The bill amends existing laws regarding motor vehicle accident reports in Iowa, specifically addressing the thresholds for property damage that necessitate a report and the timelines for reporting. It raises the property damage threshold from $1,500 to $5,000, meaning that drivers involved in accidents resulting in property damage of this amount or more must submit a written report to the Department of Transportation within 72 hours. Additionally, if a law enforcement agency investigates the accident, a report is not required from the driver. The bill also modifies the timeline for law enforcement officers to submit their reports, removing the previous requirement to do so within 24 hours after completing their investigation.

Furthermore, the bill stipulates that the Department of Transportation must suspend the licenses and registrations of operators and owners involved in accidents resulting in bodily injury or death, or property damage of $5,000 or more, unless they provide sufficient security to cover potential damages. This change aims to ensure that drivers are held accountable for accidents that meet these criteria. The language in the bill also clarifies that the requirement for reporting applies to accidents involving all-terrain vehicles, aligning the reporting standards across different types of vehicles.

Statutes affected:
Reprinted: 321.266, 321I.11