HF 181: A bill for an act prohibiting open containers of beverages containing tetrahydrocannabinol in the passenger area of motor vehicles on highways, and making penalties applicable. - Iowa

Enrolled → Enrolled with Governor's Action · 3 edits · Mar 28, 2025

MINOR

This bill adds a prohibition on open containers of beverages containing tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in the passenger area of motor vehicles, extending existing open container laws that currently only apply to alcoholic beverages. The change aligns THC beverage regulations with alcohol beverage restrictions for drivers and passengers.

Scope change

The bill's scope expanded from only prohibiting open containers of alcoholic beverages to also prohibiting open containers of beverages containing THC in the passenger area of motor vehicles.

REQUIREMENT

Added prohibition on drivers and passengers possessing open containers of beverages containing any amount of tetrahydrocannabinol in the passenger area of motor vehicles.

ENFORCEMENT

Established penalties for violating the new THC open container prohibition, including misdemeanor charges and fines for drivers and passengers.

DEFINITION

Extended the definition of prohibited open containers to include beverages containing THC alongside alcoholic beverages.

Introduced → Signed Enrolled Bill (PDF) · 4 edits · Mar 28, 2025

MODERATE

This bill was signed into law as House File 181, prohibiting drivers and passengers from possessing open containers of beverages containing tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in the passenger area of motor vehicles on highways. The legislation establishes penalties for violations, including misdemeanor charges for under-21 individuals, and clarifies that such beverages may be transported in the trunk or behind the last upright seat if no trunk exists.

Scope change

The bill's scope was expanded to include beverages containing THC alongside traditional alcoholic beverages, applying the open container prohibition to both categories in the passenger area of motor vehicles.

REQUIREMENT

Prohibits possession of open containers of beverages containing any amount of THC in the passenger area of motor vehicles on highways, matching restrictions for alcoholic beverages.

ENFORCEMENT

Establishes penalties for violations, including simple misdemeanor charges for drivers and passengers, with enhanced penalties for individuals under 21 years of age.

DEFINITION

Defines 'passenger area' as the area designed to seat the driver and passengers while the vehicle is in operation, including areas readily accessible while in seating positions such as the glove compartment.

SCOPE

Allows open containers of THC beverages to be transported in the trunk or behind the last upright seat if the vehicle lacks a trunk, distinguishing between driver/passenger possession and storage.

Signed Enrolled Bill (PDF) → Enrolled · 4 edits · Mar 28, 2025

MODERATE

This document shows the transition of House File 181 from a signed enrolled bill to its final enrolled version. The changes are primarily formatting and certification updates rather than substantive policy modifications. The bill itself, which prohibits open containers of beverages containing THC in motor vehicles, remains unchanged in its legal text.

TECHNICAL

Removed the Governor's signature page with handwritten date and signature, replaced with typed enrolled version

Added certification language and Chief Clerk signature block to the enrolled version

Changed page numbering format from handwritten annotations to typed line numbers for the enrolled version

Removed handwritten amendment markup symbols (like ^^ and 1...1) that were used during the legislative process

A bill for an act prohibiting open containers of beverages containing tetrahydrocannabinol in the passenger area of motor vehicles on highways, and making penalties applicable.

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