Bills › 91st General Assembly

Relating to operators of motor vehicles approaching certain slow-moving authorized emergency vehicles, and making penalties applicable

Sponsored by Rep. Joshua Meggers (R)

Topics:Public safety & emergenciesTransportation

Same legislation: HF 542

Where it is now

  1. Done: IntroducedJanuary 22, 2025
  2. Done: SubcommitteeJanuary 22, 2025
  3. Done: House committeeFebruary 19, 2025
  4. Skipped: Passes the HouseContinued as HF 542
  5. Next: Senate committee
  6. Next: Passes the Senate
  7. Next: To the Governor
  8. Next: Signed into law

Became HF 542 → Its progress continues under the new number. Go to HF 542 What’s a funnel?

What’s in it

AI summary Drivers must now use the same caution when approaching slow-moving emergency vehicles that they already use for stationary emergency vehicles. If you cannot safely change lanes to move away from these slow emergency vehicles, you must slow down and be ready to stop. Failing to follow these rules can lead to fines and the loss of your driver's license.1

Read the official explanation

323A requires the operator of a motor vehicle approaching a stationary authorized emergency vehicle that is displaying flashing lights to approach the vehicle with due caution and make a lane change into a lane not adjacent to the vehicle if possible in the existing safety and traffic conditions, or if a lane change would be impossible, prohibited by law, or unsafe, reduce the speed of the motor vehicle to a reasonable and proper speed for the existing road and traffic conditions, which speed must be less than the posted speed limit, and be prepared to stop. This bill applies these requirements when approaching slow-moving (15 miles per hour or less) authorized emergency vehicles. The bill does not amend similar cautionary approach requirements relating to stationary towing or recovery vehicles, utility maintenance vehicles, municipal maintenance vehicles, highway maintenance vehicles, construction vehicles, and solid waste or recycling collection service vehicles.F.323A is a simple misdemeanor punishable by a scheduled fine of $135.323A which resulted in an accident causing bodily injury to or the death of another person may be subject to additional penalties including a fine of $500 for a violation causing bodily injury to another person and a fine of $1,000 for a violation causing death.323A for days if the violation caused damage to the property of another person; 180 days if the violation caused bodily injury to another person; and one year if the violation caused death.

Full bill text2

House subcommittee

Named January 22, 2025. On January 29, 2025 it recommended passage.

Three legislators hear a bill first and recommend what the committee should do; it’s the best time to weigh in. How to take part

Iowa Code it changes

Amends§321.323A

How the Code works3

Lobbying

1 for · 0 against · 5 undecided · Who →

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