Bill
Bill > HF98
IA HF98
IA HF98A bill for an act relating to operators of motor vehicles approaching certain slow-moving authorized emergency vehicles, and making penalties applicable.(See HF 542.)
summary
Introduced
01/22/2025
01/22/2025
In Committee
01/22/2025
01/22/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
91st General Assembly
Bill Summary
Under current law, Code section 321.323A requires the operator of a motor vehicle approaching a stationary authorized emergency vehicle that is displaying flashing lights to approach the vehicle with due caution and make a lane change into a lane not adjacent to the vehicle if possible in the existing safety and traffic conditions, or if a lane change would be impossible, prohibited by law, or unsafe, reduce the speed of the motor vehicle to a reasonable and proper speed for the existing road and traffic conditions, which speed must be less than the posted speed limit, and be prepared to stop. This bill applies these requirements when approaching slow-moving (15 miles per hour or less) authorized emergency vehicles. The bill does not amend similar cautionary approach requirements relating to stationary towing or recovery vehicles, utility maintenance vehicles, municipal maintenance vehicles, highway maintenance vehicles, construction vehicles, and solid waste or recycling collection service vehicles. A violation of Code section 321.323A is a simple misdemeanor punishable by a scheduled fine of $135. By operation of law, a person convicted of a violation of Code section 321.323A which resulted in an accident causing bodily injury to or the death of another person may be subject to additional penalties including a fine of $500 for a violation causing bodily injury to another person and a fine of $1,000 for a violation causing death. The department of transportation is required to suspend the driver’s license of a person who is convicted of violating Code section 321.323A for 90 days if the violation caused damage to the property of another person; 180 days if the violation caused bodily injury to another person; and one year if the violation caused death.
AI Summary
This bill modifies existing traffic safety laws to expand protections for authorized emergency vehicles by requiring drivers to exercise caution when approaching not just stationary emergency vehicles, but also slow-moving emergency vehicles (defined as moving at 15 miles per hour or less while performing official duties). Specifically, the bill amends Iowa Code section 321.323A to mandate that motor vehicle operators must approach such vehicles with due caution, either changing lanes away from the vehicle if safely possible or reducing speed to less than the posted speed limit and being prepared to stop. The existing penalties for violations remain unchanged, which include potential fines ranging from $135 for a simple misdemeanor to $500 or $1,000 if the violation results in bodily injury or death, respectively, and potential driver's license suspensions of 90 days to one year depending on the severity of the incident. The bill aims to enhance safety for emergency personnel operating at low speeds on or near roadways by creating additional legal protections for their vehicles.
Committee Categories
Justice
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Committee report approving bill, renumbered as HF 542. (on 02/20/2025)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.legis.iowa.gov/legislation/BillBook?ga=91&ba=HF98 |
| BillText | https://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/publications/LGI/91/attachments/HF98.html |
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