This bill amends Iowa Code Section 321.463 to allow vehicles powered primarily by natural gas or electric battery to exceed the standard maximum gross weight limit of 80,000 pounds, permitting these vehicles to weigh up to 82,000 pounds. The previous requirement that the excess weight must be attributable to the weight difference between the natural gas or electric battery systems and a comparable diesel system has been removed. This change simplifies the regulations for these alternative fuel vehicles, encouraging their use by removing weight restrictions that were previously tied to the type of fuel system installed.

Additionally, the bill establishes penalties for vehicles that exceed the allowable weight based on their number of axles and the distance between those axles. The fines for exceeding the weight limit range from $12 to $2,200, plus an additional charge of 10 cents per pound for every pound over 20,000 pounds above the limit. This framework aims to promote the adoption of cleaner energy vehicles while maintaining safety and regulatory standards on Iowa's highways.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 321.463