SF 27 – Use of headlights
SF 73 – License plates for electric vehicles
SSB 1154 – Duplicate driver’s license
SSB 1155 – Retractable axles
COMMITTEE ACTION:
SF 27 amends Code section 321.384 to require a driver to use headlights whenever windshield wipers are required or whenever visibility is less than 1,000 feet. Currently, headlights are required from sunset to sunrise and at all other times when conditions (e.g., fog, snow, sleet or rain) provide insufficient lighting to clearly see 500 feet ahead. A violation is a simple misdemeanor, punishable by a scheduled fine of $30. If the violation causes a serious personal injury, a court could impose an additional fine of $500 or suspend the person’s driver’s license for not more than 90 days, or both. If the violation causes a death, a court could impose an additional fine of $1,000 or suspend the person’s driver’s license for not more than 180 days, or both. [2/20: 7-4 (Behn, Breitbach, Kapucian, Zumbach “no;” Feenstra, McCoy excused)]
SF 73 directs the Department of Transportation to issue a new special motor vehicle registration plate bearing an electric vehicle emblem to be designed in consultation with the Department of Public Safety. The goal of the legislation is to provide greater safety for first responders so that they can more easily identify the type of vehicle they are approaching at the scene of an accident. The plates will be available on a voluntary basis for electric vehicles or combination electric-internal combustion vehicles. Fees for the plates are the standard fees established for special registration plates. All fees for electric vehicle plates are to be deposited in the Road Use Tax Fund. [2/18: 9-3 (Behn, Kapucian, Zumbach “no;” McCoy excused)]
SSB 1154 changes the fee for replacement of a driver’s license or nonoperator’s ID card. Currently, under Code section 321.195, the fee for replacement of a driver’s license or nonoperator’s ID card that was lost or destroyed is $3, and the fee for voluntary replacement (to reflect a name change, for example) is $1. The bill establishes a single replacement fee of $10, which is the actual cost of replacement. In addition, the bill allows honorably discharged veterans to have their veteran status noted on their driver’s licenses or ID when obtaining a duplicate, rather than waiting until their license comes up for renewal. [2/18: 12-0 (McCoy excused)]
SSB 1155 allows a vehicle to raise a retractable axle when necessary to negotiate a turn, provided the retractable axle is lowered within 1,000 feet of completing the turn. The vehicle is exempt from axle weight limitations while making the turn with a raised retractable axle, so long as the vehicle is in compliance when the retractable axle is lowered. The exemption does not apply on an interstate highway, including a ramp leading to or from the interstate or on a bridge. [2/20: 11-0 (Feenstra, McCoy excused)]