S.F. 2144 Section 1. Section 321.423, Code 2022, is amended by adding 1 the following new subsection: 2 NEW SUBSECTION . 1A. A person shall not operate a motor 3 vehicle equipped with a flashing light if the flashing light 4 is prohibited on or in the motor vehicle under this section 5 or another provision of this chapter. A violation of this 6 subsection shall be considered a moving violation. 7 EXPLANATION 8 The inclusion of this explanation does not constitute agreement with 9 the explanation’s substance by the members of the general assembly. 10 Under current law, Code section 321.423 prohibits flashing 11 lights on or in a motor vehicle. There are a wide variety 12 of exceptions to the prohibition based on the color of the 13 flashing light and the type of vehicle. 14 This bill prohibits a person from operating a motor vehicle 15 equipped with a flashing light if the flashing light is 16 prohibited on or in the motor vehicle under current law. By 17 operation of law, a violation of the bill is punishable by a 18 scheduled fine of $45. 19 Under current law, a moving violation can be considered for 20 purposes of administrative suspension of a driver’s license 21 or to establish habitual offender status. The department 22 of transportation’s rules define a moving violation as any 23 violation of motor vehicle laws with some exceptions, including 24 violations of equipment standards to be maintained for motor 25 vehicles. The bill specifies that a violation of the bill’s 26 prohibition against flashing lights equipped on a motor vehicle 27 is a moving violation. 28 -1- LSB 5821XS (2) 89 th/ns 1/ 1