House File 286 - Introduced HOUSE FILE 286 BY MASCHER and LENSING A BILL FOR An Act relating to the use of safety helmets by operators of, 1 and passengers on, motorcycles and motorized bicycles, and 2 providing a penalty. 3 BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF IOWA: 4 TLSB 2022YH (4) 87 ns/nh
H.F. 286 Section 1. Section 321.275, Code 2017, is amended by adding 1 the following new subsection: 2 NEW SUBSECTION . 9. Helmets required. 3 a. A person shall not operate a motorcycle or motorized 4 bicycle on a highway of this state if the operator or any 5 passenger is not wearing a safety helmet. A person shall 6 not ride as a passenger on a motorcycle or motorized bicycle 7 being operated on a highway of this state if the operator, the 8 person, or any other passenger is not wearing a safety helmet. 9 b. For purposes of this subsection, “wearing a safety 10 helmet” means having a safety helmet that complies with the 11 standards and specifications established in 49 C.F.R. §571.218 12 on the person’s head that is fastened with the helmet straps 13 and that is of a size that fits the person’s head securely 14 without excessive lateral or vertical movement. The department 15 shall adopt rules establishing guidelines for approved safety 16 helmets and shall maintain and publish a list of approved 17 safety helmets. The list need not be inclusive. 18 Sec. 2. Section 805.8A, subsection 6, paragraph b, Code 19 2017, is amended to read as follows: 20 b. Section 321.275, subsections 1 21 through 7 and 9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 35. 22 EXPLANATION 23 The inclusion of this explanation does not constitute agreement with 24 the explanation’s substance by the members of the general assembly. 25 This bill prohibits a person from operating a motorcycle or 26 motorized bicycle on a highway if the operator or any passenger 27 is not wearing a safety helmet. The bill also prohibits a 28 passenger from riding on a motorcycle or motorized bicycle 29 if the operator or another passenger is not wearing a safety 30 helmet. The safety helmet must be in compliance with federal 31 regulations and must fit the person’s head securely and be 32 fastened with helmet straps. The bill directs the department 33 of transportation to establish guidelines for motorcycle safety 34 helmets and to maintain and publish a list of approved helmets. 35 -1- LSB 2022YH (4) 87 ns/nh 1/ 2
H.F. 286 The bill provides that a violation of this provision is a 1 simple misdemeanor punishable by a scheduled fine of $35. 2 -2- LSB 2022YH (4) 87 ns/nh 2/ 2