SF 75 – Authorizes DOT to use blue and white lights on snowplows for safety
SF 391 – Making texting while driving a primary offense
FLOOR ACTION:
SF 75 is a Department of Transportation (DOT) bill. The bill allows blue and white lights on DOT snowplows and other DOT vehicles used on public roads for snow and ice treatment or removal. The goal is to make the equipment more visible to drivers and reduce accidents in which vehicles crash into snowplows in bad weather. The bill also expands Iowa’s “move over” law to include vehicles displaying blue or white lights. A violation is a simple misdemeanor and is punishable with a scheduled fine of $100. An amendment adopted on the floor requires the DOT to document the effectiveness of blue and white lights using existing staff and accident reporting systems. The DOT will report to the Legislature prior to the repeal date of July 1, 2019. [3/12: 43-5 (Chapman, Chelgren, Sodders, Whitver, Zaun “no”; Behn, McCoy absent)]
SF 391 makes texting while driving a primary offense. Current law prohibits the use of an electronic device to write, send or read a text message while operating a motor vehicle, but a driver can only be cited if they are pulled over for another violation. The bill clarifies that the texting ban is applicable to any electronic communication done by hand. In FY14, 215 citations were issued. The number of additional citations that may be issued because of this change is unknown. However, the Illinois State Police increased citations by 278 percent and warnings by 540 percent. A similar increase in Iowa would result in 627 citations. [3/17: 44-6 (Anderson, Behn, Chapman, Schultz, Segebart, Zaun “no”)]