ATVs, or all-terrain vehicles, may soon be seen around the City of Fairfield.

The Fairfield City Council is having the third and final reading of their new ATV ordinance which will allow all-terrain vehicles and off-road utility vehicles to be driven on city roads with a city-issued permit.

Fairfield Mayor Ed Malloy says this new ordinance was influenced by the county’s decision last year, “This was approved in Jefferson County last year. A number of citizens who live on the perimeter of Fairfield who worked with the county to get an ordinance permitting their legal use on county roads then decided to approach the city.”

If the ordinance is passed, ATVs will be allowed on city streets and the portions of Highways 1 and 34 that are within city limits from one hour after sunrise to one hour before sunset. Drivers must be at least 18 years of age, must have a valid driver’s license, and prove that the ATV is registered with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources to obtain a city-issued permit. The ordinance states drivers must display a reflective, slow-moving vehicle sign on the back of the vehicle, and cannot drive over 35 miles per hour. Any ordinance rules that are violated shall be guilty of a simple misdemeanor and subject to any and all penalties in the city’s municipal code. Golf carts are not included in this ordinance and remain prohibited. The Fairfield City Council will give its third and final reading of the ordinance on Monday.