SF 2067 (LSB 5673XS (2) 87)

SENATE FILE 2067

BY  SHIPLEY

A BILL FOR

An Act relating to lighted headlamps on motor vehicles, and making penalties applicable.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF IOWA:

    Section 1.  Section 321.384, Code 2018, is amended to read as follows:
   321.384  When lighted lamps required.
   1.  Every motor vehicle upon operated on a highway within the state, at any time from sunset to sunrise, and at such other times when conditions such as during any period of fog, snow, sleet, or rain provide insufficient lighting to render clearly discernible persons and vehicles on the highway at a distance of five hundred feet ahead, shall display lighted headlamps as provided in section 321.415, subject to exceptions provided in this chapter with respect to parked vehicles as hereinafter stated.
   2.  Whenever Any requirement is hereinafter declared as to provided in this chapter regarding the distance from which certain lamps and devices shall render objects visible or within which such lamps or devices shall be visible, said provisions shall apply during the times stated in subsection 1 of this section upon a straight level unlighted highway under normal atmospheric conditions unless a different time or condition is expressly stated.
EXPLANATION
The inclusion of this explanation does not constitute agreement with
the explanation’s substance by the members of the general assembly.
   Under current law, a motor vehicle is required to display lighted headlamps at any time from sunset to sunrise, and at such other times when conditions such as fog, snow, sleet, or rain provide insufficient lighting to render clearly discernible persons and vehicles on the highway at a distance of 500 feet ahead. This bill amends the provision to require motor vehicles to display lighted headlamps at any time from sunset to sunrise, and during any period of fog, snow, sleet, or rain. A violation of the provision is punishable by a scheduled fine of $30.
   The following Code sections contain provisions which are associated with the times when headlamps are required under Code section 321.384 and are therefore affected indirectly by the bill:
   Code section 321.235A, which requires the use of a headlight and a rear reflector on electric personal assistive mobility devices.
   Code section 321.392, which requires the use of certain lighting devices and reflectors on motor trucks.
   Code section 321.394, which requires a red light to be displayed on projecting loads on motor vehicles.
   Code section 321.395, which requires lighting on vehicles stopped on an unlighted roadway or shoulder.
   Code sections 321.397, 321.398, and 321.418, which describe lighting requirements for bicycles, animal-drawn vehicles, and slow-moving vehicles.
   Code section 321.405, which requires self-illumination of mechanical signal devices.
   Code sections 321.415 and 321.419, which provide specifications for headlamps on motor vehicles.