This bill amends Section 321.463 of the Iowa Code to allow vehicles powered primarily by natural gas or electric battery to exceed the 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 fuel system has been removed. This change aims to encourage the use of alternative fuel vehicles by providing them with the same weight allowances as those previously granted to natural gas vehicles.

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 legislative change is intended to support the transition to cleaner energy sources in transportation while maintaining safety and regulatory standards on Iowa's highways.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 321.463