FAQ ANSWERS

321.446 Child restraint devices

1.

a. A child under one year of age and weighing less than twenty pounds who is being transported in a motor vehicle subject to registration, except a school bus or motorcycle, shall be secured during transit in a rear-facing child restraint system that is used in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.

b. A child under six years of age who does not meet the description in paragraph "a" and who is being transported in a motor vehicle subject to registration, except a school bus or motorcycle, shall be secured during transit by a child restraint system that is used in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.

2. A child at least six years of age but under eleven years of age who is being transported in a motor vehicle subject to registration, except a school bus or motorcycle, shall be secured during transit by a child restraint system that is used in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions or by a safety belt or safety harness of a type approved under section 321.445 .

3. This section does not apply to peace officers acting on official duty. This section also does not apply to the transportation of children in 1965 model year or older vehicles, authorized emergency vehicles, buses, or motor homes, except when a child is transported in a motor home's passenger seat situated directly to the driver's right. This section does not apply to the transportation of a child who has been certified by a physician licensed under chapter 148 , 150 , or 150A as having a medical, physical, or mental condition that prevents or makes inadvisable securing the child in a child restraint system, safety belt, or safety harness.

4.

a. An operator who violates subsection 1 or 2 is guilty of a simple misdemeanor and subject to the penalty provisions of section 805.8A , subsection 14, paragraph "c" .

b. During the eighteen-month period beginning July 1, 2004, and ending December 31, 2005, peace officers shall issue only warning citations for violations of subsections 1 and 2, provided the operator is, at a minimum, in compliance with the provisions of subsections 1 and 2, Code 2003. A peace officer may issue a citation for a violation of this section or section 321.445 , as applicable, to an operator who is not in compliance with section 321.446, subsections 1 and 2, Code 2003, in regard to a child under six years of age, or section 321.445, Code 2003, in regard to a child at least six years of age but under eleven years of age. This paragraph is repealed January 1, 2006.

5. A person who is first charged for a violation of subsection 1 and who has not purchased or otherwise acquired a child restraint system shall not be convicted if the person produces in court, within a reasonable time, proof that the person has purchased or otherwise acquired a child restraint system which meets federal motor vehicle safety standards.

6. Failure to use a child restraint system, safety belts, or safety harnesses as required by this section does not constitute negligence nor is the failure admissible as evidence in a civil action.

7. For purposes of this section, "child restraint system" means a specially designed seating system, including a belt-positioning seat or a booster seat, that meets federal motor vehicle safety standards set forth in 49 C.F.R. § 571.213.
84 Acts, ch 1016, §1; 86 Acts, ch 1069, §1; 2000 Acts, ch 1133, §11; 2001 Acts, ch 132, §11; 2001 Acts, ch 137, §5; 2004 Acts, ch 1113, §2 , 3
For education program requirements and compliance assistance requirements, see 2004 Acts, ch 1113, §4
Subsections 1, 2, and 4 amended
NEW subsection 7

321.174 Operators licensed--operation of commercial motor vehicles

1. A person, except those expressly exempted, shall not operate any motor vehicle upon a highway in this state unless the person has a driver's license issued by the department valid for the vehicle's operation.2. A person operating a commercial motor vehicle shall not have more than one driver's license. A nonresident may operate a commercial motor vehicle in Iowa if the nonresident has been issued a license by another state, a nonresident commercial driver's license, or a driver's license issued by a foreign jurisdiction which the federal highway administration has determined to be issued in conformity with the federal commercial driver testing and licensing standards, if the license, commercial driver's license, or driver's license is valid for the vehicle operated. A person who operates a commercial motor vehicle upon the highways of this state without having been issued a driver's license valid for the vehicle operated commits a simple misdemeanor.3. A licensee shall have the licensee's driver's license in immediate possession at all times when operating a motor vehicle and shall display the same, upon demand of a judicial magistrate, district associate judge, district judge, peace officer, or examiner of the department. However, a person charged with violating this subsection shall not be convicted if the person produces in court, within a reasonable time, a driver's license issued to that person and valid for the vehicle operated at the time of the person's arrest or at the time the person was charged with a violation of this section.

321.180B Graduated driver's licenses for persons aged fourteen through seventeen

Persons under age eighteen shall not be issued a license or permit to operate a motor vehicle except under the provisions of this section. However, the department may issue restricted and special driver's licenses to certain minors as provided in sections 321.178 and 321.194, and driver's licenses restricted to motorized bicycles as provided in section 321.189. A license or permit shall not be issued under this section or section 321.178 or 321.194 without the consent of a parent or guardian. An additional consent is required each time a license or permit is issued under this section or section 321.178 or 321.194. The consent must be signed by at least one parent or guardian on an affidavit form provided by the department.1. Instruction permit. The department may issue an instruction permit to an applicant between the ages of fourteen and eighteen years if the applicant meets the requirements of sections 321.184 and 321.186, other than a driving demonstration, and pays the required fee. An instruction permit issued under this section shall be valid for a period not to exceed two years from the licensee's birthday anniversary in the year of issuance. A motorcycle instruction permit issued under this section is not renewable.Subject to the limitations in this subsection, an instruction permit entitles the permittee, while having the permit in the permittee's immediate possession, to operate a motor vehicle other than a commercial motor vehicle or as a chauffeur or a motor vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating of sixteen thousand one or more pounds upon the highways.Except as otherwise provided, a permittee who is less than eighteen years of age and who is operating a motor vehicle must be accompanied by a person issued a driver's license valid for the vehicle operated who is the parent or guardian of the permittee, member of the permittee's immediate family if the family member is at least twenty-one years of age, an approved driver education instructor, a prospective driver education instructor who is enrolled in a practitioner preparation program with a safety education program approved by the state board of education, or a person at least twenty-five years of age if written permission is granted by the parent or guardian, and who is actually occupying a seat beside the driver. A permittee shall not operate a motor vehicle if the number of passengers in the motor vehicle exceeds the number of passenger safety belts in the motor vehicle. If the applicant for an instruction permit holds a driver's license issued in this state valid for the operation of a motorized bicycle or a motorcycle, the instruction permit shall be valid for such operation without the requirement of an accompanying person.However, if the permittee is operating a motorcycle in accordance with this section, the accompanying person must be within audible and visual communications distance from the permittee and be accompanying the permittee on or in a different motor vehicle. Only one permittee shall be under the immediate supervision of an accompanying qualified person.A permittee shall not be penalized for failing to have the instruction permit in the permittee's immediate possession if the permittee produces in court, within a reasonable time, an instruction permit issued to the permittee and valid at the time of the permittee's arrest or at the time the permittee was charged with failure to have the permit in the permittee's immediate possession.2. Intermediate license. The department may issue an intermediate driver's license to a person sixteen or seventeen years of age who possesses an instruction permit issued under subsection 1 or a comparable instruction permit issued by another state for a minimum of six months immediately preceding application, and who presents an affidavit signed by a parent or guardian on a form to be provided by the department that the permittee has accumulated a total of twenty hours of street or highway driving of which two hours were conducted after sunset and before sunrise and the street or highway driving was with the permittee's parent, guardian, instructor, a person certified by the department, or a person at least twenty-five years of age who had written permission from a parent or guardian to accompany the permittee, and whose driving privileges have not been suspended, revoked, or barred under this chapter or chapter 321J during, and who has been accident and conviction free continuously for, the six-month period immediately preceding the application for an intermediate license. An applicant for an intermediate license must meet the requirements of section 321.186, including satisfactory completion of driver education as required in section 321.178, and payment of the required license fee before an intermediate license will be issued. A person issued an intermediate license must limit the number of passengers in the motor vehicle when the intermediate licensee is operating the motor vehicle to the number of passenger safety belts.Except as otherwise provided, a person issued an intermediate license under this subsection who is operating a motor vehicle between the hours of twelve-thirty a.m. and five a.m. must be accompanied by a person issued a driver's license valid for the vehicle operated who is the parent or guardian of the permittee, a member of the permittee's immediate family if the family member is at least twenty-one years of age, an approved driver education instructor, a prospective driver education instructor who is enrolled in a practitioner preparation program with a safety education program approved by the state board of education, or a person at least twenty-five years of age if written permission is granted by the parent or guardian, and who is actually occupying a seat beside the driver. However, a licensee may operate a vehicle to and from school-related extracurricular activities and work without an accompanying driver between the hours of twelve-thirty a.m. and five a.m. if such licensee possesses a waiver on a form to be provided by the department. An accompanying driver is not required between the hours of five a.m. and twelve-thirty a.m.3. Remedial driver improvement action or suspension of permit or intermediate license. A person who has been issued an instruction permit or an intermediate license under this section, upon conviction of a moving traffic violation or involvement in a motor vehicle accident which occurred during the term of the instruction permit or intermediate license, shall be subject to remedial driver improvement action or suspension of the permit or license. A person possessing an instruction permit who has been convicted of a moving traffic violation or has been involved in an accident shall not be issued an intermediate license until the person has completed the remedial driver improvement action and has been accident and conviction free continuously for the six-month period immediately preceding the application for the intermediate license. A person possessing an intermediate license who has been convicted of a moving traffic violation or has been involved in an accident shall not be issued a full driver's license until the person has completed the remedial driver improvement action and has been accident and conviction free continuously for the twelve-month period immediately preceding the application for a full driver's license.4. Full driver's license. A full driver's license may be issued to a person seventeen years of age who possesses an intermediate license issued under subsection 2 or a comparable intermediate license issued by another state for a minimum of twelve months immediately preceding application, and who presents an affidavit signed by a parent or guardian on a form to be provided by the department that the intermediate licensee has accumulated a total of ten hours of street or highway driving of which two hours were conducted after sunset and before sunrise and the street or highway driving was with the licensee's parent, guardian, instructor, a person certified by the department, or a person at least twenty-five years of age who had written permission from a parent or guardian to accompany the licensee, whose driving privileges have not been suspended, revoked, or barred under this chapter or chapter 321J during, and who has been accident and conviction free continuously for, the twelve-month period immediately preceding the application for a full driver's license, and who has paid the required fee.5. Class M license education requirements. A person under the age of eighteen applying for an intermediate or full driver's license valid for the operation of a motorcycle shall be required to successfully complete a motorcycle education course either approved and established by the department of transportation or from a private or commercial driver education school licensed by the department of transportation before the class M license will be issued. A public school district shall charge a student a fee which shall not exceed the actual cost of instruction minus moneys received by the school district under subsection 6.6. Motorcycle rider education fund. The motorcycle rider education fund is established in the office of the treasurer of state. The moneys credited to the fund are appropriated to the state department of transportation to be used to establish new motorcycle rider education courses and reimburse sponsors of motorcycle rider education courses for the costs of providing motorcycle rider education courses approved and established by the department. The department shall adopt rules under chapter 17A providing for the distribution of moneys to sponsors of motorcycle rider education courses based upon the cost of providing the education courses.Rules. The department may adopt rules pursuant to chapter 17A to administer this section.

Instruction permits

1.

a. A person who is at least eighteen years of age and who, except for the person's lack of instruction in operating a motor vehicle, would be qualified to obtain a driver's license, shall, upon meeting the requirements of section 321.186 other than a driving demonstration, and upon paying the required fee, be issued an instruction permit by the department. Subject to the limitations in this subsection, an instruction permit entitles the permittee, while having the permit in the permittee's immediate possession, to operate a motor vehicle, other than a commercial motor vehicle or as a chauffeur or a motor vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating of sixteen thousand one or more pounds, upon the highways for a period not to exceed two years from the licensee's birthday anniversary in the year of issuance. If the applicant for an instruction permit holds a driver's license issued in this state valid for the operation of a motorized bicycle or a motorcycle, the instruction permit shall be valid for such operation without the need of an accompanying person.A permittee shall not be penalized for failing to have the instruction permit in immediate possession if the permittee produces in court, within a reasonable time, an instruction permit issued to the permittee and valid at the time of the permittee's arrest or at the time the permittee was charged with failure to have the permit in the permittee's immediate possession.b. Except as otherwise provided, a permittee who is eighteen years of age or older must be accompanied by a person issued a driver's license valid for the vehicle operated who is a member of the permittee's immediate family if the family member is at least twenty-one years of age, an approved driver education instructor, a prospective driver education instructor who is enrolled in a practitioner preparation program with a safety education program approved by the state board of education, or a person at least twenty-five years of age, and who is actually occupying a seat beside the driver.

However, if the permittee is operating a motorcycle in accordance with this section or section 321.180B, the accompanying person must be within audible and visual communications distance from the permittee and be accompanying the permittee on or in a different motor vehicle. Only one permittee shall be under the immediate supervision of an accompanying qualified person.

2. A person who holds a class A, B, C, or D driver's license, upon meeting each of the following requirements, shall be eligible to apply for a commercial driver's instruction permit valid for the operation of a commercial motor vehicle when the permittee is accompanied by a person properly licensed to operate a commercial motor vehicle and actually occupying a seat beside the permittee. An applicant must be at least eighteen years of age and qualified to obtain a valid commercial driver's license including the requirements of section 321.188 other than the knowledge examination and driving skills tests. The commercial driver's instruction permit shall be valid for a period not to exceed six months. A commercial driver's instruction permit may be renewed only once in any two-year period. If the applicant for a commercial driver's instruction permit holds a driver's license issued in this state valid for the operation of a commercial or noncommercial vehicle, the commercial driver's instruction permit shall be valid for such operation without the need of an accompanying person.3. A person, upon meeting each of the following requirements, shall be eligible to apply for a chauffeur's instruction permit valid for the operation of a motor vehicle, other than a commercial motor vehicle, as a chauffeur when the permittee is accompanied by a person, possessing a valid class D driver's license or commercial driver's license valid for the operation of the motor vehicle and the accompanying person is actually occupying a seat beside the permittee. An applicant must be at least eighteen years of age, otherwise qualified to obtain a class D driver's license, and must meet the requirements of section 321.186 other than a driving demonstration. The chauffeur's instruction permit shall be valid for a period not to exceed two years from the licensee's birthday anniversary in the year of issuance and shall be returned to the department upon issuance of a class D driver's license or commercial driver's license. If the applicant for a chauffeur's instruction permit holds a driver's license issued under this chapter, the chauffeur's instruction permit shall be valid in the same manner as the driver's license would be for the operation of motor vehicles without the need of an accompanying person.4. The instruction permit, chauffeur's instruction permit, and commercial driver's instruction permit are subject to suspension or revocation for the same reasons and in the same manner as suspension or revocation of a driver's license.5. A motorcycle instruction permit issued under this section is not renewable.

321.456 Height of vehicles--permits--exemption

A vehicle unladen or with load shall not exceed a height of thirteen feet, six inches, except by permit as provided in this section. However, a vehicle or combination of vehicles coupled together and used exclusively for the transportation of passenger vehicles, light delivery trucks, panel delivery trucks, pickup trucks, or recreational vehicle chassis may operate without a permit provided that the height of the vehicle or vehicles coupled together does not exceed fourteen feet. This section shall not be construed to require any railroad or public authorities to provide sufficient vertical clearance to permit the operation of such vehicle upon the highways of this state. Any damage to highways, highway or railroad structures or underpasses caused by the height of any vehicle provided for by this section shall be borne by the operator or owner of the vehicle. Vehicles unladen or with load exceeding a height of thirteen feet, six inches but not exceeding fourteen feet may be operated with a permit issued by the department or jurisdictional local authorities. The permits shall be issued annually for a fee of twenty-five dollars and subject to rules adopted by the department. The state or a political subdivision shall not be liable for damage to any vehicle or its cargo if changes in vertical clearance of a structure are made subsequent to the issuance of a permit during the term of the permit.

321.457 Maximum length

1. A combination of four vehicles is not allowed on the highways of this state, except for power units saddle mounted on other power units which shall be restricted to a maximum overall length of seventy-five feet.
2. The maximum length of any motor vehicle or combination of vehicles operated on the highways of this state is as follows:

1. A single truck, unladen or with load, shall not have an overall length, inclusive of front and rear bumpers, in excess of forty feet.

1. When determining the overall length of a single truck, the following shall be excluded:
1. Cargo extending not more than three feet beyond the front bumper and not more than four feet beyond the rear bumper when transporting motor vehicles, boats, and chassis.An unladen cargo carrying device extending no greater than twenty-four inches from the rear of the bed of the truck.
2. A cargo carrying device with load.

2. A single bus shall not have an overall length, inclusive of front and rear bumpers, in excess of forty-five feet, except that buses constructed so as to contain a flexible part allowing articulation shall not exceed sixty-one feet.A mobile home not in excess of forty-eight feet in length may be drawn by any motor vehicle, except a motor truck, provided that the mobile home and its towing unit are not in excess of an overall length of sixty feet. For the purposes of this subsection, a light delivery truck, panel delivery truck or "pickup" is not a motor truck. A portable livestock loading chute not in excess of a length of thirteen feet including its hitch or tongue may be drawn by any vehicle or combination of vehicles, provided that the vehicle or combination of vehicles drawing the loading chute is not in excess of the legal length provided for such vehicles or combinations.A combination of three vehicles coupled together one of which is a motor vehicle, unladen or with load, other than a truck tractor, shall not have an overall length, inclusive of front and rear bumpers, in excess of sixty feet.A motor vehicle or combination of vehicles may be operated upon the highways of this state, irrespective of the length and weight limitations imposed by the laws of this state, if the motor vehicle or combination of vehicles is operated within the corporate limits of a city abutting a border of this state and such operations have been approved by ordinance of the city council and if the length and weight of the motor vehicle or combination of vehicles is in conformity with the laws relating to length and weight of the abutting state. If a city council has authorized such operation upon highways within the corporate limits, then the limit of travel for such motor vehicles or combination of vehicles within the state is extended to the commercial zones as described by federal regulations concerning interstate commerce, 49 C.F.R. § 1048.101, and to the interstate system as provided in 23 U.S.C. § 127 and 49 U.S.C. § 31112(c), as amended by Pub. L. No. 104-59.A trailer or semitrailer, laden or unladen, shall not have an overall length in excess of fifty-three feet when operating in a truck tractor-semitrailer combination exclusive of retractable extensions used to support the load. However, when a trailer or semitrailer is used exclusively for the transportation of passenger vehicles, light delivery trucks, panel delivery trucks, pickup trucks, recreational vehicle chassis, or boats, the load carried on the trailer or semitrailer may extend up to three feet beyond the front bumper and up to four feet beyond the rear bumper of the trailer or semitrailer.A trailer or semitrailer, laden or unladen, shall not have an overall length in excess of twenty-eight feet six inches when operating in a truck tractor-semitrailer-trailer combination or truck tractor-semitrailer-semitrailer combination. When the semitrailers in a truck tractor-semitrailer-semitrailer combination are connected by a rigid frame extension including a fifth-wheel connection point attached to the rear frame of the first semitrailer, the length of the frame extension shall not be included when determining the overall length of the first semitrailer.Power units designed to carry cargo, when used in combination with a trailer or semitrailer shall not exceed sixty-five feet in overall length for the combination exclusive of retractable extensions used to support the load. However, if a combination of vehicles is used exclusively for the transportation of passenger vehicles, light delivery trucks, panel delivery trucks, pickup trucks, recreational vehicle chassis, or boats, the load may extend up to three feet beyond the front bumper of the power unit and up to four feet beyond the rear bumper of the trailer or semitrailer.
3. A stinger-steered automobile transporter shall not have an overall length exceeding seventy-five feet, exclusive of retractable extensions used to support the load and all other devices or appurtenances related to the safe and efficient operation of the vehicle, except that the load may extend up to three feet beyond the front bumper and up to four feet beyond the rear bumper.

3. Fire fighting apparatus and vehicles operated during daylight hours when transporting poles, pipe, machinery, or other objects of a structural nature which cannot be readily disassembled when required for emergency repair of public service facilities or properties are not subject to the limitations on overall length of vehicles and combinations of vehicles imposed under this section. However, for operation during nighttime hours, these vehicles and the load being transported shall be equipped with a sufficient number of clearance lamps on both sides and marker lamps at the extreme ends of the projecting load to clearly mark the dimensions of the load. A member of the Iowa state patrol shall also be notified prior to the operation of the vehicle.

321.455 Projecting loads on passenger vehicles

No passenger-type vehicle shall be operated on any highway with any load carried thereon extending beyond the line of the fenders on the left side of such vehicle nor extending more than six inches beyond the line of the fenders on the right side thereof. Passengers shall not ride on any part of any vehicle unless it is expressly designed either for passenger use or designed for carrying livestock, merchandise, or freight.

321.20B Proof of security against liability--driving without liability coverage

1. Notwithstanding chapter 321A, which requires certain persons to maintain proof of financial responsibility, a person shall not drive a motor vehicle on the highways of this state unless financial liability coverage, as defined in section 321.1, subsection 24B, is in effect for the motor vehicle and unless the driver has in the motor vehicle the proof of financial liability coverage card issued for the motor vehicle, or if the vehicle is registered in another state, other evidence that financial liability coverage is in effect for the motor vehicle.It shall be conclusively presumed that a motor vehicle driven upon a parking lot which is available to the public without charge or which is available to customers or invitees of a business or facility without charge was driven on the highways of this state in order to enter the parking lot, and this section shall be applicable to such a motor vehicle. As used in this section, "parking lot" includes access roads, drives, lanes, aisles, entrances, and exits to and from a parking lot described in this paragraph.This subsection does not apply to the operator of a motor vehicle owned by or leased to the United States, this state or another state, or any political subdivision of this state or of another state, or to a motor vehicle which is subject to section 325A.6 or 327B.6.2.

a. An insurance company transacting business in this state shall issue to its insured owners of motor vehicles registered in this state a financial liability coverage card for each motor vehicle insured. Each financial liability coverage card shall identify the registration number or vehicle identification number of the motor vehicle insured and shall indicate the expiration date of the applicable insurance coverage. The financial liability coverage card shall also contain the name and address of the insurer or the name of the insurer and the name and address of the insurance agency, the name of the insured, and an emergency telephone number of the insurer or emergency telephone number of the insurance agency.

b. The insurance division and the department, as appropriate, shall adopt rules regarding the contents of a financial liability coverage card to be issued pursuant to this section. Notwithstanding the provisions of this section, a fleet owner is not required to maintain in each vehicle a financial liability coverage card with the individual registration number or the vehicle identification number of the vehicle included on the card. Such fleet owner shall be required to maintain a financial liability coverage card in each vehicle in the fleet including information deemed appropriate by the commissioner of insurance or the director, as applicable.

3. If the financial liability coverage for a motor vehicle which is registered in this state is canceled or terminated effective prior to the expiration date indicated on the financial liability coverage card issued for the vehicle, the person to whom the financial liability coverage card was issued shall destroy the card.4.

a. If a peace officer stops a motor vehicle registered in this state and the driver is unable to provide proof of financial liability coverage, the peace officer shall do one of the following:

(1) Issue a warning memorandum to the driver.(2) Issue a citation to the driver. If a citation is issued, the citation shall be issued under this subparagraph unless the driver has been previously charged and cited for a violation of subsection 1. A citation which is issued and subsequently dismissed shall be disregarded for purposes of determining if the driver has been previously charged and cited.(3) Issue a citation and remove the motor vehicle's license plates and registration receipt. Upon removing the license plates and registration receipt, the peace officer shall deliver the plates for destruction, as appropriate, and forward the registration receipt and evidence of the violation, as determined by the department, to the county treasurer of the county in which the motor vehicle is registered. The motor vehicle may be driven for a time period of up to forty-eight hours after receiving the citation solely for the purpose of removing the motor vehicle from the highways of this state, unless the driver's operating privileges are otherwise suspended.After receiving the citation, the driver shall keep the citation in the motor vehicle at all times while driving the motor vehicle as provided in this subparagraph, as proof of the driver's privilege to drive the motor vehicle for such limited time and purpose.(4)

(a) Issue a citation, remove the motor vehicle's license plates and registration receipt and impound the motor vehicle. The peace officer shall deliver the plates for destruction, as appropriate, and forward the registration receipt and evidence of the violation, as determined by the department, to the county treasurer of the county in which the motor vehicle is registered.(b) A motor vehicle which is impounded may be claimed by a person if the owner provides proof of financial liability coverage and proof of payment of any applicable fine and the costs of towing and storage for the motor vehicle. If the motor vehicle is not claimed within thirty days after impoundment, the motor vehicle may be treated as an abandoned vehicle pursuant to section 321.89.

(c) The holder of a security interest in a motor vehicle which is impounded pursuant to this subparagraph shall be notified of the impoundment within seventy-two hours of the impoundment of the motor vehicle and shall have the right to claim the motor vehicle upon the payment of all fees. However, if the value of the vehicle is less than the security interest, all fees shall be divided equally between the lienholder and the political subdivision impounding the vehicle.

b. An owner or driver of a motor vehicle who is charged with a violation of subsection 1 and issued a citation under paragraph "a," subparagraph (3) or (4), is subject to the following:

(1) An owner or driver who produces to the clerk of court, within thirty days of the issuance of the citation under paragraph "a," or prior to the date of the individual's court appearance as indicated on the citation, whichever is earlier, proof that financial liability coverage was in effect for the motor vehicle at the time the person was stopped and cited, or, if the driver is not the owner of the motor vehicle, proof that liability coverage was in effect for the driver with respect to the motor vehicle being driven at the time the driver was stopped and cited, in the same manner as if the motor vehicle were owned by the driver, shall be given a receipt indicating that such proof was provided and be subject to one of the following:

(a) If the person was cited pursuant to paragraph "a", subparagraph (3), the owner or driver shall provide a copy of the receipt to the county treasurer of the county in which the motor vehicle is registered and the owner shall be assessed a fifteen dollar administrative fee by the county treasurer who shall issue new license plates and registration to the person after payment of the fee.

(b) If the person was cited pursuant to paragraph "a", subparagraph (4), the owner or driver, after the owner provides proof of financial liability coverage to the clerk of court, may claim the motor vehicle after such person pays any applicable fine and the costs of towing and storage for the motor vehicle, and the owner or driver provides a copy of the receipt and the owner pays to the county treasurer of the county in which the motor vehicle is registered a fifteen dollar administrative fee, and the county treasurer shall issue new license plates and registration to the person.

(2) An owner or driver who is charged with a violation of subsection 1 and is unable to show that financial liability coverage was in effect for the motor vehicle at the time the person was stopped and cited may do either of the following:

(a) Sign an admission of violation on the citation and remit to the clerk of court a scheduled fine as provided in section 805.8, subsection 2, for a violation of subsection 1. Upon payment of the fine to the clerk of court of the county where the citation was issued, payment of a fifteen dollar administrative fee to the county treasurer of the county in which the motor vehicle is registered, and providing proof of payment of any applicable fine and proof of financial liability coverages to the county treasurer of the county in which the motor vehicle is registered, the treasurer shall issue new license plates and registration to the owner.

(b) Request an appearance before the court on the matter. If the matter goes before the court, and the owner or driver is found guilty of a violation of subsection 1, the court may impose a fine as provided in section 805.8, subsection 2, for a violation of subsection 1, or the court may order the person to perform unpaid community service instead of the fine. Upon the payment of the fine or the entry of the order for unpaid community service, the person shall provide proof of payment or entry of such order and the county treasurer of the county in which the motor vehicle is registered shall issue new license plates and registration to the owner upon the owner providing proof of financial liability coverage and paying a fifteen dollar administrative fee to the county treasurer.

c. An owner or driver cited for a violation of subsection 1, who produces to the clerk of court within thirty days of the issuance of the citation proof that financial liability coverage was in effect for the motor vehicle at the time the person was stopped and cited, shall not be convicted of such violation and the citation issued shall be dismissed.

5. If the motor vehicle is not registered in this state and the driver is a nonresident, the peace officer shall do one of the following:

a. Issue a warning memorandum to the driver.

b. Issue a citation. An owner or driver who produces to the clerk of court within thirty days of the issuance of the citation, or prior to the date of the individual's court appearance as indicated on the citation, whichever is earlier, proof that the financial liability coverage was in effect for the motor vehicle at the time the person was stopped and cited, or if the driver is not the owner of the motor vehicle, proof that liability coverage was in effect for the driver with respect to the motor vehicle being driven at the time the driver was stopped and cited in the same manner as if the motor vehicle were owned by the driver, shall be given a receipt indicating that proof was provided, and the citation issued shall be dismissed.

6. This section does not apply to a motor vehicle identified in section 321.18, subsections 1 through 6, and subsection 8.7. This section does not apply to a lienholder who has a security interest in a motor vehicle subject to the registration requirements of this chapter, so long as such lienholder maintains financial liability coverage for any motor vehicle driven or moved by the lienholder in which the lienholder has an interest.8. This section does not apply to a motor vehicle owned by a motor vehicle dealer or wholesaler licensed pursuant to chapter 322.9. The director of transportation and the commissioner of insurance shall adopt rules pursuant to chapter 17A to administer this section

321.284 Open containers in motor vehicles--drivers

A driver of a motor vehicle upon a public street or highway shall not possess in the passenger area of the motor vehicle an open or unsealed bottle, can, jar, or other receptacle containing an alcoholic beverage.  "Passenger area" means the area designed to seat the driver and passengers while the motor vehicle is in operation and any area that is readily accessible to the driver or a passenger while in their seating positions, including the glove compartment. An open or unsealed receptacle containing an alcoholic beverage may be transported in the trunk of the motor vehicle. An unsealed receptacle containing an alcoholic beverage may be transported behind the last upright seat of the motor vehicle if the motor vehicle does not have a trunk. A person convicted of a violation of this section is guilty of a simple misdemeanor punishable as a scheduled violation under section 805.8, subsection 10, paragraph "b"

321.284A Open containers in motor vehicles--passengers

1. A passenger in a motor vehicle upon a public street or highway shall not possess in the passenger area of the motor vehicle an open or unsealed bottle, can, jar, or other receptacle containing an alcoholic beverage. "Passenger area" means the area of a motor vehicle designed to seat the driver and passengers while the motor vehicle is in operation and any area that is readily accessible to the driver or a passenger while in their seating positions, including the glove compartment. An open or unsealed receptacle containing an alcoholic beverage may be transported in the trunk of the motor vehicle. An unsealed receptacle containing an alcoholic beverage may be transported behind the last upright seat of the motor vehicle if the motor vehicle does not have a trunk.2. This section does not apply to a passenger being transported in a motor vehicle designed, maintained, or used primarily for the transportation of persons for compensation, or a passenger being transported in the living quarters of a motor home, mobile home, travel trailer, or fifth-wheel travel trailer.3. A person convicted of a violation of this section is guilty of a simple misdemeanor punishable as a scheduled violation under section 805.8, subsection 10, paragraph "b".4. The department shall not include a conviction for a violation of this section on the individual driving record of the person committing the violation and the conviction shall not be considered by the department in any proceeding for suspension, revocation, barring, or denying of the person's driver's license or upon any application for renewal of driving privileges.

Safety belts and safety harnesses--use required

1.  Except for motorcycles or motorized bicycles, 1966 model year or newer motor vehicles subject to registration in Iowa shall be equipped with safety belts and safety harnesses which conform with federal motor vehicle safety standard numbers 209 and 210 as published in 49 C.F.R. § 571.209-571.210 and with prior federal motor vehicle safety standards for seat belt assemblies and seat belt assembly anchorages applicable for the motor vehicle's model year.2.  The driver and front seat occupants of a type of motor vehicle which is subject to registration in Iowa, except a motorcycle or a motorized bicycle, shall each wear a properly adjusted and fastened safety belt or safety harness any time the vehicle is in forward motion on a street or highway in this state except that a child under six years of age shall be secured as required under section 321.446.This subsection does not apply to:

a.  The driver or front seat occupants of a motor vehicle which is not required to be equipped with safety belts or safety harnesses.b.  The driver and front seat occupants of a motor vehicle who are actively engaged in work which requires them to alight from and reenter the vehicle at frequent intervals, providing the vehicle does not exceed twenty-five miles per hour between stops.c.  The driver of a motor vehicle while performing duties as a rural letter carrier for the United States postal service. This exemption applies only between the first delivery point after leaving the post office and the last delivery point before returning to the post office.d.  Passengers on a bus.e.  A person possessing a written certification from a health care provider licensed under chapter 148, 150, 150A, or 151 on a form provided by the department that the person is unable to wear a safety belt or safety harness due to physical or medical reasons. The certification shall specify the time period for which the exemption applies. The time period shall not exceed twelve months, at which time a new certification may be issued unless the certifying health care provider is from a United States military facility, in which case the certificate may specify a longer period of time or a permanent exemption.f.  Front seat occupants of an authorized emergency vehicle while they are being transported in an emergency. However, this exemption does not apply to the driver of the authorized emergency vehicle.During the six-month period from July 1, 1986 through December 31, 1986, peace officers shall issue only warning citations for violations of this subsection, except this does not apply to drivers subject to the federal motor carrier safety regulation 49 C.F.R. § 392.16.

The department, in cooperation with the department of public safety and the department of education, shall establish educational programs to foster compliance with the safety belt and safety harness usage requirements of this subsection.

3.  The driver and front seat passengers may be each charged separately for improperly used or nonused equipment under subsection 2. The owner of the motor vehicle may be charged for equipment violations under subsection 1.4.

a.  The nonuse of a safety belt or safety harness by a person is not admissible or material as evidence in a civil action brought for damages in a cause of action arising prior to July 1, 1986.b.  In a cause of action arising on or after July 1, 1986, brought to recover damages arising out of the ownership or operation of a motor vehicle, the failure to wear a safety belt or safety harness in violation of this section shall not be considered evidence of comparative fault under section 668.3, subsection 1. However, except as provided in section 321.446, subsection 6, the failure to wear a safety belt or safety harness in violation of this section may be admitted to mitigate damages, but only under the following circumstances:

(1)  Parties seeking to introduce evidence of the failure to wear a safety belt or safety harness in violation of this section must first introduce substantial evidence that the failure to wear a safety belt or safety harness contributed to the injury or injuries claimed by the plaintiff.

(2)  If the evidence supports such a finding, the trier of fact may find that the plaintiff's failure to wear a safety belt or safety harness in violation of this section contributed to the plaintiff's claimed injury or injuries, and may reduce the amount of plaintiff's recovery by an amount not to exceed five percent of the damages awarded after any reductions for comparative fault.

The department shall adopt rules pursuant to chapter 17A providing exceptions from application of subsections 1 and 2 for front seats and front seat passengers of motor vehicles owned, leased, rented, or primarily used by persons with physical disabilities who use collapsible wheelchairs.

Speed restrictions>

Any person driving a motor vehicle on a highway shall drive the same at a careful and prudent speed not greater than nor less than is reasonable and proper, having due regard to the traffic, surface, and width of the highway and of any other conditions then existing, and no person shall drive any vehicle upon a highway at a speed greater than will permit the person to bring it to a stop within the assured clear distance ahead, such driver having the right to assume, however, that all persons using said highway will observe the law.The following shall be the lawful speed except as provided by this section, or except as posted pursuant to sections 262.68, 321.236, subsection 5, section 321.288, subsection 6, sections 321.289, 321.290, 321.293, 321.295, and 461A.36, and any speed in excess thereof shall be unlawful:1.  Twenty miles per hour in any business district.2.  Twenty-five miles per hour in any residence or school district.3.  Forty-five miles per hour in any suburban district. Each school district as defined in subsection 70 of section 321.1 shall be marked by distinctive signs as provided by the current manual of uniform traffic control devices adopted by the department and placed on the highway at the limits of such school district.4.  Notwithstanding any other speed restrictions, the speed limit for all vehicular traffic shall be fifty-five miles per hour.5.  Reasonable and proper, but not greater than fifty-five miles per hour at any time between sunrise and sunset, and not greater than fifty miles per hour at any time between sunset and sunrise, on secondary roads unless such roads are surfaced with concrete or asphalt or a combination of both, in which case the speed limits shall be the same as provided in subsection 4 of this section. When the board of supervisors of any county shall determine upon the basis of an engineering and traffic investigation that the speed limit on any secondary road is greater than is reasonable and proper under the conditions found to exist at any intersection or other place or upon any part of a secondary road, the board shall determine and declare a reasonable and proper speed limit at the intersection or other part of the secondary road. The speed limits as determined by the board of supervisors shall be effective when appropriate signs giving notice of the speed limits are erected by the board of supervisors at the intersection or other place or part of the highway.6.  Notwithstanding any other speed restrictions, the speed limit for all vehicular traffic on fully controlled-access, divided, multi-laned highways including the national system of interstate highways is sixty- five miles per hour. The department may establish a speed limit of sixty-five miles per hour on certain divided, multi-laned highways. However, the department or cities with the approval of the department may establish a lower speed limit upon such highways located within the corporate limits of a city. For the purposes of this subsection, a fully controlled-access highway is a highway that gives preference to through traffic by providing access connections with selected public roads only and by prohibiting crossings at grade or direct private driveway connections. A minimum speed may be established by the department on the highways referred to in this subsection if warranted by engineering and traffic investigations.It is further provided that any kind of vehicle, implement, or conveyance incapable of attaining and maintaining a speed of forty miles per hour shall be prohibited from using the interstate system.

321.438 Windshields and windows

1. A person shall not drive a motor vehicle equipped with a windshield, side-wings, or side or rear windows which do not permit clear vision.2. A person shall not operate on the highway a motor vehicle equipped with a front windshield, a side window to the immediate right or left of the driver, or a side-wing forward of and to the left or right of the driver which is excessively dark or reflective so that it is difficult for a person outside the motor vehicle to see into the motor vehicle through the windshield, window, or sidewing. The department shall adopt rules establishing a minimum measurable standard of transparency which shall apply to violations of this subsection.3. Every motor vehicle except a motorcycle, or a vehicle included in the provisions of section 321.383 or section 321.115 shall be equipped with a windshield in accordance with section

Under Iowa Administrative Code 761-450.1(321) safety glazing materials or multiple glazed assemblies thereof intended for use at levels requisite for driving visibility in the motor vehicle shall show regular (parallel) luminous transmittance of not less than 70 percent of the light at normal incidence, both before and after irradiation.