SF 2036 (LSB 5196XS (2) 91)

SENATE FILE 2036

BY  SHIPLEY

A BILL FOR

An Act requiring pilot car escorts for the movement of certain implements of husbandry, and making penalties applicable.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF IOWA:

    Section 1.  Section 321.383, Code 2026, is amended by adding the following new subsection:
   NEW SUBSECTION.  2A.  a.  Except as provided in paragraph “b”, a pilot car shall accompany an implement of husbandry being operated on a highway if the width of the implement of husbandry exceeds twenty-two feet or if any part of the implement of husbandry extends over or beyond the center of the roadway.
   (1)  A pilot car shall lead an implement of husbandry being operated on a two-lane highway with only one lane in each direction of travel.
   (2)  A pilot car shall follow an implement of husbandry being operated on a highway with more than one lane in each direction of travel or with three lanes.
   b.  Paragraph “a” does not apply to an implement of husbandry being operated for one mile or less on a primary road, farm-to-market road, or paved secondary road.
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, the size, weight, and load requirements under Code chapter 321 (motor vehicles and law of the road) do not apply to implements of husbandry when moved upon a highway that is not part of the interstate road system, with certain exceptions. Additionally, the vehicle equipment requirements under Code chapter 321 do not apply to implements of husbandry, except as made applicable in Code section 321.383, including as amended by this bill.
   The bill requires a pilot car to accompany an implement of husbandry being operated on a highway if the width of the implement of husbandry exceeds 22 feet or if any part of the implement of husbandry extends over or beyond the center of the roadway. A pilot car must lead an implement of husbandry being operated on a two-lane highway with only one lane in each direction of travel. A pilot car must follow when an implement of husbandry is being operated on a highway with more than one lane in each direction of travel or with three lanes.
   The pilot car requirement does not apply to an implement of husbandry being operated for one mile or less on a primary road, farm-to-market road, or paved secondary road.
   Pursuant to Code section 321.383(4), a violation of the bill is a simple misdemeanor punishable by a $45 scheduled fine.