Simone Lawson
Operating a motor vehicle in Iowa comes with certain requirements and responsibilities. Whether driving a personal or city-owned/leased vehicle, individuals must adhere to traffic laws and regulations, including the mandatory use of seat belts. Employees operating vehicles for city business must possess a valid Iowa driver's license and comply with specific guidelines, such as safe electronic device usage. Additionally, Iowa law mandates the registration of motor vehicles within 30 days of establishing residency, with specific provisions for school districts and government agencies. The definition of a motorized bicycle or moped is also outlined, with a focus on its maximum speed and engine type.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Motorized bicycle or moped | A vehicle with a seat or saddle for a rider, designed to travel on no more than three wheels, and that cannot go faster than 39 miles per hour on level ground without help from the rider |
| Moped registration | The MCO must state that the vehicle's maximum operating speed is 39 mph or less. Appropriate tax, title, and license fees must be submitted to the Iowa county treasurer, along with the title application and ownership document |
| Motor vehicle registration | Title and register your motor vehicle with any county treasurer's office within 30 days of establishing residency in Iowa |
| Required documents | Current ownership document (certificate of title), completed application for an Iowa certificate of title and/or registration, bill of sale (as of January 1, 2022), and lien information |
| Address change | Report a change of address to the county treasurer in your former county of residence within 10 days of moving |
| City-owned/leased vehicles | Employees must comply with all traffic regulations and are personally responsible for any tickets received. Seat belts must be worn by all employees and passengers. Safe and responsible use of electronic communication devices is mandatory. Supervisors must ensure employees have valid driver's licenses |
| Mileage reimbursement | Reimbursement rates are set by the City and can be reimbursed with department director approval |
| Insurance coverage | The City provides secondary insurance coverage for personal vehicles used for City business, with the employee's personal auto insurance policy as primary coverage |
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What You'll Learn
Driving city-owned/leased vehicles
To operate a city-owned/leased vehicle in Iowa, employees must have a valid Iowa driver's license. Employees who are required to maintain a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) as part of their jobs are subject to additional requirements mandated by the Federal Department of Transportation (DOT). Employees who occasionally operate city-owned/leased vehicles must also maintain a valid Iowa driver's license. It is the employee's responsibility to ensure they have a valid license at all times, and any changes to their driving privileges must be reported to their supervisor. Supervisors are not permitted to allow employees to operate city-owned/leased vehicles if they are aware the employee does not have a valid license or has restricted driving privileges.
When operating a city-owned/leased vehicle, employees must comply with all traffic regulations, laws, and ordinances. Employees are personally responsible for any tickets received while operating a city-owned/leased vehicle and must report these, along with any accidents, to their supervisor and the local police immediately.
The City has a zero-tolerance policy for unsafe driving. Employees who drive negligently or fail to comply with this policy are subject to disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment. All employees and passengers must wear seat belts when operating or riding in a city-owned/leased vehicle.
The City will not allow "ignition interlocks" to be installed in city-owned/leased vehicles, and employees are prohibited from using private vehicles with "ignition interlocks" for city business.
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Vehicle registration requirements
In Iowa, you must title and register your motor vehicle with any county treasurer’s office within 30 days from the date you establish residency. This is a requirement even if your license plates are still valid in another state.
The following documents must be surrendered to the county treasurer's office:
- Your current ownership document (certificate of title)
- A completed application for an Iowa certificate of title and/or registration, signed by all owners
- If there is a lien against the vehicle, it should be noted on the application
- As of January 1, 2022, a bill of sale is also required by the Iowa Department of Revenue
If you move from one county to another, you must report your change of address to the county treasurer in your former county of residence within 10 days of moving. This is so your motor vehicle registration information can be forwarded to the county where you now live.
If the vehicle is new, the owner must provide a valid Manufacturer's Certificate of Origin (MCO). MCOs must be printed on secure paper, similar to conventional title paper, to be accepted. If the vehicle is used, the owner must provide the county treasurer with a valid title issued in Iowa or another state that is in the owner's name or has been properly assigned to the owner.
If the vehicle is a moped, the MCO must state that the vehicle’s maximum operating speed is 39 mph or less. Appropriate tax, title, and license fees must be submitted to the appropriate Iowa county treasurer, along with the requisite title application and ownership document (title or MCO).
Owners of electric vehicles are charged a supplemental annual registration fee.
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Driver's license types
In Iowa, there are several types of driver's licenses available, each with its own set of requirements and restrictions. Here is a detailed overview of the common types of driver's licenses in Iowa:
Instruction Permit
The first step in obtaining an under-18 driver's license in Iowa is to get an instruction permit. This allows individuals to drive under the supervision of a licensed adult who is a parent, guardian, or an immediate family member aged 21 or older, a driving instructor, or someone aged 25 or older with written permission from the minor's parent or guardian. To obtain an instruction permit, individuals must be at least 14 years old and pass a vision screening and knowledge test.
Intermediate License
The intermediate license is the second stage of Iowa's graduated driver's license (GDL) program for 16-year-olds. This license allows driving without supervision between 5 a.m. and 12:30 a.m. Certain restrictions apply to this license, such as a limit of one unrelated minor passenger for the first six months, unless waived by a parent or guardian.
Full License
After successfully progressing through the GDL system, individuals under 18 can obtain a full driver's license. This license removes the restrictions of the intermediate license and allows unrestricted driving.
Standard Driver's License
This is the most common type of driver's license in Iowa. It allows individuals to drive cars, trucks, and pickups with a gross vehicle weight of up to 16,000 or 26,000 pounds, depending on the source. To obtain this license, individuals must provide the correct documentation, pass a knowledge test, and demonstrate their ability to drive safely.
Motorcycle-Only License
This license is specifically for operating motorcycles and does not permit the operation of any other type of motor vehicle. To obtain this license, individuals must pass the motorcycle knowledge test, the operator knowledge test, a skills test on a motorcycle, and undergo a vision screening.
Minor Restricted License
A minor restricted license is available for individuals aged 16-18 who have completed an Iowa-approved driver education course but are not attending school due to dropping out or other reasons besides graduating or obtaining an equivalency diploma. This license restricts driving to travel to and from work or to transport dependents to and from temporary care facilities if necessary for employment.
School Bus and Passenger Endorsements
These endorsements are for drivers who wish to operate school buses or passenger vehicles. To obtain these endorsements, drivers must pass various knowledge tests, pre-trip inspections, skills tests, and undergo entry-level driver training.
Commercial Driver's License (CDL)
A Commercial Driver's License is required for operating commercial motor vehicles, including those with attached tanks for transporting liquids or gaseous materials. Certain endorsements may be required on a CDL, such as the tank endorsement or the double/triple endorsement for pulling multiple trailers.
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Traffic laws and regulations
Registration and Titling:
Iowa law mandates that individuals register and title their motor vehicles within 30 days of establishing residency in the state. This applies even if your license plates are still valid in another state. The registration process involves submitting specific documents, including ownership documents and completed applications, to the county treasurer's office.
Vehicle Definition and Classification:
Iowa law provides clear definitions for different types of vehicles. For instance, a "motorized bicycle" or moped is defined as a vehicle with a seat or saddle, designed to travel on no more than three wheels, and with a maximum speed of 39 miles per hour on level ground without rider assistance. The distinction between a moped and a motorcycle is primarily based on the top speed as certified by the manufacturer.
Safe Driving and Employee Responsibilities:
When operating a motor vehicle in Iowa, it is crucial to adhere to all traffic regulations, laws, and ordinances. This includes complying with speed limits, wearing seat belts, and using electronic communication devices safely and legally. Employees operating city-owned or leased vehicles are personally responsible for any traffic violations and are expected to prioritize their safety and the safety of others.
Insurance and Reimbursement:
The City provides secondary insurance coverage for employees using their personal vehicles to conduct city business. However, this coverage is secondary to the employee's personal auto insurance policy. Additionally, with department director approval, employees can be reimbursed for mileage at a rate set by the City.
License Requirements:
To operate a motor vehicle in Iowa, individuals must possess a valid Iowa driver's license. Employees operating city-owned or leased vehicles, or using their personal vehicles for city business, are required to maintain a valid Iowa driver's license. Supervisors must ensure that employees have a valid license before allowing them to use vehicles for city business.
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Insurance coverage
Iowa's motor vehicle financial responsibility law states that all drivers with cars registered in the state must carry liability insurance with minimum limits of $20,000 for injuries to, or the death of, one person in one accident, and $40,000 for injuries to, or the deaths of, two or more people in one accident. This is often referred to as '20/40' coverage. This basic liability insurance will cover the expenses of others in the event that you cause an accident, including the other driver's medical bills and property repairs.
However, this minimum coverage may not be sufficient for all accidents, and it does not cover damage to your own car. To ensure you are fully covered, you may want to consider additional insurance options. For example, uninsured motorist bodily injury (UMBI) coverage will allow you to make a claim with your own insurer if you are hit by an uninsured or unidentified (hit-and-run) driver. Underinsured motorist bodily injury (UIMBI) coverage will help cover your medical expenses if the at-fault driver's insurance is insufficient. Medical payments, or 'med pay', coverage will go towards your medical bills or funeral expenses, regardless of who is at fault. Rental car reimbursement coverage will pay for a rental car if your car is inoperable due to a covered loss. Roadside assistance coverage will help cover the cost of a tow or battery charge if you break down.
If you are leasing or financing your vehicle, you may be required to purchase further physical damage coverage, or 'full coverage'. This includes comprehensive and collision insurance, which covers non-accident damage like theft, vandalism, fire, and severe weather, as well as accidents.
It is important to note that Iowa does not require you to provide proof of liability insurance when you register your car, but you should have it before you start driving. Law enforcement may suspend your license or fine you if you fail to provide valid proof when asked. It is recommended that you speak to a licensed insurance agent to ensure that you are in compliance with Iowa law and that you have adequate coverage for yourself and your property.
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Frequently asked questions
Iowa law defines a "motorized bicycle" or moped as a vehicle with a seat or saddle for a rider, designed to travel on no more than three wheels, and that cannot exceed a speed of 39 miles per hour on level ground without rider assistance.
Employees operating city-owned/leased vehicles or personal vehicles for city business in Iowa must comply with all traffic regulations and laws. They are personally responsible for any tickets received while operating these vehicles and are expected to use electronic communication devices safely and responsibly. A valid Iowa driver's license is required, and seat belts must be worn at all times.
Iowa law requires you to title and register your motor vehicle with any county treasurer's office within 30 days of establishing residency. You must submit your current ownership document, a completed application for an Iowa certificate of title and/or registration, and any additional documentation related to liens or bills of sale.
The key difference between a moped and a motorcycle in Iowa is their top speed as certified by the original manufacturer. A moped's maximum speed cannot exceed 39 mph on level ground without rider assistance, while a motorcycle typically has a higher top speed.
