This bill amends Iowa's motor vehicle financial liability coverage requirements, specifically addressing penalties for second or subsequent violations. It establishes that if a peace officer stops a driver who cannot provide proof of financial liability coverage and has been previously convicted of the same violation within the last five years, the officer is required to arrest the driver. The bill also allows the officer to remove the vehicle's registration plates and registration receipt or impound the vehicle. Additionally, it introduces a new provision that classifies a second or subsequent violation of financial liability coverage as a class D felony, which carries a potential penalty of up to five years of confinement and a fine ranging from $1,025 to $10,245.

The bill further modifies existing procedures for handling violations, including the requirement for peace officers to issue citations and the process for dismissing charges if proof of financial liability coverage is provided before the court appearance. It also clarifies that the scheduled fines for violations are $645 in connection with an accident and $325 otherwise, with specific distribution of collected fines. Overall, the bill aims to enhance compliance with financial liability coverage laws and impose stricter penalties for repeat offenders.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 321.20B, 805.8A