HSB 134: Relating to the maximum weight of vehicles powered primarily by natural gas or electric battery, and making penalties applicable

What it does

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 combinations of 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.

House subcommittee · named February 6, 2025

• Rep. Brent Siegrist (R) · brent.siegrist@legis.iowa.gov
• Rep. Chad Behn (R) · chad.behn@legis.iowa.gov
• Rep. Elizabeth Wilson (D) · elizabeth.wilson@legis.iowa.gov

Lobbying · 3 for, 0 against

For: Iowa Beverage Association; PepsiCo; Tesla

In plain words

1. February 6, 2025Filed in the House and sent to the Transportation committee
2. February 6, 2025House subcommittee named: Siegrist, Behn and Wilson
3. February 13, 2025Subcommittee recommended passing it
4. February 19, 2025Approved by the House committee
5. February 19, 2025Committee vote: 21–0
6. February 20, 2025Approved by the House committee, and given a new number: HF 529