Ask the Answer Person: "Can you clarify the legality of UTVs within the City of Decorah?"

Rich e-mails: "I live by town and use my UTV for farm use.  Occasionally I'll drive my UTV to town for gas, food, etc. Can you please specify the rules of UTVs in Decorah?"

The Answer Person says: "Here's what the City Code in Decorah has to say: 'No person shall operate a snowmobile or all-terrain vehicle upon the sidewalks, streets and alleys and public grounds of this city, except as provided in this chapter. A snowmobile or all-terrain vehicle may make a direct crossing of a street or alley from one parcel of private property to another provided it is made at an angle of ninety degrees to the centerline and at a place where no obstruction prevents a quick and safe crossing, and provided that the operator yields the right-of-way to all oncoming traffic…A snowmobile or all-terrain vehicle may operate on those portions of public park land which the board of park commissioners may from time to time by regulation designate as permitted snowmobile or all-terrain vehicle operating areas.'

As with all ordinances, this one depends upon enforcement by local police.  Police might not go out of their way to pull you over when you're on a UTV within the city limits—but they would be doing their job if they did."