New Iowa Laws Impact Motorists, Workers, Children

Just a few short months ago several new Iowa laws were enacted to help protect motorists, workers and children. Don't feel embarrassed if you didn't know, many Iowans I spoke to were also not aware of these new rules.

According to the Des Moines Register, the following are just two of the laws that went into effect on July 1, 2017.

"MOVE OVER LAW EXPANDED:  The state law that requires drivers to change lanes, if possible, when approaching stationary emergency vehicles was broadened to include a broad list of utility trucks operated by public and private agencies, such as those operated by electric, natural gas utilities, as well as water, telephone and cable businesses. The law was also amended to include garbage and recycling trucks that have safety lights flashing. If you can't change lanes, you are required to slow down.

RED LIGHT TURNS: Iowa's law governing turns against red lights will be expanded. Under current state law, traffic is allowed to make a right turn from the right lane of traffic against a red light, or from the left lane on a one-way street to the left-most lane of traffic on another one-way street. The bill changes the law to allow a right turn from another lane designated for right turns, or a left turn from another lane designated for left turns on another one-way street. The bill also strikes a requirement that traffic turning left against a red light on a one-way street must turn into the left-most lane of the other one-way street. 

The Quad-City Times reported that "174 bills were approved by Iowa lawmakers during the 2017 session." These laws included legalizing fireworks, banning abortions after the 20th week of pregnancy, expanding gun rights, nullifying local minimum wage rates and the use of medical cannabis.

One thing about changing laws never changes. It happens every year.

[source: Quad-City Times,  Des Moines Register]