ATV / UTV operation in the City

On March 08, 2021, City Council passed ordinance number 6446 which authorizes all-terrain vehicles to be operated on the streets of Council Bluffs with the following exceptions and requirements. Ordinance 6446 went into effect on March 11, 2021.

Download the full ATV Ordinance #6446
Download a printable ATV informational flyer

Contact Us

  1. Police Department

    Physical Address
    1 Ezra Jackson Way
    Council Bluffs, IA 51503

    Phone: (712) 890-5400

Additional Information

For questions, contact the Traffic Unit

Phone: (712) 890-5400, option 2

All-Terrain Vehicle Requirements:

  • The vehicle must have not less than 4 wheels.
  • Must be equipped with DOT-approved tires.  Off-road-only tires are illegal.
  • Must have less than 1000 CC engine displacement.
  • Type A: Dry weight must be below 1250 pounds or less width of 50 inches or less.  Type B: Dry weight 2000 pounds or less and a width of 65 inches or less.  Type 3: Dry weight more than 2000 pounds or a width of more than 65 inches or both.
  • Must have a seat or a saddle.
  • Rubberized tracks are legal.
  • If the vehicle is more than 40 inches wide it must have turn signals.
  • Must have a functional speedometer that will illuminate when lights are activated.
  • Must have a horn that can be heard 200 feet away.
  • Must have a working headlight, not less than 24 inches from the ground and not more than 54 inches from the ground.
  • Must have tail lamps on the rear of the vehicle and be plainly visible at a distance of 500 feet to the rear.  Must be mounted no less than 15 inches and no more than 72 inches from the ground.
  •  Stop lamps that are activated when the brakes are applied.
  •  Must have a rear-facing mirror.
  •  Must have a muffler that keeps the engine noise below 86 decibels at 50 feet.

ATV Operator Requirements:

  • ATV must be registered with the Pottawattamie County Recorder annually and pay a registration fee
  • Any operator must be able to provide proof of ownership to any law enforcement officer
  • The operator must have insurance and be able to provide proof of insurance to any law enforcement officer
  • If the ATV is equipped with seatbelts or a harness it must be worn
  • The ATV must comply with all traffic laws

ATV Prohibited Streets and Areas:

  • City parks, bike trails, wildlife areas, streams, or waterways except on designated riding areas and trails
  • Levee system
  • All Interstate systems
  • West Broadway from the city limits to 8th St
  • East Kanesville from 8th St. to the eastern city limits
  • Highway 275 (Veteran’s Memorial Highway)
  • Highway 92
  • ATVs may cross these streets but must be done at approximately 90 degrees where there are no obstructions

Unlawful ATV Routes - Hwy 6, Hwy 92, Hwy 275

ATV US 6 map


Unlawful ATV Route