This bill amends Iowa's vehicle weight regulations to allow motor vehicles powered primarily by natural gas or electric battery to exceed the standard maximum gross weight limit of 80,000 pounds, permitting them to weigh up to 82,000 pounds. The previous requirement that the excess weight must be attributable to the weight difference between natural gas and diesel fuel systems has been removed. Instead, any vehicle meeting the criteria can now benefit from this increased weight allowance without needing to justify the excess based on fuel type.

Additionally, the bill establishes penalties for vehicles that exceed the allowable weight limits based on their number of axles and axle spacing. The fines for exceeding these limits 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 aims to support the use of cleaner energy vehicles by providing more flexibility in weight regulations.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 321.463