Relating to the maximum weight of vehicles powered primarily by natural gas or electric battery, and making penalties applicable

Current law limits the maximum gross weight of a vehicle based on the highway on which the vehicle is operated and the number of axles and the distance between the axles on the vehicle. Generally, the maximum gross weight of a vehicle, including towed vehicles, is 80,000 pounds when operated on a highway in Iowa. Certain exceptions exist including but not limited to specially permitted vehicles and vehicles with six or seven axles while operated on noninterstate highways. Additionally, a motor vehicle equipped with an engine fueled primarily by natural gas may exceed the standard weight limit and is authorized to weigh up to 82,000 pounds, as long as the vehicle’s excessive weight equals the difference between the weight of the vehicle attributable to the natural gas tank and fueling system installed in the vehicle and the weight of a comparable diesel fuel tank and fueling system. This bill strikes the requirement that the excessive weight be attributable to the power unit substitution and instead authorizes all such vehicles to weigh up to 82,000 pounds. The bill likewise authorizes a motor vehicle primarily powered by means of electric battery power to exceed any applicable gross weight limit, up to 82,000 pounds. A vehicle that exceeds the allowable weight based on its number of axles and the distance between the axles is subject to a scheduled fine. The scheduled fine ranges from $12 to $2,200 plus cents per pound in excess of 20,000 pounds over the limit.