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Bill > HF542
IA HF542
IA HF542A bill for an act relating to operators of motor vehicles approaching certain slow-moving authorized emergency vehicles, and making penalties applicable.(Formerly HF 98.)
summary
Introduced
02/20/2025
02/20/2025
In Committee
04/03/2025
04/03/2025
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 expands existing traffic safety laws to require drivers to exercise caution when approaching not just stationary but also slow-moving authorized emergency vehicles displaying flashing lights. Specifically, the bill defines "slow-moving" as a vehicle operating at 15 miles per hour or less while personnel are performing official duties. Drivers must either change lanes away from the emergency vehicle if it is safe to do so, or if a lane change is not possible, reduce their speed to less than the posted speed limit and be prepared to stop. The bill maintains the existing penalty structure for violations, which includes potential fines ranging from $135 for a simple misdemeanor to $500 or $1,000 for accidents causing bodily injury or death, respectively. Additionally, driver's license suspensions remain in effect, ranging from 90 days for property damage to one year if the violation results in a fatality. The legislation aims to enhance safety for emergency responders by requiring motorists to be more cautious around these vehicles when they are operating at low speeds in or near roadways.
Committee Categories
Justice
Sponsors (0)
No sponsors listed
Other Sponsors (1)
Public Safety (House)
Last Action
Referred to Public Safety. H.J. 895. (on 04/03/2025)
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=HF542 |
| BillText | https://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/publications/LGI/91/attachments/HF542.html |
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