The bill amends various sections of the Iowa Code related to motor vehicle financial liability coverage. A new requirement is introduced whereby vehicle owners must certify that financial liability coverage is in effect when applying for vehicle registration, and they must provide proof of this coverage. Additionally, the bill establishes that if a driver is cited for not having financial liability coverage but can provide proof that coverage was in effect at the time of the citation, the court will dismiss the charge. The bill also includes provisions for penalties, specifying that violations will incur fines that vary based on whether the violation occurred in connection with a motor vehicle accident, with increased fines for repeat offenses.

Furthermore, the bill mandates that the Department of Transportation or county treasurer refuse vehicle registration if satisfactory proof of financial liability coverage is not provided. It also requires that a certification form for financial liability coverage accompany vehicle registration renewal statements. The effective date for these new provisions is set for December 1, 2028. The bill aims to enhance compliance with financial liability coverage requirements and streamline the process for proving such coverage.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 321.20, 321.20B, 805.8A, 321.40
Reprinted: 321.20, 321.20B, 805.8A, 321.40