Transportation

HF 766 modifies regulations for motor vehicle window tint, directly affecting individuals who operate vehicles on Iowa highways. The bill establishes specific light transmittance standards in state law, removing the Department of Transportation's authority to set these rules. It prohibits front windshields from having less than 70% light transmittance and side windows immediately next to or forward of the driver from having less than 50% light transmittance. Operating a vehicle in violation of these standards would be subject to a scheduled fine.

HF 918 modifies Iowa law regarding motor vehicle financial liability coverage. It requires vehicle owners to certify and provide proof of insurance when registering or renewing their motor vehicle registration, effective December 1, 2028. The bill also revises penalties for operating a vehicle without coverage, increasing fines, particularly for violations connected to an accident or for repeat offenses. Drivers cited for lacking coverage can have their charge dismissed if they provide proof that coverage was in effect at the time of the stop, though court costs will be assessed. Fines collected will be distributed among the victim compensation fund, counties, and the state general fund.

This bill modifies age requirements for certain commercial motor vehicle drivers operating exclusively within the state. It lowers the minimum age for intrastate drivers transporting hazardous materials that require placarding, by making state age qualification rules inapplicable to them. Conversely, the bill removes an existing exemption for retail dealers and their employees who deliver fertilizers, petroleum products, and pesticides to farm customers within a 100-mile radius. As a result, these specific drivers will now be subject to general state driver age qualification rules.

This bill expands Iowa's existing open container laws to include beverages containing tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), directly affecting drivers and passengers in motor vehicles on public roads. It prohibits the possession of an open or unsealed container of any beverage with THC in the vehicle's passenger area. This restriction applies regardless of whether the THC beverage is otherwise legal, though such containers may be transported in the trunk or behind the last upright seat if the vehicle lacks a trunk. Violations of this prohibition would be considered a simple misdemeanor, punishable by a scheduled fine.

This bill prohibits considering a motor carrier's use of safety improvements when determining a person's employment status under state law. It directly affects motor carriers and the individuals who work for them, such as drivers, whose classification as an employee, independent contractor, or jointly employed person is being assessed. The bill specifies that any device, equipment, software, training, or policy primarily intended to improve traffic safety cannot be a factor in these employment status decisions. The aim is to ensure that efforts to enhance safety within the motor carrier industry do not influence legal employment classifications.