HF 2628 allows Iowa's Department of Transportation to issue instruction permits to minors under 18 whose special restricted driving licenses were suspended due to violations (like traffic offenses or accidents). This replaces the current rule that blocked them from obtaining any license type for three months after their 16th birthday. The instruction permit ($6 fee) permits supervised driving with an approved adult (parent, guardian, instructor, or 25+ person with permission) in the front seat. The bill takes effect March 1, 2027, or when the new license system launches, whichever comes first.
HF 879 strengthens penalties for intentionally damaging critical infrastructure, such as power grids, water systems, or transportation networks. It increases criminal penalties for sabotage acts that threaten public safety or disrupt essential services. The law directly affects individuals who commit such acts by imposing stricter fines and potential prison sentences. This bill, signed into law by the Governor on May 1, 2025, modifies existing statutes to apply enhanced penalties to these specific offenses.
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.
SF 22 regulates how drivers can use electronic devices while operating a vehicle. It specifically addresses the use of these devices in a voice-activated or hands-free mode. The bill establishes penalties for any violations of these new rules. These provisions and penalties are set to become effective on July 1, 2025.
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.
