicle. Make sure to check those intersections, two, three different times before you proceed into an intersection,” he added. “But also with an ATV or UTV to make sure that you’re driving with a due regard of what are the other folks going to do. Kind of similar to a motorcycle. What is that car going to do? Because you got to remember your vehicle versus a full-sized truck or a car. It’s not going to fare very well in a crash.”

So what is required to drive an ATV or UTV on the road in Iowa? You must have it registered with the DNR with the sticker displayed. You have to be 18 with your valid license, plus have insurance, functioning equipment and a visible slow-moving vehicle sign.

Officials also stress the importance of driving sober, just like a normal car. Being in an ATV or UTV is even more vulnerable than a car. They also urge people to wear a helmet and a safety harness.

You can find more info at IowaDNR.gov.

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