Bill
Bill > HF2439
summary
Introduced
02/12/2026
02/12/2026
In Committee
02/12/2026
02/12/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
91st General Assembly
Bill Summary
This bill defines “specially constructed vehicle” to include a motorcycle assembled by a person who is not a vehicle manufacturer if the assembled motorcycle does not comply with the certification label requirement under 49 C.F.R. pt. 567, regardless of whether the motorcycle is constructed under a distinctive name, make, model, or type. Federal regulations generally require manufacturers of motor vehicles to permanently affix to each vehicle a certification label in such a manner that it cannot be removed without destroying or defacing it. A certification label is intended to assist a consumer in determining which of the federal motor vehicle safety standards (49 C.F.R. pt. 571), bumper standards (49 C.F.R. pt. 581), and federal theft prevention standards (49 C.F.R. pt. 541) are applicable to the vehicle. Under current law, a person who registers a specially constructed vehicle must state the fact that the vehicle is specially constructed in the application. The application fee is $30. The application must be accompanied by a statement from the department of transportation (DOT) authorizing the motor vehicle to be titled and registered. A physical inspection of all specially constructed vehicles must be made so the DOT can determine whether the motor vehicle complies with the definition of “specially constructed vehicle” and to determine that the integral component parts are properly identified and that the rightful ownership is established before the owner can register and title the motor vehicle. The purpose of the physical inspection is not to determine whether the motor vehicle is in a condition safe to operate. Upon completion of every specially constructed vehicle, the owner is required to certify on a form prescribed by the DOT that the vehicle is in compliance with all equipment specifications required under Code chapter 321 (motor vehicles and law of the road). If a vehicle does not meet the equipment requirements of Code chapter 321 due to the particular use for which it is designed or intended, the vehicle may be registered by the DOT upon payment of appropriate fees and after inspection and certification by the DOT that the vehicle is not in an unsafe condition.
AI Summary
This bill clarifies the definition of a "specially constructed vehicle" to specifically include motorcycles assembled by individuals who are not vehicle manufacturers, even if these motorcycles are built under a unique name, make, model, or type, provided they do not meet the federal certification label requirement found in 49 C.F.R. pt. 567. Federal regulations, such as those in 49 C.F.R. pt. 567, typically mandate that vehicle manufacturers attach a permanent certification label to each vehicle, which helps consumers understand which federal safety, bumper, and theft prevention standards apply. The bill aims to ensure that such custom-built motorcycles, if they lack this federal certification, are recognized and regulated as specially constructed vehicles, aligning with existing state procedures for registering these unique vehicles, which involve specific application requirements, fees, and inspections to verify component identification and ownership, though not to assess road safety.
Committee Categories
Transportation and Infrastructure
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Committee report approving bill, renumbered as HF 2679. (on 02/23/2026)
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=HF2439 |
| BillText | https://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/publications/LGI/91/attachments/HF2439.html |
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