Transportation (Roads & Highways) in Iowa

in committee · Iowa · Senate Feb 23, 2026

SF 2173: A bill for an act relating to sufficient English language proficiency requirements for commercial drivers, and providing penalties.

This bill requires Iowa's Department of Transportation to test commercial driver's license (CDL) applicants and renewers for sufficient English language proficiency before issuing or renewing their licenses. It directly affects commercial drivers applying for or renewing CDLs, as well as commercial motor carriers hiring drivers. Key provisions include mandating a computer-based English proficiency exam (testing ability to read, speak, and understand traffic signs and official communications), prohibiting license issuance without passing the test, and imposing civil penalties of $3,000-$10,000 for carriers employing unqualified drivers or $1,000 for drivers operating vehicles without proficiency. The penalties fund Iowa's road use tax fund, and violations may also constitute a serious misdemeanor.

Topics ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics Driver Licensing Roads & Highways

in committee · Iowa · House Jan 26, 2026

HSB 562: A bill for an act creating a study committee on the feasibility of implementing wildlife crossings at certain highway locations.

HSB 562 creates a temporary study committee within Iowa's Department of Transportation to examine the feasibility of building wildlife crossings (like overpasses or underpasses) at highway locations with high rates of animal-vehicle collisions. The committee, including transportation, natural resources, and university experts, must analyze crash data, traffic volume, and animal habitats to rank high-risk locations and recommend solutions. It will also assess costs, crash-reduction benefits, and strategies to access federal funding for potential future projects. The committee must submit a final report to the legislature by January 2027, but the bill does not authorize actual construction or funding. This is a preparatory study, not a direct policy change.

Topics ✓ Environment ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics Wildlife Roads & Highways

in committee · Iowa · House Jan 14, 2026

HF 2063: A bill for an act creating a study committee on implementing wildlife crossings at certain highway locations.

HF 2063 directs Iowa's Department of Transportation (DOT) to create a study committee to examine the feasibility and cost-effectiveness of installing wildlife crossings at highway locations with high rates of vehicle-animal collisions. The committee must analyze costs from human injuries, property damage, and potential savings to determine if crossings are viable. The DOT must submit a report to the legislature by January 11, 2027, and the bill expires on July 1, 2027. This is a procedural study bill with no immediate policy changes, solely focused on gathering data for future decisions.

Topics ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics Roads & Highways

in committee · Iowa · House Jan 14, 2026

HF 2070: A bill for an act relating to the Mississippi river parkway commission.

HF 2070 renames the "Mississippi parkway planning commission" to the "Mississippi river parkway commission" (MRPC) and requires its 10 voting members to reside in different counties along Iowa's Mississippi River. It reduces advisory members from seven to four, specifying representatives from transportation, natural resources, economic development, and the state historical society. The bill mandates the MRPC to annually report the economic impact of Iowa's Great River Road - a scenic highway along the Mississippi River - to the governor and legislature by December 15. It also allows the MRPC to create a technical committee including staff from transportation, agriculture, consumer protection, and economic development agencies.

Topics ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics Roads & Highways

died · Iowa · House Mar 2, 2026

HF 2228: A bill for an act relating to the installation of transmission lines on highway rights-of-way.

HF 2228 requires Iowa's Department of Transportation (DOT) to coordinate with utility companies upon written request for potential transmission line placements on highway corridors. It mandates the DOT assign a project coordinator within 30 days and share highway project plans that could impact transmission line siting. The bill allows longitudinal transmission lines on primary roads (including interstates) with DOT approval, unless safety or highway function is endangered, and requires the DOT to publicly justify denials within 90 days. This directly affects utility companies seeking to install transmission lines along highways and the DOT's approval process. The bill updates existing coordination requirements to be more structured and responsive.

Topics ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics Roads & Highways

in committee · Iowa · Senate Jan 14, 2026

SF 2036: A bill for an act requiring pilot car escorts for the movement of certain implements of husbandry, and making penalties applicable.

This bill requires a separate pilot vehicle to lead or follow farm equipment exceeding 22 feet in width or extending over the road centerline when traveling on most Iowa highways. It applies to large agricultural machinery (like combines or large trailers) moving on multi-lane roads or two-lane roads with one lane in each direction, but exempts trips under one mile on primary, farm-to-market, or paved secondary roads. Violating this rule is a $45 misdemeanor fine. The law changes existing safety rules by adding this escort requirement for farm equipment on non-interstate highways, where current regulations did not address such size or positioning.

Topics ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics Roads & Highways

in committee · Iowa · Senate Jan 20, 2026

SF 2064: A bill for an act relating to the display of a slow-moving vehicle reflective device on all-terrain vehicles when operated on a highway.

This bill requires all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) operated on Iowa highways to display a slow-moving vehicle reflective device, aligning ATVs with existing motor vehicle safety rules. It directly affects ATV operators who use highways, mandating they equip their vehicles with the reflective device when traveling at 35 MPH or slower. The key provision applies Section 321.383 (requiring reflective devices for off-highway vehicles operating below 35 MPH) specifically to ATVs on highways. Violating this rule results in a simple misdemeanor punishable by a $45 fine.

Topics ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics Roads & Highways

in committee · Iowa · House Feb 19, 2026

HF 2162: A bill for an act relating to shooting from roads, and making penalties applicable.

HF 2162 prohibits shooting rifles, shotguns (with a slug load), pistols, or revolvers from any road, as defined by Iowa law. It directly affects anyone using or being near roads, including drivers, pedestrians, and property owners, by banning firearm discharge in these areas. The bill defines "road" broadly as any public or private way open to public traffic, excluding only peace officers and military personnel acting in their official duties. Violators face a $30 fine, with no other penalties specified. This bill aims to enhance public safety by preventing accidental or intentional firearm discharge near moving vehicles and pedestrians.

Topics ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics Roads & Highways

in committee · Iowa · House Mar 5, 2025

HF 73: A bill for an act requiring persons to pass a written test and obtain an education certificate prior to operating an all-terrain vehicle, off-road motorcycle, or off-road utility vehicle on certain land, ice, and trails, providing fees, and making penalties applicable.

HF 73 requires all operators aged 12-17 to pass a written test and obtain an education certificate before operating all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), off-road motorcycles, or off-road utility vehicles (UTVs) on public land, ice, or designated trails in Iowa. The certificate costs $5 and remains valid until revoked, replacing the previous option to demonstrate riding skills. Operators without a certificate face a $70 misdemeanor fine. This bill removes existing exemptions that previously allowed off-road motorcycles and UTVs to skip the education requirement, aligning their rules with ATVs. The certificate is not required during supervised training courses.

Topics ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics Roads & Highways

in committee · Iowa · House May 15, 2025

HF 1005: A bill for an act requiring persons twelve years of age or older to pass a written test and obtain an education certificate prior to operating an all-terrain vehicle or off-road utility vehicle on streets, highways, certain land, ice, and trails, providing fees, and making penalties applicable.

HF 1005 requires all individuals aged twelve and older to pass a written test and obtain an education certificate before operating an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) or off-road utility vehicle (UTV). This bill expands the current certificate requirement to include UTV operators, who are currently exempt. It also adds streets and highways to the list of locations where a certificate is needed, alongside public land, ice, and designated trails. Furthermore, the bill mandates that qualifying for this certificate will solely require passing a written test, removing the option to demonstrate riding skills. Operating these vehicles without the required certificate would constitute a simple misdemeanor.

Topics ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics Roads & Highways

All transportation bills