HOUSE FILE _____

BY  (PROPOSED COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SAFETY BILL BY CHAIRPERSON BAUDLER)

A BILL FOR

An Act relating to requirements for a motor vehicle operator to have control of the vehicle at all times and to reduce speed in specific situations.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF IOWA:

    Section 1.  Section 321.285, subsection 2, paragraph a, unnumbered paragraph 1, Code 2011, is amended to read as follows:
   Unless otherwise provided by this section, or except as posted pursuant to sections 262.68, 321.236, subsection 5, section 321.288, subsection 6
 
2, paragraph “f”, sections 321.289, 321.290, 321.293, 321.295, and 461A.36, the following shall be the lawful speed and any speed in excess thereof shall be unlawful:
    Sec. 2.  Section 321.288, Code 2011, is amended to read as follows:
   321.288  Control of vehicle —— reduced speed.
   1.  A person operating a motor vehicle shall have the vehicle under control at all times and.
   2.  A person operating a motor vehicle
 
shall reduce the speed to a reasonable and proper rate:
   1.

a.  When approaching and passing a person walking in the traveled portion of the public highway.
   2.

b.  When approaching and passing an animal which is being led, ridden, or driven upon a public highway.
   3.

c.  When approaching and traversing a crossing or intersection of public highways, or a bridge, sharp turn, curve, or steep descent, in a public highway.
   4.

d.  When approaching and passing an emergency warning device displayed in accordance with rules adopted under section 321.449, or an emergency vehicle displaying a revolving or flashing light.
   5.

e.  When approaching and passing a slow moving vehicle displaying a reflective device or alternative reflective device as provided by section 321.383.
   6.

f.  When approaching and passing through a sign-posted road work zone upon the public highway.
EXPLANATION
   Currently, language in Code section 321.288 requires that a person operating a motor vehicle “have the vehicle under control at all times”, and in the same sentence, the language goes on to require the operator to “reduce the speed to a reasonable and proper rate” and to list the situations in which the requirement applies. This bill amends that language by separately stating the requirement to have the vehicle under control at all times and the requirement to reduce speed to a reasonable and proper rate under specified circumstances. The bill contains a conforming amendment to Code section 321.285.
   The existing penalty for a violation of Code section 321.288 is not changed by the bill. A violation is a simple misdemeanor, punishable by a scheduled fine of $100.