SF 237 (LSB 1952XS (2) 90)

SENATE FILE 237

BY  ZUMBACH

A BILL FOR

An Act providing that warning lights are not required on vehicles of excessive weight.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF IOWA:

    Section 1.  Section 321E.24, Code 2023, is amended to read as follows:
   321E.24  Warning and lighting devices on oversize vehicles and loads.
   The department shall adopt rules pursuant to chapter 17A regarding oversize load signs, warning flags, vehicle length warning lights, and projecting-load lights.  A vehicle or combination of vehicles with a gross weight or combined gross weight exceeding eighty thousand pounds shall not be required to display warning lights based on the vehicle’s weight, but may otherwise be required to display warning lights based on length, a projecting load, or other factors, as provided by law.
EXPLANATION
The inclusion of this explanation does not constitute agreement with
the explanation’s substance by the members of the general assembly.
   Pursuant to Code section 321E.24, the department of transportation (DOT) adopted administrative rules regarding oversize load signs, warning flags, warning lights, and projecting-load lights (761 IAC 511.18(3)). The DOT’s rules require vehicles longer than 85 feet but not longer than 120 feet, vehicles with a front projection over 25 feet, vehicles with a rear projection over 10 feet, and vehicles weighing over 80,000 pounds to display a flashing or strobe amber light that is visible for at least 500 feet and provides 360-degree warning, which light must be mounted on the towing unit and be visible from the front and rear.
   This bill provides that vehicles exceeding 80,000 pounds are not required to display warning lights based on the vehicle’s weight.