IOWA TRUCK
INFORMATION GUIDE
July 2023-July 2024 Edition
iowadot.gov/mvd/motorcarriers
Do more online and skip a trip.
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1
Introduction
The Iowa Department of Transportation and the oces of Motor
Vehicle Enforcement, Vehicle & Motor Carrier Services, and
Driver and Identication Services want to make your travels into
and through our state safer, legal and less complicated.
This book will address and clarify many of the rules and
regulations concerning the operation of commercial vehicles in
the State of Iowa. However, it is not possible to include every rule
and regulation that may apply. If any questions exist, the reader is
encouraged to contact other sources, including the agencies listed
on pages 4 and 5 of this book.
Disclaimer
The book is intended to summarize commercial vehicle rules
and regulations and is not intended to be used for legal guidance
or as a substitute for applicable local, state and federal statutes.
While every attempt has been made to ensure the completeness
and accuracy of the information contained in this book, it is not
a detailed explanation of all applicable local, state and federal
statutes. By use of this resource, the reader agrees the Iowa
Department of Transportation assumes no liability or responsibility
for the reader’s understanding and compliance to the rules and
regulations.
Federal and state laws prohibit employment and/or public accommodation discrimination
on the basis of age, color, creed, disability, gender identity, national origin, pregnancy, race,
religion, sex, sexual orientation, or veteran’s status. If you believe you have been discrimi-
nated against, please contact the Iowa Civil Rights Commission at 800-457-4416 or Iowa
Department of Transportation’s armative action ocer. If you need accommodations
because of a disability to access the Iowa Department of Transportation’s services, contact
the agency’s armative action ocer at 800-262-0003.
2
practice tests
Full length tests similar
to the actual CDL test.
reference section
Find denitions and further
explanation of technical info.
micro quizzes
Provide extra practice
for difcult subjects.
progress tracking
Study when it’s convenient
and save your progress.
Apple Android
Register and download at:
https://iowacdl.builtbyhlt.com
Free to anyone who
has an Iowa license or ID.
Official CDL Test Prep app
PASS THE IOWA CDL TEST ON YOUR FIRST TRY
3
Table of contents
State and federal agency contact information .................................................... 4
Who must comply ................................................................................................ 6
Denitions ........................................................................................................... 6
Licensing for commercial drivers ....................................................................... 9
Drug and alcohol testing ................................................................................... 14
Commercial disqualication ............................................................................. 15
Vehicle dimensions ........................................................................................... 16
Vehicle weight ................................................................................................... 17
Roadway/Bridge weight limits .......................................................................... 24
Oversize load .................................................................................................... 25
Internal Revenue Service – Heavy Highway Vehicle Use Tax ......................... 28
Vehicle registration ........................................................................................... 28
International Registration Plan ......................................................................... 29
Business-trade registration ................................................................................ 30
Standard truck registration ................................................................................ 30
Special farm registration ................................................................................... 31
Registration weight ........................................................................................... 31
Registration weight tolerance ........................................................................... 32
Raw agricultural products ................................................................................. 33
Gross registration exemption ............................................................................ 33
Untaxed – dyed fuel .......................................................................................... 37
Fuel taxes and permits ...................................................................................... 37
Unied Carrier Registration Agreement ............................................................ 39
Unied Registration System .............................................................................. 39
Travel authority ................................................................................................. 40
Interstate authority ............................................................................................ 41
Intrastate authority ............................................................................................ 42
Private carriers .................................................................................................. 43
Authority chart .................................................................................................. 44
Interstate vehicle markings ............................................................................... 45
Intrastate vehicle markings ............................................................................... 45
Liability insurance ............................................................................................ 46
Hazardous materials .......................................................................................... 49
Hazardous incident reporting ............................................................................ 49
Accident reporting ............................................................................................ 50
Annual vehicle inspections ............................................................................... 51
Commercial motor vehicle (CMV) safety requirements .................................. 51
Daily vehicle inspections .................................................................................. 55
Hours of service/Logbooks ............................................................................... 56
Passenger carrier requirements ........................................................................ 59
Driver qualication/Medical certicate ............................................................ 62
Agricultural operations ..................................................................................... 63
Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) ............................................................... 73
Training and education ...................................................................................... 73
4
Topic Iowa agency Federal agency
Commercial driver’s license (CDL) Driver and Identication Services
P.O. Box 9204
Des Moines, IA 50306-9204
515-244-8725
Hazardous materials transportation Motor Vehicle Enforcement Federal Motor Carrier Safety Admin.
regulations 6310 SE Convenience Blvd. 105 Sixth St.
Ankeny, IA 50021 Ames, IA 50010-6337
fax: 515-237-3387 515-233-7400; fax: 515-233-7494
Federal Heavy Highway Vehicle & Motor Carrier Services Internal Revenue Service
Vehicle Use Tax P.O. Box 10382 Kansas City, MO 65999
Des Moines, IA 50306-9204 800-829-1040
515-237-3268
Livestock health certicates Iowa Department of Agriculture
Regulatory Division
Wallace State Oce Building
502 E. Ninth St.
Des Moines, Iowa 50306-5304
515-281-5321
Motor carrier safety regulations Motor Vehicle Enforcement Federal Motor Carrier Safety Admin.
6310 SE Convenience Blvd. 105 Sixth St.
Ankeny, IA 50021 Ames, IA 50010-6337
5
Motor fuel Vehicle & Motor Carrier Services
P.O. Box 10382
Des Moines, Iowa 50306-9204
515-237-3268; fax: 515-237-3225
iowadot.gov/mvd/motorcarriers/ifta-irp-ling
Over-dimensional and overweight Vehicle & Motor Carrier Services
loads, special mobile equipment P.O. Box 10382
and trip permits Des Moines, Iowa 50306-9204
515-237-3268; fax: 515-237-3257
iowa.gotpermits.com/iaps/login.asp
Registration (intrastate - within Iowa) See your county treasurer’s oce
Registration (interstate) Vehicle & Motor Carrier Services
International Registration Plan (IRP) P.O. Box 10382
or prorate Des Moines, Iowa 50306-9204
515-237-3268; fax 515-237-3225
Taris – household goods Vehicle & Motor Carrier Services Surface Transportation Board
carriers only P.O. Box 10382 ICC Building
Des Moines, Iowa 50306-9204 12th St. and Constitution Avenue NW
515-237-3353; fax: 515-237-3225 Washington, DC 20423-0001
email: [email protected] 202-927-5612
Unied Carrier Registration, Vehicle & Motor Carrier Services Federal Motor Carrier Safety Admin.
travel authority, and P.O. Box 10382 400 Virginia Ave. SW, Suite 600
USDOT numbers Des Moines, Iowa 50306-9204 P.O. Box 10382
515-237-3268; fax: 515-237-3225 Washington, DC 20024
email: [email protected] 202-358-7027 or 202-358-7028
6
Who must comply
Commercial motor vehicle and bus operations are subject to some or all of the
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSR). This booklet identies
some of the regulatory areas and types of vehicles and bus operations covered by
each. The State of Iowa has adopted the FMCSR as state law for both interstate
and intrastate commerce. If you are uncertain whether your vehicle or bus
operation is subject to these regulations, please contact the Iowa DOT’s Motor
Vehicle Enforcement’s by email: [email protected] or the Federal Motor
Carrier Safety Administration by phone at 515-233-7400.
Denitions
Commercial vehicle – any self-propelled or towed motor vehicle used on a
highway to transport passengers or property when:
A. In interstate commerce is dened as:
A single vehicle having a gross vehicle weight rating or gross vehicle
weight (GVW) more than 10,000 pounds.
A combination vehicle having a combined weight rating or gross
combined weight more than 10,000 pounds.
Designed or used to transport more than eight passengers (including
the driver) for compensation.
Designed or used to transport more than 15 passengers (including
the driver) and is not used to transport passengers for compensation.
Used in transporting hazardous materials in a quantity requiring
placards.
B. In intrastate commerce is dened as:
A single vehicle having a gross vehicle weight rating or gross vehicle
weight more than 10,000 pounds.
A combination vehicle having a combined weight rating or cross
combined weight more than 26,000 pounds.
A combination vehicle with a power unit gross vehicle weight rating or
gross vehicle weight more than 10,000 pound regardless of the trailer
rating or weight.
Designed or used to transport more than eight passengers (including
the driver) for compensation.
Designed or used to transport more than 15 passengers (including the
driver) and is not used to transport passengers for compensation.
Used in transporting hazardous materials in a quantity requiring
placards.
7
Bus – any motor vehicle designed, constructed and or used for the transportation
of passengers, including taxicabs.
Hazardous material – any substance or material that has been determined by
the U.S. Secretary of Transportation to be capable of posing an unreasonable
risk to health, safety and property when transported in commerce, and that has
been so designated.
For-hire motor carrier – a person or business that provides transportation of
persons or property in exchange for any form of compensation or payment.
Private motor carrier – a person or business that provides transportation of
persons or property that is either used or produced by the carrier or business that
operates the vehicle.
Interstate commerce – transporting persons or property across a state line,
including international boundaries, or wholly within one state as part of a
through movement that originates or terminates in another state or country.
In bulk – dened as the transportation of any property in a portable or cargo
tank with a capacity in excess of 3,500 gallons. Exception: transportation of any
quantity of explosives or poison gases is dened as “in bulk.”
8
Minimum nancial responsibility - Requirements are part of the Federal Motor
Carrier Safety Regulations and are found in 49 CFR 387.
The denitions located on the previous page should be used to interpret bold-
faced words in the ow chart below.
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
3. I operate a vehicle
designed or used to transport
more than eight persons,
including the driver, for
compensation.
4. I operate a truck or
for-hire bus (as described
above) within one state,
but as part of a through
movement that begins or
ends in another state.
5. I transport hazardous
cargoes, either across state
lines or wholly within one
state.
I answered “yes” to any of
the above ve statements.
EXCEPTION: The nancial responsibility requirements do not apply to school
buses operating to and from school or school-sponsored activities, taxicabs, van
pools, or trucks with a gross vehicle weight rating less than 10,001 pounds (unless
transporting explosives, poison gas or radioactive materials).
2. I operate a vehicle
designed to transport more
than 15 persons, including
the driver.
1. I operate a vehicle more than
10,000 pounds weight or gross
vehicle weight rating.
2
The hazardous materials
regulations apply to your
operation(s).
3
The minimum nancial
responsibility (insurance)
requirements apply to your
operation(s) if:
• You are a for-hire motor
carrier of property or
passengers in interstate
commerce; or
• You operate a motor vehicle
to transport any quantity of
a hazardous materials in
interstate commerce; or
• You operate a motor vehicle
to transport a hazardous
materials in bulk wholly
within one state or in
interstate commerce.
Yes
1
The Federal Motor Carrier
Regulations apply to your
operation(s) if: You operate
a commercial motor vehicle to
transport property or passengers
in interstate or intrastate
commerce.
9
Licensing for commercial drivers
STEP 1: Determine the type of CDL you need
Visit https://iowadot.gov/mvd/cdl/Commercial-drivers-licenses or see page 11
to determine what type (class) of CDL you need.
STEP 2: Make your appointment
Make an appointment at a driver’s license service center to take the knowledge
test for the CDL class you’re applying for.
STEP 3: Prepare for your appointment
Before your appointment, visit https://iowadot.gov/mvd/cdl/Commercial-
drivers-licenses to determine what you need to bring to your appointment and
access study materials.
STEP 4: Get your commercial learner’s permit (CLP)
Upon successful completion of your knowledge test, you will be issued a
commercial learner’s permit (CLP). The cost of the CLP is $12, and it is valid
for one year.
What can I do with my CLP?
• Drive a commercial vehicle specic to the type of CLP you obtained when
accompanied by another driver who has a CDL valid for the same type of
commercial vehicle.
• A CLP must be held for at least 14 days before the skills (driving) test can
be completed.
What can’t I do with my CLP?
• Drive a commercial vehicle by yourself.
• Drive a vehicle that your CLP is not valid for.
• Use a cell phone while driving a commercial vehicle.
• Carry passengers while operating a commercial vehicle (other than the
CDL driver accompanying you, other trainees, and test examiners).
• Drive a commercial vehicle containing hazmat or drive a tank vehicle that
previously contained hazmat that is not purged of residue.
• Drive a tank vehicle containing cargo.
The same rules that apply to CDL drivers also apply to CLP drivers.
Certain violations could result in the disqualication of your commercial
operating privileges.
10
STEP 5: Complete entry-level driver training (ELDT) if applicable
ELDT regulations require that all entry-level drivers of commercial motor
vehicles receive training from a provider listed on FMCSA’s Training Provider
Registry. https://tpr.fmcsa.dot.gov/
ELDT training is required for those seeking to:
• Obtain a Class A or Class B CDL for the rst time;
• Upgrade an existing Class B CDL to a Class A CDL; or
• Obtain a school bus (S), passenger (P), or hazardous materials (H)
endorsement for the rst time.
Individuals who were issued a CDL or an S, P, or H endorsement prior to
February 7, 2022 are not required to complete training for the respective CDL or
endorsement.
If an applicant who obtained a CLP prior to February 7, 2022, and obtains a
CDL before the CLP or renewed CLP expires, the applicant is not subject to the
ELDT requirements.
Any individual who meets one of the exceptions for taking a skills test in 49
CFR Part 383 (https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/regulations/title49/part/383) is also
exempt from the ELDT requirements.
STEP 6: Complete your CDL skills (driving) test
Make an appointment at a driver’s license service center or with an authorized
third-party tester to complete your skills test.
Completion of your ELDT will be veried electronically before you will be able
to take your skills test.
If you choose a third-party tester, you will still need to make an appointment at a
driver’s license service center to get your CDL.
STEP 7: Certify how you operate with your CDL
All CDL Holders must certify how they use their commercial motor vehicles,
which may require you to obtain a medical certicate. Visit: https://iowadot.gov/
mvd/cdl/medical-cards-and-certication to learn more.
11
A commercial driver’s license (CDL) is required for anyone driving any of the
following sizes or types of vehicles.
The combination of vehicles has a gross combination weight rating or
gross combination weight, whichever is greater, of 26,001 or more pounds,
including a towed vehicle or vehicles having a gross weight rating or gross
combination vehicle weight rating, whichever is greater, of 10,001 or more lbs.
The motor vehicle has a gross vehicle weight rating or gross vehicle weight,
whichever is greater, of 26,001 or more pounds.
The motor vehicle is designed to transport 16 or more persons, including
the operator, or is of a size and design to transport 16 or more persons,
including the operator, but is redesigned or modied to transport less than
16 persons with disabilities.
The motor vehicle is used in the transportation of hazardous material of a
type or quantity requiring vehicle placarding.
What CDL class do you need? Use the chart below to decide.
YES YES YES
Class A
No CDL
Class D
chaueur may
be required
NO
NONO
YES
YES
YES
NO
NO
NO
Is the
power unit’s
GVWR
26,001 lbs.
or more?
Is the
trailer’s GVWR
10,001 lbs. or
more? (If a single
vehicle with no
trailer, choose
“NO.”)
Class B
Class A
Class C
Class C
Is the
trailer’s
GVWR 10,001
lbs. or more? (If a
single vehicle with
no trailer, choose
“NO.”)
Is the
vehicle
transporting
hazardous
materials in
a placardable
quantity?
Is the
vehicle designed
to transport 16 or
more passengers
including the
driver?
GVWR: weight of an
individual power unit,
trailer, or other towed unit.
GCWR: combined
weight of the two
vehicles that make up a
combination vehicle.
GVWR (Power Unit) +
GVWR (Trailer) = GCWR
Is the GCWR
26,001 lbs. or
more?
START
HERE
12
All CDLs include privileges for lesser classes of license.
• A properly endorsed Class A CDL driver may drive Class A, B or C
vehicles.
• A properly endorsed Class B CDL driver may drive Class B and C
vehicles.
• A properly endorsed Class C CDL driver may drive only Class C vehicles.
Class D-3 chaueur license
A Class D license with endorsement 3 is required for drivers who are paid or
compensated to operate a vehicle designed to transport 15 or fewer passengers,
including the driver, such as a taxi. However, there are several exceptions to
the requirement to hold a Class D-3 chaueur license, listed in the CDL Quick
Guide https://iowadot.gov/pubs/CDL-QuickGuide.pdf
No knowledge test or driving test is required if you have a valid license and
a clear driving record for the previous two years. You must pass a vision
screening. The minimum age requirement for Class D is 18 years of age.
Testing
Drivers who are either getting an initial CDL, or renewing, upgrading or
transferring an existing CDL, are required to take all applicable knowledge
and skills tests. The successful completion of all required knowledge tests is a
precondition of a driver being issued their commercial learner’s permit (CLP).
Successful completion of all required skills test is a precondition for a driver to
be issued their CDL.
Applicants wishing to add the hazardous materials endorsement (HME) to their
CDL are required to pass the written hazardous materials (hazmat) knowledge
exam and have a current and valid TSA Threat Assessment. This threat
assessment includes a background investigation and ngerprint verication and
must be completed prior to issuance of the hazmat endorsement. The threat
assessment is a separate federal requirement and is not an endorsement or
restriction on the CDL; the Iowa DOT does not oversee the threat assessment
process. Instead, guidance and application information for the TSA Threat
Assessment is available from the federal Transportation Security Administration
(TSA); phone 855-347-8371, or at their website: https://universalenroll.dhs.gov/
programs/hme
When renewing an Iowa CDL, written general knowledge and skills testing
is not required if renewed within one year after expiration. CDL holders
without a HME may be eligible to renew online (see https://iowadot.gov/mvd/
driverslicense/driverslicense/RenewalandReplacementRequirements for more
information on online eligibility requirements.
However, individuals wishing to renew a HME are required to successfully
complete the written hazmat knowledge exam at each renewal and have a
current TSA Threat Assessment. To avoid delays in HME renewal, HME
holders are encouraged to start the TSA Threat Assessment renewal process at
13
the earliest possible date, up to 45 days prior to the expiration date. Drivers
may contact TSA at the number above if they have questions regarding their
expiration date or the threat assessment renewal process.
Certication for commercial driver’s license (CDL)
Every driver applying for a CDL (initial issuance, renewal, upgrade, transfer)
must self-certify to the type of driving they are or will be engaged in. Drivers
must indicate if they drive in interstate or intrastate operations, and if they are
excepted from any federal and/or state regulations. Drivers who self-certify
to nonexcepted interstate driving must provide the Iowa DOT a copy of their
valid Medical Certicate. Drivers who self-certify to nonexcepted intrastate
driving are required to have a valid Medical Certicate but they are not required
to provide it to the Iowa DOT. Further guidance on driver self-certication is
available on the Iowa DOT website:
iowadot.gov/mvd/CDL/FedMedBrochure.pdf#page=2
Restricted commercial driver’s license (CDL)
If an applicant meets the minimum standards for issuance, a restricted seasonal
CDL may be issued to suppliers or employees of suppliers of agricultural inputs:
suppliers or applicators of agricultural chemicals, fertilizer, seed or animal feeds.
Restricted CDL holders are able to drive a CMV for the purpose of employment
in the following farm-related service industries: agri-chemical businesses,
customer harvesters, farm retail outlets and suppliers, and livestock feeders.
A restricted CDL is valid to operate Class B and C commercial motor vehicles,
including tank vehicles and vehicles equipped with air brakes, except passenger
vehicles and is not valid to drive Class A commercial motor vehicles.
A restricted CDL is valid only within 150 air-mile radius of the employer’s place
of business.
A licensee may have up to three individual periods of validity for a restricted
commercial driver’s license, provided the cumulative period of validity for all
individual periods does not exceed 210 days in any calendar year. An individual
period of validity may be 70, 105, or 210 consecutive days, at the election of
the licensee. A licensee may add 35 days to an individual period of validity
by applying for an extension, subject to the 210-day cumulative maximum
period of validity. A request for extension must be made no later than the
date of expiration of the individual period of validity for which an extension
is requested; a request for extension made after that date shall be treated as a
request for a new individual period of validity. An extension shall be calculated
from the date of expiration of the individual period of validity for which an
extension is requested. Any period of validity authorized previously by another
state’s license shall be considered a part of the 210-day cumulative maximum
period of validity.
14
Drug and alcohol testing
All drivers of commercial motor vehicles and special mobile equipment of a size
or type that require the driver to be licensed with a commercial driver’s license
(CDL) must be enrolled and tested in a company-based controlled substance and
alcohol testing program. The drug and alcohol testing rules apply to all CDL
drivers involved in interstate and intrastate commerce, including drivers utilizing
the seasonal restricted CDL. Drivers who are legally claiming an exception from
CDL are not required to be in a company-based program.
A company-based program must include written policies for the administration
of the program and provide testing in the following situations:
• Pre-employment – controlled substance testing.
• Random – controlled substance and alcohol testing.
• Post-accident – controlled substance and alcohol testing.
• Reasonable cause – controlled substance and alcohol testing.
• Return-to-duty – controlled substance and alcohol testing.
• Follow-up – controlled substance and alcohol testing.
Federal regulations require written communication between former and future
employers concerning a commercial motor vehicle driver’s performance in
company-based controlled substance and alcohol testing programs. These rules
are part of the driver qualication process known as safety performance history.
In general, former and future employers must communicate and document
factual and accurate information regarding a driver’s controlled substance and
alcohol test failures, refusals to test, and failed rehabilitation attempts for the
prior three years.
Driver awareness, supervisor training, inquiries to previous employers, and
retention of records are also part of a company-based program. Controlled
substance and alcohol testing programs are independent of and in addition to
medical qualication required by 49 CFR 391, but may on some occasions be
conducted simultaneously with the medical examination. If you have questions
regarding the operation of a company-based controlled substance and alcohol
testing program, contact the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s state
oce nearest you. Iowa-based carriers, call 515-233-7400.
With a restricted CDL, hazardous materials may be transported as:
• Liquid fertilizer with a tank capacity of 3,000 gallons or less.
• Solid fertilizer not mixed with any organic substance.
Recreational vehicles
Drivers of recreational vehicles or motor homes use for personal or family
purposes may also qualify for an exception to the commercial driver’s license
(CDL), provided all of the following conditions are met.
• The vehicle is not used for any commercial or club purpose.
• The power unit towing a towable recreational vehicle or fth-wheel
towable recreational vehicle has a gross vehicle weight rating of 26,000
pounds or less.
• Check for applicability with chaueur license.
15
Commercial disqualication
Disqualication is the loss of commercial vehicle driving privilege that will
occur if:
• The driver loses any type of driving privilege for any type of vehicle
through suspension, revocation, cancellation, denial, or is otherwise barred.
• The driver is convicted of certain trac-related violations.
• Through administrative action taken on an unqualied driver by the
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.
• A full listing of the disqualication types and durations may be found in the
sets of lookup tables listed in 49 CFR 383.51 at:
https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/regulations
Commercial driver’s license (CDL) disqualication is determined by the type
of vehicle being driven at the time of the violation (commercial motor vehicle
[CMV], placarded hazardous material, non-CMV), and the type of violation
charged (operating while intoxicated or drugged [OWI], trac, rail crossing, etc).
A driver must be convicted of a disqualifying violation or a nal administrative
decision determined for the disqualication to take eect. Four main categories of
disqualifying issues are required by federal and state law.
• Major oenses: Drivers convicted of any major oense, while operating
CMVs or non-CMVs, are subject to CDL disqualication.
• Serious trac violations (STV):
- Drivers convicted of two or more STVs in any three-year period,
committed while driving CMVs, will be subject to CDL
disqualication.
- Drivers convicted of two or more STVs in any three-year period,
committed while driving non-CMVs, will be subject to CDL
disqualication if the conviction leads to the suspension, revocation,
cancellation or denial of any non-CMV driving privilege.
• Rail crossing violations: Drivers of CMVs who are convicted of certain rail
crossing violations are subject to CDL disqualication.
• Out-of-service orders: CMV drivers who have been placed out-of-
service or who operate CMVs that have been placed out-of-service
are subject to CDL disqualication if convicted of failing to comply with
the out-of-service order.
In Iowa, it is illegal to operate any motor vehicle while impaired by drugs or
alcohol, or by having a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08 or more.
The 0.08 BAC standard for OWI applies to commercial and noncommercial
drivers alike. Federal and state laws also include disqualication for drivers who
drive CMVs with a BAC of 0.04 or more. The 0.04 BAC for CMV drivers is
not automatically an OWI charge, although some drivers under the 0.08 BAC
limit may be impaired and charged with OWI. The 0.04 BAC is, however, a
disqualifying oense when the driver is driving a commercial vehicle, even if
OWI is never charged. The 0.04 BAC disqualication for CMV drivers does not
apply when operating noncommercial vehicles.
16
Vehicle dimensions
The maximum legal dimensions allowed on Iowa roadways.
Length 45-foot single vehicle power unit
45-foot bus
61-foot articulated bus
45-foot motor home and recreational motorsports vehicle
65-foot motor home towing another vehicle, or any vehicle
towing a towable recreational vehicle or fth wheel towable
recreational vehicle
85-foot combination of two vehicles, one of which is a
recreational motorports vehicle
70-foot combination of three vehicles other than truck-tractor
97-foot power units saddle mounted and/or full mounted on
other power units. Except for triple saddle mounts,
combinations of four vehicles are not allowed.
53 foot maximum – semitrailer, loaded or empty
57-foot lowboy trailers used exclusively for the transportation
of construction equipment when used in a truck-tractor
semitrailer combination
28 foot 6 inch maximum – trailers or semitrailers when used in
double-bottom combination
65 foot maximum – power units designed to carry cargo when
used in combination with a trailer or semitrailer. When used
exclusively for transporting automobiles, boats or recreational
vehicle chassis; 3-foot overhang in front and 4-foot overhang
in rear is allowed in addition to the overall length.
80-foot stinger steer auto transports
No overall length limits on truck-tractor, semitrailer
combinations.
Width 8 feet 6 inches
Height 13 feet 6 inches
14-foot auto transporters hauling passenger vehicles, light
delivery trucks, pickup trucks or recreational vehicle chassis
17
Vehicle weight
For determining allowable vehicle weight limits, Iowa roadways are categorized
into two specic groups, Non-Primary Highway System and Primary Highway
System. The Non-Primary Highway System includes all city and county roads.
The Primary Highway System includes all state and federal highways, and the
Interstate Highway System.
At the request of any peace ocer, Iowa law requires a vehicle to be weighed to
determine compliance with the applicable weight limits. Consult the following
information and wheelbase tables to determine the maximum vehicle axle, group
and gross weights for the dierent truck congurations on the Non-Primary
Highway System and Primary Highway System.
Federal rules provide an exception to maximum weight limits for a vehicle
equipped with an auxiliary power unit (APU). A vehicle equipped with an
operational APU may exceed the legal single, tandem, group or gross weight
limit by the certied weight of the APU, up to a maximum of 550 pounds.
County and city nonprimary highways
• Single axle – 20,000 pounds
• Tandem axle – 34,000 pounds
• Group of axles – use weight charts in Table 1 and Table 2
• Gross weight – use weight charts in Table 1 and Table 2
• Maximum gross weight up to 86,000 pounds for a ve-axle tractor/spread axle
semitrailer transporting livestock
• Maximum gross weight up to 90,000 pounds for six-axle vehicles
• Maximum gross weight up to 96,000 pounds for seven or more axle vehicles
State and federal noninterstate primary highways
• Single axle – 20,000 pounds
• Tandem axle – 34,000 pounds
• Group of axles – use weight charts in Table 2 and Table 3
• Gross weight – use weight charts in Table 2 and Table 3
• Maximum gross weight up to 86,000 pounds for a ve-axle tractor/spread
axle semitrailer transporting livestock
• Maximum gross weight up to 90,000 pounds for six-axle vehicles
• Maximum gross weight up to 96,000 pounds for seven or more axle vehicles
Interstate Primary Highways
• Single axle – 20,000 pounds
• Tandem axle – 34,000 pounds
• Group of axles – use Table 3 weight chart
• Gross weight – use Table 3 weight chart
• Maximum gross weight of 80,000 pounds
Tire weight rating: The tire manufacturer’s specied safe load capacity for the
tire, as marked on the tire sidewall. Do not exceed the tire weight rating in either
single or dual applications.
18
Retractable axles: A vehicle or combination of vehicles equipped with
a retractable axle may raise the axle when necessary to negotiate a turn,
provided that the retractable axle is lowered within one thousand feet following
completion of the turn. This does not apply to a vehicle or combination of
vehicles operated on an interstate highway, including a ramp to or from an
interstate highway, or on a bridge.
Measuring wheelbase: Always measure from the center of the axle. The length
and the number of axles within the measured group of axles determine the
maximum legal weight. Accurately measure and round the measurement to the
nearest whole foot (examples: 34 feet 5 inches = 34 feet, or 35 feet 6 inches = 36
feet).
After axle congurations and measurements are obtained, apply the information
to the appropriate wheelbase tables to determine the maximum allowed weight
for that particular group of axles. For vehicles equipped with auxiliary axles,
only axles with tires in contact with the roadway will be counted.
Single axle: Any single axle, or two consecutive axles having 40 inches or less
spacing.
Tandem axle: Any two or more consecutive axles whose centers are more than
40 inches but not more than 96 inches apart.
Group of axles: Any two or more consecutive axles whose centers are more
than 96 inches apart.
Gross weight: Is determined by the total number of axles on the vehicle or
combination and the distance between the front (rst) and rearmost (last) axle.
Primary Highway System: This system includes all federal and state highways.
Non-Primary Highway System: This systems includes all county and city
roads.
Interstate Highway System: This system includes all interstate highways; I-29,
I-35, I-74, I-80, I-280, I-380 and I-680. If a federal highway runs concurrently
with an interstate, the rules for interstate highway systems take precedence.
Non-Interstate Highway System: This system includes all federal, state,
county and city highways that are not part of the Interstate Highway System.
19
Example
The above truck contains three single axles restricted to 20,000 pounds per axle.
The truck also contains one tandem (axles 2 and 3) restricted to 34,000 pounds.
The truck has three axles, if the distance from center of axle 1 to center of axle
3 is 22 feet – applying this information to the wheelbase table on the following
pages – legal gross weight is 52,500 pounds.
Single, group and gross weights
Single axle, tandem axle, group axle, and gross axle weights are separate
requirements under Iowa law and all limitations must be complied with
simultaneously. With some vehicle congurations, you may not be able to
achieve the maximum limits for tandem axles, group axles or gross axle weights
at the same time.
Example
The above truck contains ve single axles restricted to 20,000 pounds per
axle. The truck also contains two tandems (axles 2 and 3 and axles 4 and 5)
restricted to 34,000 pounds per tandem. If the distance from center of axle 2 to
center of axle 5 (total of four axles) is 37 feet – applying this information to the
wheelbase table on the following pages – legal weight allowed for this group
of axles is 68,000 pounds. The truck and trailer combination has ve axles, if
the distance from center of axle 1 to center of axle 5 is 51 feet – applying this
information to the weight chart on the following pages – legal gross weight is
80,000 pounds.
1 2 3 4 5
Gross weight
Group of axles
Gross weight
1 2 3
20
Non-Primary Highway System
Maximum weights for vehicles on county and city highways
Table 1
Distance in Number of consecutive axles
feet between
axle centers Two axles Three axles Four axles Five axles Six axles Seven axles
4 34,000 34,000
5 34,000 34,000
6 34,000 34,000
7 34,000 34,000
8 34,000 34,000
8’1” 38,000 42,000
9 39,000 42,500
10 40,000 43,500 45,000
11 40,000 44,000 46,000
12 40,000 45,000 47,000
13 40,000 45,500 48,000 48,500
14 40,000 46,500 49,000 49,500
15 40,000 47,000 50,000 50,500
16 40,000 48,000 51,000 51,500
17 40,000 48,500 52,000 52,500 54,000
18 40,000 49,500 53,000 53,500 55,000
19 40,000 50,000 54,500 54,500 56,000
20 40,000 51,000 55,500 55,500 57,000
21 40,000 51,500 56,000 56,500 58,000
22 40,000 52,500 56,500 57,500 59,000
23 40,000 53,000 57,500 58,500 60,000
24 40,000 54,000 58,000 59,500 61,000
25 40,000 54,500 58,500 60,500 62,000
26 40,000 55,500 59,500 61,500 63,000
27 40,000 56,000 60,000 62,500 64,000
28 40,000 57,000 60,500 63,500 65,000
29 40,000 57,500 61,500 64,500 66,000
30 40,000 58,500 62,000 65,500 67,000
31 40,000 59,000 62,500 66,500 68,000
32 40,000 60,000 63,500 67,500 69,000
33 40,000 60,000 64,000 68,500 70,000
34 40,000 60,000 64,500 69,500 71,000
35 40,000 60,000 65,500 70,000 72,000
36 40,000 60,000 68,000 70,500 73,000
37 40,000 60,000 68,000 71,000 74,000
38 40,000 60,000 68,000 72,000 75,000
39 40,000 60,000 68,000 72,500 76,000
40 40,000 60,000 68,500 73,000 77,000
41 40,000 60,000 69,500 73,500 78,000 78,000
42 40,000 60,000 70,000 74,000 79,000 79,000
43 40,000 60,000 70,500 75,000 80,000 80,000
44 40,000 60,000 71,500 75,500 80,000 80,000
45 40,000 60,000 72,000 76,000 80,000 80,000
46 40,000 60,000 72,500 76,500 80,000 80,000
47 40,000 60,000 73,500 77,500 80,000 80,000
48 40,000 60,000 74,000 78,000 80,000 80,000
49 40,000 60,000 74,500 78,500 80,000 80,000
50 40,000 60,000 75,500 79,000 80,000 80,000
51 40,000 60,000 76,000 80,000 80,000 80,000
52 40,000 60,000 76,500 80,000 80,000 80,000
53 40,000 60,000 77,500 80,000 80,000 80,000
54 40,000 60,000 78,000 80,000 80,000 80,000
55 40,000 60,000 78,500 80,000 80,000 80,000
56 40,000 60,000 79,500 80,000 80,000 80,000
57 40,000 60,000 80,000 80,000 80,000 80,000
Other than special
farm plated trucks,
CMVs with six or
seven axles may
also use Table 2.
21
Six- and seven-axle commercial motor vehicles (CMVs)
Maximum weights for six- and seven-axle CMVs:
• Operated by a person with the appropriate class of commercial driver’s
license, or
• A person exempt from commercial driver’s license by Iowa Code 321.176A,
and
• Operated on noninterstate highways.
Table 2
Distance in feet Number of consecutive axles
center of axles Six axles Seven axles
44 80,500 80,500
45 81,000 81,500
46 81,500 82,500
47 82,000 83,500
48 83,000 84,000
49 83,500 85,000
50 84,000 86,000
51 84,500 87,000
52 85,000 88,000
53 86,000 88,500
54 86,500 89,500
55 87,000 90,500
56 87,500 91,500
57 88,000 92,000
58 89,000 93,000
59 89,500 94,000
60 90,000 95,000
61 90,000 95,500
62 90,000 96,000
This table does not apply to vehicles operating on the Interstate Highway System or
to special farm registered trucks operating on any roadway.
Construction vehicle weight
As of July 1st, 2018, there is a provision that amends Iowa code 321.463(9). A
vehicle or combination of vehicles transporting construction equipment or materials
to a construction site can use Tables 1 and 3 on non-primary roads shown in 321.463,
without the approval from the local authority’s.
However, when crossing a bridge, such a vehicle or combination of vehicles shall
comply with any weight restriction imposed for the bridge pursuant to section
321.471 or 321.474, provided signs that conform to the manual of uniform trac-
control devices adopted by the department that gives notice of the restriction are
posted as required under section 321.472 or 321.474, as applicable
An indivisible load must comply with legal dimension and weight limits or be
operated under the provisions of an oversize load permit.
22
Five-axle livestock transports with a spread-axle semitrailer
A ve-axle truck tractor/spread-axle semitrailer combination transporting
livestock is allowed a maximum gross weight of up to 86,000 pounds, provided
all of the following conditions are met.
• The vehicle combination must have at least 61 feet of distance between
the rst and last axles on the combination.
• The semitrailer spread-axle must have at least 8 feet 1 inch of spacing.
• Must transport livestock only.
• Must not travel on the Interstate Highway System when exceeding 80,000
pounds gross weight.
• Must comply with posted bridge embargoes or roadway weight limits.
This provision does not allow vehicles weighing in excess of 80,000 pounds
to operate on any portion of the Interstate Highway System.
23
Primary Highway System
Maximum weights for vehicles on the Interstate Highway System,
and noninterstate federal and state highways
Table 3
Distance in Number of consecutive axles
feet between
axle centers Two axles Three axles Four axles Five axles Six axles Seven axles
4 34,000 34,000
5 34,000 34,000
6 34,000 34,000
7 34,000 34,000
8 34,000 34,000
8’1” 38,000 42,000
9 39,000 42,500
10 40,000 43,500 48,500
11 40,000 44,000 49,500
12 40,000 45,000 50,000
13 40,000 45,500 50,500 56,000
14 40,000 46,500 51,500 57,000
15 40,000 47,000 52,000 57,500
16 40,000 48,000 52,500 58,000
17 40,000 48,500 53,500 58,500 64,000
18 40,000 49,500 54,000 59,000 65,000
19 40,000 50,000 54,500 60,000 65,500
20 40,000 51,000 55,500 60,500 66,000 71,500
21 40,000 51,500 56,000 61,000 66,500 72,500
22 40,000 52,500 56,500 61,500 67,000 73,000
23 40,000 53,000 57,500 62,500 68,000 73,500
24 40,000 54,000 58,000 63,000 68,500 74,000
25 40,000 54,500 58,500 63,500 69,000 74,500
26 40,000 55,500 59,500 64,000 69,500 75,000
27 40,000 56,000 60,000 65,000 70,000 76,000
28 40,000 57,000 60,500 65,500 71,000 76,500
29 40,000 57,500 61,500 66,000 71,500 77,000
30 40,000 58,500 62,000 66,500 72,000 77,500
31 40,000 59,000 62,500 67,500 72,500 78,000
32 40,000 60,000 63,500 68,000 73,000 78,500
33 40,000 60,000 64,000 68,500 74,000 79,500
34 40,000 60,000 64,500 69,500 74,500 80,000
35 40,000 60,000 65,500 70,000 75,000 80,000
36 40,000 60,000 68,000 70,500 75,500 80,000
37 40,000 60,000 68,000 71,000 76,000 80,000
38 40,000 60,000 68,000 72,000 77,000 80,000
39 40,000 60,000 68,000 72,500 77,500 80,000
40 40,000 60,000 68,500 73,000 78,000 80,000
41 40,000 60,000 69,500 73,500 78,500 80,000
42 40,000 60,000 70,000 74,000 79,000 80,000
43 40,000 60,000 70,500 75,000 80,000 80,000
44 40,000 60,000 71,500 75,500 80,000 80,000
45 40,000 60,000 72,000 76,000 80,000 80,000
46 40,000 60,000 72,500 76,500 80,000 80,000
47 40,000 60,000 73,500 77,500 80,000 80,000
48 40,000 60,000 74,000 78,000 80,000 80,000
49 40,000 60,000 74,500 78,500 80,000 80,000
50 40,000 60,000 75,500 79,000 80,000 80,000
51 40,000 60,000 76,000 80,000 80,000 80,000
52 40,000 60,000 76,500 80,000 80,000 80,000
53 40,000 60,000 77,500 80,000 80,000 80,000
54 40,000 60,000 78,000 80,000 80,000 80,000
55 40,000 60,000 78,500 80,000 80,000 80,000
56 40,000 60,000 79,500 80,000 80,000 80,000
57 40,000 60,000 80,000 80,000 80,000 80,000
Other than a special
farm plated truck,
CMVs with six or
seven axles operating
on noninterstate
highways may also
use Table 2.
24
Roadway/Bridge weight limits
Many Iowa roadways and bridge structures have weight capacities that are less
than the maximum weights listed in the wheelbase tables in this publication. A
city, county or state may place:
• Permanent or temporary weight limits on bridges and culverts.
• Temporary embargoes on roadways within their respective jurisdictions.
Seasonal weight embargoes and temporary or permanent bridge weight limits
must be signed and posted by the governing agency.
Exceeding posted weight limits on roadways, bridges and culverts may cause
excessive stress and damage to the structure or pavement. Not only is this
illegal, but it may also create a serious safety problem for the operator and the
motoring public.
In addition to trac penalties for violating roadway or bridge weight limits,
operators and the owner of the vehicle causing damage may be held liable for
the cost to repair or replace the structure or pavement.
When crossing a bridge or culvert, the posted weight limit applies to the gross
weight of the vehicle or combination of vehicles, not just that portion of the
vehicle or combination that is positioned on the structure while crossing.
Also, consult the agricultural operations section of this book for additional
information on the rules and conditions for operating a permitted self-propelled
fertilizer/chemical applicator, and for the rules regarding weight limits for grain
carts, tank wagons and fence-line feeders.
The following chart summarizes the requirements for all types of vehicles
when operated on roadways with and without embargoes, and bridges with and
without posted weight limits.
*The legal roadway weight limit is determined by the number and positioning of axles. Consult the
wheelbase tables and guidance provided in the vehicle weight section of this book; and Iowa Code
321.463.
**Seasonal weight limits for grain carts, tank wagons and fence-line feeders are summarized in the
agricultural operations section of this book with specic language in Iowa Code 321.463.
***A small number of self-propelled otation applicators in use in Iowa and issued a permit prior to
July 1, 2007, may be operated under the conditions of the permit. Existing permits must be renewed
annually. No new permits may be issued after July 1, 2007.
25
Indivisible loads and vehicles that transport
indivisible loads that exceed legal dimensions or
weight, may be eligible to be moved by permit if the
government agency with jurisdiction for the roads
on the route of travel authorizes the movement and
issues an oversize or overweight permit.
Indivisible load or vehicle
Any load or vehicle exceeding applicable length,
height, width or weight limits which, if separated
into smaller loads or vehicles, would:
1. Compromise the intended use of the
vehicle (i.e., make it unable to perform the
function for which it was intended).
2. Destroy the value of the load or vehicle (i.e.,
make it unusable for its intended purpose).
3. Require more than eight work hours to
dismantle using appropriate equipment.
The applicant for an indivisible load permit has
the burden of proof as to the number of work
hours required to dismantle the load.
The Iowa DOT may issue annual permits for the
operation of a vehicle or combination of vehicles
transporting divisible loads of raw forest products
from elds to storage, processing, or other
commercial facilities.
Intermodal containers for International shipments
shall be considered an indivisible load for
purposes of transportation under oversize permit.
Permit types
Single trip and annual permits are available, with
dierent limitations on their use.
State, county and city oversize load permits must
be obtained separately. Except for a state issued
All-Systems Permit authorized by a participating
county or city, state-issued permits are not valid on
county and city highways. County and city permits
are also not valid on state highways.
General requirements
All vehicles operating under permit must carry
a copy of the permit in the vehicle and make it
available upon request of any authorized ocial.
A copy of the Iowa General Provisions for
Oversize Load Permit must also be carried with
the permit. All provisions noted on the permit and
general provisions must be followed.
Oversize load
Oversize/Overweight permits
Permit type Single trip Annual Annual*** oversize/overweight Multitrip
Cost
$35 $50 $400 $200
Axle weight
20,000 pounds per
axle *See exception.
20,000 pounds per axle 20,000 pounds per axle
20,000 pounds
per axle
Gross weight
No limit 80,000 pounds 156,000 pounds 156,000 pounds
Height
No limit 13 feet 10 in. 15 feet 5 in. 15 feet 5 in. 15 feet 5 in.
Length
No limit 120 feet 120 feet 120 feet 120 feet
26
Width
No limit 12 feet 5 in. 16 feet 13 feet 5 inches 16 feet
Interstate travel
Allowed Allowed Allowed
No interstate highway travel more than
80,000 pounds
Allowed
Routing
MCS routing required
MCS routing
not required
MCS routing required
when loads are more
than 14 feet 6 in. wide.
MCS routing required
when loads are more
than a 50-mile radius
unless route continues
on at least four-lane
roads.
MCS routing not required.
Carrier
provides route
and Iowa DOT
veries. Load
can change,
conguration
cannot.
Valid
One trip in ve days 12 months from month issued 12 months from issued 60 days
Special mobile
equipment
except cranes
Allowed up to 36,000
pounds single axle;
126,000 gross weight
with qualifying tires**
Allowed up to 36,000 pounds single
axle; 80,000 pounds gross weight with
qualifying tires**
Allowed up to 36,000 pounds single axle; 126,000 gross
weight with qualifying tires**
Carrier
route
check
None None None
- Construction and embargo maps
- Vertical clearance maps
- 156 Kip map
- Check with Iowa DOT to ensure
no changes
None
These permits are valid only for movement on state and federal highways. County and city permits must be obtained separately. *Exception: Cranes with pneumatic
tires meeting the denition of an indivisible vehicle may have a maximum of 24,000 pounds per axle; single-trip permit and round-trip permits only; and travel is
allowed on the interstate system. **Exception: Formula for construction equipment with otation pneumatic tires: Axle weight = 20,000 pounds + (tire width - 18)
x 1,882 pounds. *** Vehicles operating under an annual oversize/overweight permit can operate under annuals with no weight guidelines when they can meet the
annual permit requirements with no weight dimensions.
27
Width
No limit 12 feet 5 in. 16 feet 13 feet 5 inches 16 feet
Interstate travel
Allowed Allowed Allowed
No interstate highway travel more than
80,000 pounds
Allowed
Routing
MCS routing required
MCS routing
not required
MCS routing required
when loads are more
than 14 feet 6 in. wide.
MCS routing required
when loads are more
than a 50-mile radius
unless route continues
on at least four-lane
roads.
MCS routing not required.
Carrier
provides route
and Iowa DOT
veries. Load
can change,
conguration
cannot.
Valid
One trip in ve days 12 months from month issued 12 months from issued 60 days
Special mobile
equipment
except cranes
Allowed up to 36,000
pounds single axle;
126,000 gross weight
with qualifying tires**
Allowed up to 36,000 pounds single
axle; 80,000 pounds gross weight with
qualifying tires**
Allowed up to 36,000 pounds single axle; 126,000 gross
weight with qualifying tires**
Carrier
route
check
None None None
- Construction and embargo maps
- Vertical clearance maps
- 156 Kip map
- Check with Iowa DOT to ensure
no changes
None
These permits are valid only for movement on state and federal highways. County and city permits must be obtained separately. *Exception: Cranes with pneumatic
tires meeting the denition of an indivisible vehicle may have a maximum of 24,000 pounds per axle; single-trip permit and round-trip permits only; and travel is
allowed on the interstate system. **Exception: Formula for construction equipment with otation pneumatic tires: Axle weight = 20,000 pounds + (tire width - 18)
x 1,882 pounds. *** Vehicles operating under an annual oversize/overweight permit can operate under annuals with no weight guidelines when they can meet the
annual permit requirements with no weight dimensions.
Movement is allowed seven days a week except for designated holidays.
• Prohibited holidays are: Memorial Day, Independence Day and Labor Day.
• Movement is prohibited on these holidays and after noon on days
preceding these holidays and/or holiday weekends.
• When a prohibited holiday falls on a Saturday, Sunday or Monday,
movement is prohibited after noon on the Friday preceding the holiday
weekend, and through the duration of the holiday weekend and holiday.
Permitted loads and vehicles may operate from 30 minutes prior to sunrise
until 30 minutes after sunset, unless all of the following continuous movement
conditions are met.
Continuous movement (nighttime) conditions include:
• Width must not exceed 11 feet.
• Length must not exceed 100 feet.
• Height must not exceed 14 feet 6 inches.
• Weight must not exceed permitted limits.
• Roadway width must be at least 22 feet.
• Lane width must be at least 11 feet,
• The extreme dimensions of the vehicle and load are equipped with
operating side-marker and clearance lights, according to federal
regulations.
Civilian escorts may be required, depending on the vehicle dimensions and
route of travel. Oversize loads requiring law enforcement escorts are required
to provide at least one week of notice prior to the intended travel date if
they choose to utilize the escort services of the Iowa DOT’s Motor Vehicle
Enforcement.
Oversize load signs, warning ags and warning lights may be required,
depending on vehicle dimensions.
With the exception of special mobile equipment (SME) or SME qualied loads,
all power units must be properly registered for the gross weight of the vehicle
and load. Temporary registration permits are not allowed for oversized loads
under permit.
Permitted vehicles transporting construction equipment are allowed to have one
axle that weighs up to 21,000 pounds, provided the gross weight of the vehicle
does not exceed the gross weight authorized by the permit.
Vehicle & Motor Carrier Services reserves the right to deny oversize load
permits when the State of Iowa is not on a direct line of travel from the place of
origin to the destination.
28
Internal Revenue Service –
Heavy Highway Vehicle Use Tax
Federal Heavy Highway Vehicle Use Tax is assessed on large trucks by the IRS
to help pay for the construction and maintenance of roads. Federal law requires
the State of Iowa to verify payment of this tax when a truck is registered for
55,000 pounds or more. You will be required to provide proof of payment
or proof of exemption, stamped by the IRS, when making application for
registration 55,000 pounds or more. Contact the IRS oce in Kansas City,
Mo., at 800-829-1040, or the Iowa DOT’s Vehicle and Motor Carrier
Services Bureau at 515-237-3268, email [email protected] or your county
treasurer’s oce for more information on Heavy Highway Vehicle Use Tax.
Vehicle registration
Options for vehicle registration
Intrastate: Owners of trucks and truck-tractors, which travel solely within Iowa,
may purchase vehicle registration plates at their county treasurer’s oce.
Interstate: Owners of trucks and truck-tractors, which travel out of Iowa, may
need to purchase apportioned registration through the International Registration
Plan (IRP).
Special (farm) plates: Special plates are purchased at the county treasurer’s
oce and are recognized in Iowa and all neighboring states as a valid
registration for farmer-operated trucks and truck-tractors, regardless of vehicle
size.
Regardless of which license plate you buy, you will be required to purchase
the proper registration weight on the power unit license. Trailers must also be
registered but do not have registration weight.
Business-trade plate: A business-trade truck is a model year 2010 or newer
motor truck with an unladen weight of 10,000 pounds or less which is owned by
a corporation, limited liability company, or partnership or by a person who les
a schedule C or schedule F form with the federal internal revenue service and
which is eligible for depreciation under §167 of the Internal Revenue Code.
If the motor truck is a leased vehicle, the motor truck is a business-trade truck
only if the lessee is a corporation, limited liability company, or partnership
and the truck is used primarily for purposes of the business operations of the
corporation, limited liability company, or partnership or the lessee is a person
who les a schedule C or schedule F form with the federal internal revenue
service and the truck is used primarily for purposes of the person’s own business
or farming operation.
29
International Registration Plan
Registration fees are a source of state funding for highway construction and
maintenance. Apportioning or prorating registration on a commercial vehicle
is how the license fee for the vehicle is divided among the states where the
vehicle’s miles are actually traveled. Iowa has two types of licensing agreements
with other jurisdictions: International Registration Plan (IRP) and reciprocity.
International Registration Plan (IRP) qualifying vehicles
All states except Hawaii and Alaska participate in IRP. Ten Canadian provinces
also participate. Carriers from any IRP jurisdiction operating in another IRP
jurisdiction must apportion through IRP.
Apportionable vehicle:
any power unit
(except as provided below) used or intended for use
in two or more member jurisdictions and used for
the transportation of persons operated for-hire or
designed, used, or maintained primarily for transportation of property, have an
established place of business in Iowa, the eet must accumulate mileage in Iowa
and one other state, and operational records for the vehicles must be kept or be
made available in Iowa for audit, and if any of these three criteria are met.
1. The vehicle has two axles and a gross vehicle weight or registered
weight more than 26,000 pounds (11,793.401 kilograms).
2. Is used in combination, when the gross vehicle weight of such
combination exceeds 26,000 pounds (11,793.401 kilograms).
3. The power unit has three or more axles, regardless of weight
Note: Vehicle outside of this denition may be subject to apportionment
depending on their type of operation in that jurisdiction. Contact the state
you will be operating in for more information.
• Persons operating non-IRP qualied vehicles in intrastate commerce within
another IRP jurisdiction may also need to apportion their vehicles or consider
dual licensing. Contact the state where the vehicle is being operated intrastate
for specic information.
• Properly licensed vehicles from IRP jurisdictions that do not meet any of
the three criteria are granted reciprocity when traveling through another IRP
jurisdiction.
Display of registration plates
• Trucks with county level or special plates are issued two plates. Both plates
must be displayed, one on the front and one on the rear. The validation sticker
is placed on the rear license plate.
• Truck-tractors and IRP-plated vehicles are issued one plate that must be
displayed on the front of the vehicle.
• Trailers are issued one plate that must be displayed on the rear of the vehicle.
Registration receipts or cab cards must be carried in the vehicle (including
trailers) and must be made available upon request of any peace ocer.
30
Business-trade registration
Standard truck registration
As of Jan. 1, 2012, business-trade registrants may apply for and display stan-
dard, vanity, collegiate or other specialty plate while still receiving the benets
of a business-trade registration. Those who already possess the business-trade
plate will continue to use it until the vehicle is transferred to another owner or
elects to use any specialty plate the owner qualies for, subject to additional fees
applicable for the specialty plate. To qualify for a business-trade registration, all
of the following criteria must apply.
• The truck must be a 2010 model year or newer truck and weigh 10,000
pounds or less empty.
• It must be owned or leased by a corporation, limited liability company or
partnership, or a person who les as a farm or business with the Internal
Revenue Service.
• If the truck is leased, the truck must be used primarily for the purposes of
the lessee’s own business or farming operation.
Business-trade trucks will be assessed a at vehicle registration fee based on
the vehicle’s registered weight.
• Truck must be a 2010 model year or newer and weigh 10,000 pounds or
less empty.
• Fee shall be equal to one percent of the value of the vehicle plus 40 cents
for each hundred pounds or fraction thereof of the weight of the vehicle.
• There is no “tonnage” applied to these vehicles.
• 2009 and older trucks will still be issued plates based on tonnage.
Reciprocity: Iowa has registration reciprocity agreements for properly licensed
vehicles from the following jurisdictions that are not members of the IRP:
Northwest Territory, Nunavut, and Yukon. Iowa carriers must obtain proper
authority before traveling to Alaska. IRP-qualied commercial vehicles that
are properly licensed by Iowa and Wisconsin residents may be operated in the
adjoining state within 30 miles of the Iowa/Wisconsin border without obtaining
IRP plates or trip permits.
Registration trip permit: An alternative to IRP plating for an occasional trip
into another IRP jurisdiction is obtaining a registration trip permit from the other
jurisdiction(s). If your truck is currently plated outside Iowa, you may purchase
a permit to operate in Iowa. This permit costs $35, is valid for 72 hours, and
must be obtained and placed in the vehicle before entering Iowa. Trip permits
cannot be used to meet registration requirements of any over dimensional
or overweight load permits. Visit the Iowa DOT’s Vehicle & Motor Carrier
Services website: https://iowadot.gov/mvd/motorcarriers for information
about IRP registration and information on trip permits.
31
Registration weight is the tonnage declared on the license plate purchased
for the vehicle and is purchased by the ton. Registration weight is sometimes
referred to as license tonnage. The power unit registration must have a
registration weight equal to or greater than the actual weight of the truck,
trailer(s), and cargo; unless privileged to a registration weight exception.
Registration weight exceptions are found in the registration weight tolerance
and gross registration exceptions sections of this book.
For-hire carriers cannot claim registration weight exceptions and must always
purchase registration weight equal to or greater than the gross weight of the
truck, trailer(s) and cargo.
Registration weight
Special farm registration
Special farm registration for motor trucks and truck tractors may be purchased at
the county treasurer’s oce.
Special farm registration limitations and use:
• Must not be used to transport for-hire or for compensation.
• Must be used by a person engaged in farming.
• Must transport commodities produced or used on the farm.
• May be used in an exchange of services between farmers.
• Truck tractors may not be operated more than 15,000 miles annually.
• Truck tractors require annual mileage certication.
• May be used for occasional charitable purposes.
• May have a gross weight of 6 to 39 tons plus tolerance.
• Is valid in other International Registration Plan states.
• Other states may honor the plate but only at the licensed weight not
including the 25 percent tolerance.
Special farm plates are subject to the 5 percent and 25 percent registration
weight tolerance when used in Iowa.
2011 legislation eliminated the special farm plates starting Jan. 1, 2012, to allow
farmers to apply for and display standard, vanity, collegiate or other specialty
plates while still receiving the benets of a special farm registration. Those who
already possess the special farm plate will continue to use it until the vehicle
owner changes or elects to use any specialty plate the owner qualies for,
subject to the additional fees applicable for the specialty plate.
An owner of a special truck, registered pursuant to Iowa Code 321.121, who has
been issued either regular registration plates or special registration plates must
obtain from the county treasurer’s oce a sticker that distinguishes the vehicle
as a special truck. The sticker shall be axed to the lower-right corner of the
rear registration plate. If the vehicle displays front and rear plates, two stickers
shall be issued with one sticker axed to the lower-right corner of the front
and rear plates. For natural resources plates, the stickers must be axed to the
lower-left corner of the front and rear plates.
32
Registration weight tolerance
5 percent registration weight tolerance for all vehicles
When in Iowa, all trucks and combinations are allowed to operate in excess of
their registration weight by up to 5 percent, but are not allowed to exceed the
maximum gross weight listed in the wheelbase tables.
Example: Provided it has adequate wheelbase and axles for the gross weight,
a truck-tractor/semitrailer combination licensed for 38 tons will be allowed to
weigh 79,800 pounds: 38 tons is 76,000 pounds, multiplied by 5 percent nets a
3,800 pound registration tolerance. Adding the 5 percent registration tolerance
to the license weight provides a total license weight of 79,800 pounds (76,000 x
5% = 3,800 + 76,000 = 79,800).
25 percent registration weight tolerance for raw agricultural
products
When in Iowa, trucks or combinations transporting raw agricultural products
are allowed to operate in excess of their registration weight by up to 25 percent,
but are not allowed to exceed the maximum gross weight listed in the wheelbase
tables.
Example: Provided it has adequate wheelbase and axles for the gross weight,
a truck-tractor/semitrailer combination transporting raw agricultural products
licensed for 32 tons will be allowed to weigh 80,000 pounds: 32 tons is 64,000
pounds, multiplied by 25 percent nets a 16,000 pound registration tolerance.
Adding the 25 percent registration tolerance to the license weight provides
a total license weight of 80,000 pounds (64,000 x 25% = 16,000 + 64,000 =
80,000).
The 5 percent and 25 percent registration weight tolerances do not apply to
the maximum axle weights provided in the wheelbase tables, only to license
registration weight.
Examples: A truck-tractor/semitrailer combination with ve axles and 51 feet
of overall wheelbase is allowed a gross weight of 80,000 pounds, according
to wheelbase Table 1 and Table 3. If this truck tractor is licensed for 40 tons
(80,000 pounds), the combination may have a gross weight of 80,000 pounds.
If it is licensed for 30 tons (60,000 pounds), it may only have a gross weight of
60,000 pounds, as it is limited by the license tonnage.
If a similar vehicle is licensed for 40 tons (80,000 pounds) but only has 48 feet
of wheelbase and ve axles, it will be allowed a maximum weight of 78,000
pounds, which is the weight limit established in the wheelbase tables.
33
Raw agricultural products
This list shall not be deemed conclusive and shall not exclude other commodities
that might be considered raw farm products.
Ag-lime Fresh vegetables Peat
Blood Grain, threshed Potatoes
Corn cobs Grain, unthreshed Raw dairy products
Dead animals Hair Raw milk
Ear corn Hay, baled/loose Saw logs
Eggs, fresh/frozen Hides Separated cream
Firewood Honey Shelled corn
Flax Honeycomb Sod
Flax seed Live poultry Soil fertilizer
Fodder Livestock Soybeans
Fresh berries Melons Straw, baled/loose
Fresh fruit Nursery stock Wool
Cracked or ground grain (including soybean meal) is generally not considered
a raw agricultural product because it has been processed. However, a provision
exists to allow the 25 percent registration tolerance in situations where the raw
grain is transported to the place of processing and immediately returned to
the farm after processing. A processing receipt is required on the return trip to
qualify for the 25 percent registration weight tolerance.
A special farm plated truck, while transporting a load of “distiller grain” will
also receive the 25 percent registration weight tolerance.
Registration issued for special straight trucks
Registration plates issued for special straight trucks are not required for
combined gross weight when pulling a farm trailer or implement of husbandry.
The special straight truck must have sucient registration weight for the truck
and load, but not including the towed unit and load or any transfer weight.
Example: A three-axle, straight truck weighing 46,000 pounds, towing a gravity
wagon weighing 20,000 pounds – both loaded with raw grain from the farm.
Added together they have a combination gross weight of 66,000 pounds. If the
straight truck was registered for at least 19 tons (38,000 pounds) and the 25
Gross registration exception
Percentage tolerance is intrastate only
The 5 percent and 25 percent registration weight tolerances provided by Iowa
law do not apply outside the state of Iowa, except for Iowa special (farm)
plated vehicles transporting raw agricultural products operating in the state
of Minnesota, which by written agreement, will be granted the 25 percent
tolerance. All other states will honor the Iowa special (farm) plate as a valid
license plate, but only up to the stated registered weight. The percentage
tolerances are given to all carriers, private or for-hire.
34
Special mobile equipment (SME) – private carriers
Owned or leased SME may be excluded from the gross registration weight
when transported on trucks or truck-tractor/semitrailers of a private carrier. The
truck or truck-tractor registration–at minimum–must register for the weight
of the combination (truck or truck-tractor, trailer or semitrailer, and any non-
SME load). This exception applies to vehicles within legal dimensions and also
those exceeding legal dimensions operated with an oversize permit. The SME
exception does not apply outside the state of Iowa.
For-hire carriers may not claim the SME exception and must register for
combined gross weight.
Example: A construction company is transporting their bulldozer with a
truck-tractor/semitrailer and has a gross weight of 80,000 pounds. If the SME
bulldozer weighs 38,000 pounds, this weight may be subtracted from the 80,000
pound gross weight for determining the minimum required registration weight
(80,000 – 38,000 = 42,000). The truck-tractor must have at least 42,000 pounds
of registration weight, including tolerance. A 20-ton (40,000 pounds) license
with 5 percent tolerance (2,000 pounds) will meet the required 42,000 pound
registration weight (40,000 x 5% = 2,000 + 40,000 = 42,000).
Special mobile equipment (SME) – general information
SME can be hauled, towed or self-propelled equipment or vehicles that are not
designed or used primarily on highways for the transportation of persons or
property. SME is operated or moved over the highways incidental to its primary
o-road purpose. SME is exempt from registration. SME plates and certicates
are no longer issued and not required for a vehicle to receive SME exceptions.
Examples of SME include bulldozers, end loaders, cranes, and some truck-
mounted vehicles. The Iowa DOT’s Vehicle and Motor Carrier Services has a
list of equipment that qualies as SME. Contact that oce at
515-237-3268 if you have questions regarding SMEs.
SME operated in interstate commerce are subject to the same regulations as any
commercial vehicle. Some intrastate exceptions exist for SME. Contact the Iowa
DOT’s Motor Vehicle Enforcement at [email protected] for more information.
Drivers of truck-mounted, self-propelled SME are subject to commercial driver
licensing and company-based drug and alcohol testing, as required by state and
federal law.
percent tolerance is added, the total registration weight is 47,500 (38,000 x 25%
tolerance = 47,500). The total registration weight exceeds the 46,000 pounds
actual weight of the straight truck. This exception allows you to exclude the
weight of the loaded gravity wagon from the special straight truck registration.
35
Lightweight combinations – farmers and private carriers of
livestock or agricultural commodities
A motor truck in combination with a trailer or semitrailer, operated by a farmer
or private carrier hauling horses, with county level registration or special farm
registration may qualify for a gross registration weight exception. The exception
does not apply to for-hire carriers, truck-tractors, or outside the state of Iowa.
If the weight of the truck with the transfer weight of the loaded trailer applied
is 6 tons plus tolerance or less, and the total gross weight of the truck, trailer,
and cargo is 12 tons plus tolerance or less, the truck may be registered for 6 tons
or less and qualify for this gross weight exception. At minimum, the registered
weight for the truck must include the weight of the truck and its cargo, and any
transfer weight applied by the loaded trailer. If the truck weighs more than 6 tons
plus tolerance when the loaded trailer is attached, or the combined gross weight
exceeds 12 tons plus tolerance, this registration exception does not apply and the
vehicle must be registered for the combined gross weight of the truck, trailer,
and cargo.
Registration exception including 5 percent tolerance
Truck must be properly registered for 6 tons or less.
Truck and transfer weight must not exceed 12,600 pounds.
Combined gross weight must not exceed 25,200 pounds.
Registration exception including 25 percent tolerance
Truck must be properly registered for 6 tons or less.
Truck and transfer weight must not exceed 15,000 pounds.
Combined gross weight must not exceed 30,000 pounds.
If these limits are exceeded, combined gross weight registration is required.
Example: A pickup towing a gooseneck trailer is transporting raw agricultural
products. With the loaded trailer attached and transferring weight through the
hitch, the pickup alone weighs 13,200 pounds. The pickup and trailer when
weighed together as a combination vehicle, have a gross weight of 28,500
pounds. In this example, the pickup must be registered for at least 13,200
pounds. A 6-ton license with a 25 percent tolerance provides 15,000 pounds of
registered weight, which exceeds the minimum needed (12,000 x 25% = 3,000
+ 12,000 = 15,000). Because the combined gross weight of 28,500 pounds does
not exceed the 30,000 pound maximum, this vehicle qualies for the exception
and is legal with a 6-ton license plate (12 tons: 24,000 x 25% = 6,000 + 24,000
= 30,000).
12 tons or less
plus tolerance
Trailer with load
6 tons or less
plus tolerance
36
Lightweight combinations – private carriers and personal use
A motor truck in combination with a trailer or semitrailer, operated by a private
carrier, with a county level registration may qualify for a gross registration
weight exception. The exception does not apply to for-hire carriers, truck-
tractors, or outside the state of Iowa.
If the weight of the truck with the transfer weight of the loaded trailer applied
is 6 tons plus tolerance or less, and the total gross weight of the truck, trailer,
and cargo is 8 tons plus tolerance or less, the truck may be registered for 6 tons
or less and qualify for this gross weight exception. At minimum, the registered
weight for the truck must include the weight of the truck and its cargo, and any
transfer weight applied by the loaded trailer. If the truck weighs more than 6 tons
plus tolerance when the loaded trailer is attached, or the combined gross weight
exceeds 8 tons plus tolerance, this registration exception does not apply and the
vehicle must be registered for the combined gross weight of the truck, trailer,
and cargo.
Registration exception including 5 percent tolerance
Truck must be properly registered for 6 tons or less.
Truck and transfer weight must not exceed 12,600 pounds.
Combined gross weight must not exceed 16,800 pounds.
Registration exception including 25 percent tolerance
Truck must be properly registered for 6 tons or less.
Truck and transfer weight must not exceed 15,000 pounds.
Combined gross weight must not exceed 20,000 pounds.
If these limits are exceeded, combined gross weight registration is required.
Example: A pickup towing a trailer is transporting nonagricultural products.
With the loaded trailer attached and transferring weight through the hitch, the
pickup alone weighs 10,400 pounds. The pickup and trailer when weighed
together as a combination vehicle, have a gross weight of 16,500 pounds. In
this example, the pickup must be registered for at least 10,400 pounds. A 5-ton
license with a 5 percent tolerance provides 10,500 pounds of registered weight,
which exceeds the minimum needed (10,000 x 5% = 500 + 10,000 = 10,500).
Because the combined gross weight of 16,500 pounds does not exceed the
16,800 pound maximum, this vehicle qualies for the exception and is legal with
a 5-ton license plate (8 tons: 16,000 x 5% = 800 + 16,000 = 16,800).
Trailer with load
6 tons or less
plus tolerance
8 tons or less
plus tolerance
37
Untaxed – dyed fuels
Diesel fuel and kerosene destined for a nontaxable use and dyed in accordance
with the tax laws and regulations enforced by the Internal Revenue Service is
not subject to the tax imposed under I.R.C. § 4081. Diesel fuel and kerosene
destined for road use is not dyed and is taxed. Generally, only taxed fuel may be
used as fuel in a registered vehicle or a vehicle required to be registered. The use
of dyed fuel in a diesel powered vehicle, registered or required to be registered,
may incur tax and penalties. Mobile machinery, meeting the design and use tests
of I.R.C. § 6421(e) may not use dyed, untaxed fuel.
Fuel taxes and permits
Vehicles that travel interstate pay fuel tax to cover the miles traveled in each
state, unless exempt. This is accomplished through the International Fuel Tax
Agreement (IFTA), fuel trip permits, or reciprocity agreements.
International Fuel Tax Agreement (IFTA)
Iowa is a member of the IFTA. If you are based in an IFTA jurisdiction and
operate a qualied vehicle in two or more IFTA jurisdictions, you must comply
with IFTA laws. All states except Alaska and the District of Columbia participate
in IFTA. All Canadian provinces except the Yukon and Northwest Territories are
also IFTA members. See below for options available to non-IFTA jurisdictions.
Carriers from any IFTA jurisdiction operating in another IFTA jurisdiction must
obtain an IFTA permit from their base state or purchase a temporary fuel permit
for the jurisdiction in which they are operating.
A vehicle is qualied for IFTA if one of the following applies.
1. The vehicle or combination weighs more than 26,000 pounds (11,793.401
kilograms).
2. The vehicle or combination is registered for more than 26,000 pounds
(11,793.401 kilograms).
3. The power unit has three or more axles.
Vehicles from IFTA jurisdictions that do not meet any of the three criteria are
granted fuel reciprocity when traveling through another IFTA jurisdiction.
The IFTA license costs $10. A copy of this license must be carried in each
vehicle and produced on request. IFTA decals are required to be displayed on the
exterior of the power unit, one on each side. IFTA decals are 50 cents for a set of
two.
38
Vehicles based in non-IFTA jurisdictions
Vehicles based in non-IFTA jurisdictions need to comply with one of the
following.
1. Enter Iowa with 30 gallons or less of motor vehicle fuel in the supply
tanks of the vehicle and purchase fuel as the vehicle travels through the
state will need to display evidence of adequate fuel purchases for
inspection by law enforcement personnel.
2. Purchase a $20 temporary fuel permit. The permit is valid for one trip
or 72 hours, whichever comes rst. Upon departure from the state, a
new permit is required before re-entering.
Border states agreement
Minnesota and Wisconsin each have an agreement with Iowa to allow IFTA
qualied vehicles to operate within 30 miles of the state border without a fuel
license or decal.
Nebraska and Iowa have an agreement to allow IFTA-qualied vehicles to
operate without fuel license or decal within the Nebraska cities of Bellevue,
Dakota City, South Sioux City; and the Iowa cities of Carter Lake, Port Neal,
Sioux City. An additional agreement allows travel between Nebraska City, Neb.,
and Hamburg, Iowa, with travel restricted in Iowa from the Nebraska state line
to Hamburg on highways 2, 275 and 333. The IFTA border commercial zone
agreement between Omaha and Council Blus extends ve miles beyond the
corporate city limits.
Missouri and Iowa have an agreement to allow IFTA-qualied farm and ranch
vehicles operated by private carriers, and school buses to operate within 30
miles of the state border without a fuel license or decal. This agreement does not
apply to for-hire carrier vehicles.
39
Unied Carrier Registration Agreement
The Unied Carrier Registration Agreement (UCRA) requires all for-hire
motor carriers transporting property or passengers and motor private carriers
transporting property to register with the USDOT as well as brokers, freight
forwarders, and leasing companies to pay UCR fees. For more information on
UCRA please visit www.ucr.in.gov.
A motor carrier must register with UCRA if they operate a self-propelled or
towed vehicle on the highways in commerce, if the vehicle meets one of the
following conditions.
• Has a gross vehicle weight rating or gross vehicle weight of at least
10,001 pounds, whichever is greater.
• Is designed to transport more than 10 passengers including the driver.
• Is transporting U.S. DOT-regulated hazardous material in a quantity
requiring placarding.
Other business entities also required to register with UCRA are:
• A freight forwarder.
• A freight broker.
• A commercial vehicle leasing company.
Applicants must le online by visiting the UCRA national registration site,
(NRS) website at: www.ucr.gov. There is an administrative fee charged for
registration through this website, which can be paid by electronic check or credit
card. Credentials for UCR are NOT required to be carried.
Unied Registration System (URS)
Federal rule making created the URS system to replace certain existing federal
systems with a single, online, federal system.
Fees: All new applications for USDOT Numbers and operating authority will
be $300 each. For example, if the applicant registers for a USDOT No., and
registers as both a motor carrier and a broker, the fee will be $300 each, or $900
total. USDOT numbers for INTRASTATE carriers will remain at no charge.
40
Travel authority
Any person or business that provides transportation for-hire in Iowa must obtain
proper travel authority permits from Iowa and/or the Federal Motor Carrier
Safety Administration.
Separate travel authority permits are required for interstate and intrastate
for-hire transportation. Trucks transporting both interstate and intrastate cargo
for-hire will need both permits. Travel authority must be obtained and/or
registered with the Iowa DOT’s Vehicle & Motor Carrier Services
prior to starting for-hire operations.
A for-hire motor carrier is a person or business that provides transportation of
persons or property in exchange for any form of compensation or payment.
A private motor carrier is a person or business that provides transportation of
persons or property that is either used or produced by the carrier or business that
operates the vehicle.
Interstate commerce is transporting persons or property across a state line,
including international boundaries, or wholly within one state as part of a
through movement that originates or terminates in another state or country.
Intrastate commerce exists when the vehicle or cargo has not and will not
travel across state lines into or through another state.
If you have questions about for-hire or private carriage, contact the Iowa DOT’s
Vehicle & Motor Carrier Services at 515-237-3268, emai:l [email protected].
41
Interstate authority
Interstate for-hire transportation is divided into two categories: interstate
regulated and interstate exempt.
Interstate regulated: Authority to transport interstate regulated products for
hire, such as manufactured and processed goods, is granted by the Federal Motor
Carrier Safety Administration.
To obtain interstate regulated travel authority, contact:
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration
1200 New Jersey Ave. SE
Washington, DC 20590
800-832-5660
www.fmcsa.dot.gov
Interstate exempt: Motor carriers transporting nonregulated products for-hire,
such as raw grain, hay and livestock, are not required to obtain interstate travel
authority from FMCSA. Other types of interstate exempt operations include
certain terminal areas, emergency towing, and farm cooperative transportation.
42
Intrastate authority
Carriers who transport persons or property for-hire from one point in Iowa to
another point in Iowa need intrastate travel authority.
Intrastate for-hire transportation is divided into two dierent categories,
depending on the type of service provided.
Motor carrier permits are issued to intrastate for-hire carriers transporting one
or more of the following categories.
• Household goods
• Liquid (nondairy)
• Liquid dairy
• Property (other freight)
Temporary permits are issued to Liquid (nondairy) carriers prior to attending the
required Safety Education Seminar. Upon completion of the course within six
months of application the Liquid (nondairy) carrier will receive a non-expiring
permit.
Motor carrier certicates are issued to intrastate for-hire carriers transporting
passengers in regular route and/or charter operations. Temporary permits are
issued to carriers transporting sixteen or more persons including the driver until
the carrier completes the required safety education seminar. The carrier is
required to complete the class within six months of application.
The proper travel authority must be obtained before starting for-hire operations.
A copy of the permit or certicate must be carried in each vehicle operating
under the carrier’s travel authority. Intrastate credentials are nonexpiring.
The motor carrier must maintain the required levels of insurance on le with the
Iowa DOT’s Vehicle & Motor Carrier Services. Failure to maintain
the required levels of insurance will result in suspension or revocation of the
permit or certicate.
To obtain intrastate travel authority a completed Iowa application for Intrastate
Motor Carrier Permit/Certicate, payment, a Form E (proof of insurance), Tari
(household goods carriers only), and Financial Statement (motor carrier of liquid
(nondairy) and regular route passenger operations only) needs to be submitted
to:
Iowa Department of Transportation
Vehicle & Motor Carrier Services
P.O. Box 10382
Des Moines, IA 50306-9204
515-237-3268
Fax: 515-237-3225
Email: [email protected]
43
Private carriers
Private carrier: A private carrier transports persons or property in support
of a business that is not related to transportation. Private carriers may not
transport persons or property for compensation or any form of payment. The
transportation of tools and equipment by a contractor, store inventory by a
retailer, food or beverage route sales, and employees by an employer could all
be examples of private carriage.
Private carriers may operate in either interstate or intrastate commerce, or
both.
Examples of private carriage
Example: XYZ company manufactures a product at its factory and transports
this product by truck to its distributors. On the return trip, XYZ transports
raw materials back to its factory to use in its manufacturing process. The
transportation of the nished product and raw materials are both considered
private carriage by XYZ.
Example: A farmer transports grain or livestock produced on the farm to the
market; or feed, seed or supplies used in the farm operation back to the farm.
Transportation of these commodities by the farmer is considered private
carriage.
Example: ABC company mines and crushes rock at their quarry.
Transportation of the rock on ABC’s trucks would be private carriage
because ABC mines and processes the rock.
44
Authority application
FMCSA motor carrier authority
required
Unied Carrier Registration
and fee payment required
INForm E insurance LPD
USDOT number displayed on
vehicle
Form H insurance (cargo) must be
maintained, no proof required
Safety certication
Safety education seminar $200
16 or more passengers
Tari (household goods only)
Financial statement
Authority chart
Regulated for-hire
Exempt for-hire
Private
Household goods
Liquid (nondairy)
Liquid dairy
Property (other freight)
Passenger – regular
Passenger – charter
Interstate Intrastate
45
Interstate vehicle markings
All commercial vehicles used in interstate commerce must be marked with the
operating motor carrier’s name and USDOT number. The carrier is not required
to mark the city and state of their principle place of business, but may do so
if desired. Interstate marking requirements apply to both for-hire and private
carriers.
If a vehicle displays more than one carrier name and/or USDOT number, the
motor carrier responsible for the operation of the vehicle must be identied
by the words “Operated By” preceding the name and USDOT number of the
operating carrier.
The markings on the vehicle must be located on both sides of the power unit,
be in a contrasting color, and be legible during daylight hours from 50 feet
with the vehicle stationary. MC/ICC (Motor carrier/Interstate Commerce
Commission) numbers may be displayed in addition to the USDOT number, but
are not required. USDOT numbers for interstate carriers must be obtained from
the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s oce in the state where the
carrier is based.
Intrastate vehicle markings
For-hire
Vehicles operating for-hire in intrastate commerce are required to mark the
power unit with the operating motor carrier’s name and USDOT number.
Carriers that operate only in Iowa in intrastate commerce and never operate
interstate must also include the letters “IA” following the USDOT number. A
carrier operating in both interstate and intrastate commerce must not include the
letters “IA” following the USDOT number. USDOT numbers for intrastate for-
hire carriers must be obtained from the Iowa DOT’s Vehicle and Motor Carrier
Services.
Private
The Iowa DOT’s Motor Vehicle Enforcement is not requesting or requiring
intrastate private carriers to obtain a USDOT number. No warnings or citations
will be issued for intrastate private carriers not displaying a USDOT number.
Motor Vehicle Enforcement will continue to work with intrastate private carriers
to help them better understand the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations
that currently apply to them so they can be safer and compliant. Motor Vehicle
Enforcement will continue to work with other advocates to assist with this
information.
46
Liability insurance
All interstate carriers, private and for-hire, must register with the Federal Motor
Carrier Safety Administration’s Unied Carrier Registration System (UCRS).
Interstate carriers are not issued vehicle credentials under UCRS and should
carry proof of liability insurance in the vehicle. Vehicles displaying International
Registration Plan registration are not required to display proof of liability
insurance roadside.
Iowa-based intrastate for-hire carriers carrying a current Iowa Motor Carrier
Intrastate Permit or Iowa Motor Carrier Certicate in the vehicle, and making
it available at the request of any peace ocer, will satisfy the requirement for
proof of liability insurance in the vehicle.
Intrastate private carriers must carry proof of liability insurance in the vehicle
and make it available for inspection at the request of any peace ocer.
Failure to provide proof of liability insurance coverage in the vehicle, or
operating with suspended or revoked travel authority, can result in nes, seizure
of registration plates, and possible impoundment of the vehicle.
47
Insurance schedule of limits
Eective Jan. 1, 1998
Minimum
insurance
Commodity transported required
Public liability – for-hire vehicles 10,000 pounds
gross vehicle weight rating and more
1. Property (nonhazardous) - includes tow truck $750,000
operations
2. Hazardous substances, as dened in 49 CFR 171.8, $5,000,000
transported in cargo tanks, portable tanks, or
hopper-type vehicles with capacities in excess of
3,500 water gallons; or in bulk Division 1.1, 1.2 and
1.3 materials, Division 2.3 - Hazard Zone A, or
Division 6.1 - Packing Group I - Hazard Zone A
material; in bulk Division 2.1 or 2.2; or highway
route controlled quantities of a Class 7 material, as
dened in 49 CFR 173.403
3. Oil listed in 49 CFR 172.101, hazardous waste, $1,000,000
hazardous materials and hazardous substances
dened in 49 CFR 171.8 and listed in 49 CFR
172.101, but not mentioned in (2) above or (4)
below
4. Any quantity of Division 1.1, 1.2, or 1.3 material; $5,000,000
any quantity of Division 2.3 - Hazard Zone A
material, or Division 6.1 - Packaging Group I - Hazard
Zone A material; or highway route controlled
quantities of a Class 7 material as dened in 49 CFR
173.403
48
Minimum
insurance
Commodity transported required
Public liability – for-hire vehicles less than
10,000 pounds gross vehicle weight rating
1. Any small freight vehicle less than 10,000 pounds $300,000
gross vehicle weight rating hauling commodities not
subject to 49 CFR 1043.2(b)(2)(d); this includes tow
truck operations
2. Any small freight vehicle less than 10,000 pounds $5,000,000
gross vehicle weight rating hauling any quantity of
Division 1.1, 1.2, or 1.3 material; any quantity of
Division 2.3 - Hazard Zone A material, or Division
6.1 - Packing Group I - Hazard Zone A material; or
highway route controlled quantities of a Class 7
material as dened in 49 CFR 173.403
Public liability – for-hire motor carriers of
passengers
1. Any vehicle with a seating capacity of:
-16 passengers or more. $5,000,000
-15 passengers or less. $1,500,000
Cargo – for-hire motor carriers
Exception: Carriers operating under contracts where the $10,000
contract clearly states who is responsible for the cargo
insurance and proof thereof are exempt from having
cargo insurance.
Carriers hauling commodities of negligible value or not
easily damaged, such as scrap iron, manure, gravel, coal,
etc., are exempt from having cargo insurance.
Motor carriers of passengers are not required to have cargo
insurance.
Note: Cargo insurance must be maintained but not led
with the department.
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Hazardous materials
The Iowa DOT’s Motor Vehicle Enforcement enforces the hazardous materials
regulations for highway transportation.
What is hazardous material? It is a substance or material that has been
determined by the U.S. Secretary of Transportation to be capable of posing an
unreasonable risk to health, safety and property when transported in commerce.
The term also includes hazardous substances, hazardous waste, marine
pollutants, and elevated temperature materials.
The hazardous materials regulations can be found in 49 CFR 100-185. These
regulations cover shipping papers, marking, labeling, placarding, classication,
and bulk and nonbulk packages.
The Transportation of Hazardous Materials Driving and Parking Rules can
be found in 49 CFR 397. The regulations in 49 CFR 397 apply to each carrier
transporting hazardous materials in a commercial motor vehicle requiring
marking or placarding. The hazardous materials regulations apply to anyone who
ships or transports hazardous materials in commerce with several exceptions.
In general, placards are required for any quantity of Table 1 material, 1,001
pounds or more of Table 2 material, or a Table 2 material in a package with a
capacity greater than 119 gallons.
If you have questions, or would like to request training, regarding safe
transportation of hazardous materials, call the Iowa DOT’s Motor Vehicle
Enforcement at 515-237-3214.
Hazmat incident reporting
If a vehicle transporting hazardous material on the highway is involved in an
accident, the carrier or driver must notify the Iowa State Patrol Communications
or a local law enforcement agency. Local law enforcement agencies are in turn
required to notify the Iowa DOT’s Motor Vehicle Enforcement and the Iowa
State Patrol. The Iowa State Patrol emergency phone number is
800-525-5555.
The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) requires notication any
time a hazardous condition is discovered concerning the storage, handling,
transportation or disposal of a hazardous substance. Notication shall be made
to the Iowa DNR and local city or county law enforcement agency as soon as the
hazardous condition is known, but not more than six hours after discovery. The
Iowa DNR phone number to report a spill is 515-281-8694. Carriers must also
comply with the initial notication and written reports required by the U.S. DOT
Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration contained in 49 CFR
171.15 and 171.16. Consult the regulations or contact the U.S. DOT for
50
Accident reporting
Iowa Accident Report
Iowa law requires the driver of a vehicle involved in an accident to le an Iowa
Accident Report form if the accident results in any of these three criteria.
• Personal injury to a person.
• Death of a human being.
• Combined property damage of $1,500 or more.
The report must be led with the Iowa DOT within 72 hours after the accident.
Accident report forms are provided by the Iowa DOT and are available at any
Iowa driver’s license station, participating county treasurer driver’s license
issuance location, or local law enforcement agency. A driver is not required to
submit an accident report to the Iowa DOT if the investigating law enforcement
agency has led a report.
Federal accident recording
An accident involving a commercial vehicle in interstate or intrastate commerce
must also comply with the accident recording requirements of 49 CFR 390 if the
accident resulted in any of the following.
• A fatality.
• Bodily injury to a person who, as a result of the injury, immediately
receives medical treatment away from the scene of the accident.
• One or more motor vehicles incur disabling damage as a result of the
accident, requiring the vehicle to be towed from the scene.
In summary, federal regulations require a motor carrier to maintain an accident
register and accident les.
An accident register is a list of accidents containing:
• Date of accident.
• City and state of occurrence.
• Driver’s name.
• Number of injuries.
• Number of fatalities.
• Whether or not hazardous material cargo was spilled.
An accident le for each accident must contain copies of all accident reports
required by state or governmental entities or insurers.
specic requirements of these rules. Carriers involved in incidents where
hazardous materials, hazardous substances, or hazardous wastes are spilled and
are required to be reported to the U.S. DOT must notify the National Response
Center at 800-424-8802.
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Annual vehicle inspections
Annual inspections
Commercial vehicles must pass a thorough inspection by a qualied inspector
at least once every 12 months. Each vehicle in a combination is considered
a separate vehicle and must pass inspection individually. Proof of a current
annual inspection must be carried or displayed on the truck or trailer. This proof
may be in the form of an inspection decal meeting the requirements of 49 CFR
396.17, or a copy of an inspection report meeting the requirements of 49 CFR
396.21. Either the report form or decal must be produced upon request. Annual
inspections may be performed in-house or at a commercial truck repair facility.
Private intrastate farmers and ranchers operating a Covered Farm Vehicle (CFV)
anywhere in Iowa or private Interstate farmers and ranchers operating a CFV
within 150 air miles of their farm or ranch are not required to have an annual
inspection. See the Agricultural operations section for more information.
Inspector qualications
iowadot.gov/mvd/cdl/roadside-inspections
The State of Iowa does not certify persons to be qualied inspectors. The motor
carrier is responsible to ensure the person performing the annual inspection is a
qualied inspector. Inspectors may be qualied through experience or training,
and knowledge of the regulations as established in 49 CFR 396.19. In addition
to being a qualied inspector, anyone performing maintenance, repair or service
to the brake system of a commercial vehicle must meet the brake inspector
qualications established by 49 CFR 396.25.
Commercial motor vehicle (CMV)
safety requirements
The State of Iowa has adopted the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations for
CMVs and applies those regulations to interstate and intrastate carriers alike.
The Iowa Code also contains statutes regarding the operation and required
equipment on other types of vehicles. The federal equipment standards for
CMVs are found in 49 CFR 393 and Iowa Code 321. The following summaries
of federal and state equipment safety requirements are provided as general
information. Exceptions to rules or additional requirements may be found in
both the federal and state codes and must be applied in some cases. It is the
responsibility of the operator of the vehicle to be informed and comply with all
of the laws and regulations concerning motor vehicles operated on the highway.
Cell phone usage
As of Jan. 3, 2012, operators of a commercial motor vehicle shall not reach
for, dial, or hold the actual mobile telephone in his or her hand while driving or
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sitting in trac. The driver may operate the phone using the hands free mode
that allows the use of a single button to answer or dial from the normal seated
position with the safety belt fastened. A remote button near the drivers control
may also be used. The law does not apply to vehicles on private property while
safely parked. In Iowa this rule applies to both drivers in interstate and intrastate
operations.
Lighting and reectors
Motor trucks, truck-tractors, semitrailers, and any other vehicle meeting the
denition of a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) must meet lighting and
reector requirements as specied in the federal regulations. Consult 49
CFR 393.11 for a detailed table and diagrams of required CMV lighting and
reectors. Additional lighting requirements and specications are found in 49
CFR 393.9-393.25.
Noncommercial vehicles, farm trailers and implements of husbandry must
meet the lighting and reector requirements in the Iowa Code, as specied for
those types of vehicles. These vehicles at minimum, must be maintained with
the lighting and reectors with which they were equipped when manufactured.
Specic lighting requirements for implements of husbandry may be found in
the agricultural operations section of this book. Iowa Code 321.384-321.424
contains the requirements for a noncommercial vehicle, farm trailer, and
implement lighting.
Emergency equipment
Unless excepted, every commercial vehicle must be equipped with emergency
equipment that includes at least the following items.
• Fire extinguisher
-Minimum 5 B:C UL rating
-Minimum 10 B:C UL rating if hazmat commercial motor vehicle
• Warning triangles – three DOT specication triangles
• Electrical fuses – one spare for each size on the vehicle
Towed vehicle drawbars and safety chains
When operated on the highway, every towed vehicle must be attached to the
towing vehicle with a drawbar capable of towing the weight of the towed
vehicle. Towing vehicles with a chain or cable without using a drawbar is unsafe
and illegal.
When required, a safety chain restraining the towed vehicle to the towing
vehicle must be attached to prevent separation in the event of drawbar failure or
disconnection. The chain must have sucient strength to hold the weight of the
towed vehicle.
Any vehicle requiring registration, when towing any other vehicle on the
highway, is required to be equipped and use a safety chain. Pickup trucks
and other passenger vehicles towing any vehicle, including implements of
husbandry, must use a safety chain.
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Brakes and breakaway systems
Motor trucks, truck-tractors, and pickups must be equipped with service brakes
acting on all wheels. Trailers must be equipped with service brakes acting on
all wheels if they have a gross vehicle weight rating or loaded weight of 3,000
pounds or more.
In Iowa, inertial hydraulic surge brakes are authorized for noncommercial
trailer use and also are allowed for commercial use if they meet the conditions
that have been established for interstate commerce, as outlined in the following
paragraph.
Federal regulations authorize the use of inertial surge brake systems on trailers
used in commercial vehicle combinations, provided the following requirements
are met.
Surge brake equipped trailers with a gross vehicle weight rating of 12,000
pounds or less may not exceed 1.75 times the gross vehicle weight rating
of the towing unit.
Surge brake equipped trailers with a gross vehicle weight rating of 12,001
to 20,000 pounds may not exceed 1.25 times the gross vehicle weight
rating of the towing unit.
Trailers with a gross vehicle weight rating in excess of 20,000 pounds
may not be equipped with inertial surge brakes.
Emergency breakaway braking systems are required on trailers that have a gross
vehicle weight rating or loaded weight of 3,000 pounds or more when used as
part of a commercial vehicle combination. Emergency breakaway systems must
be capable of stopping and holding the vehicle for at least 15 minutes.
Limited exceptions to the brake equipment requirements exist at the federal and
state levels. Contact the Iowa DOT’s Motor Vehicle Enforcement at
[email protected] if you have questions regarding the minimum requirements
for your vehicle.
Cargo securement
All cargo transported on commercial motor vehicles must be secured according
to the regulations found in 49 CFR 393.100-393.136. Cargo transported
on noncommercial vehicles and implements of husbandry must be secured
according to Iowa Code 321.460. In general terms, all cargo must be loaded
within or secured on a vehicle in a manner that prevents it from falling, leaking,
spilling, blowing, sifting, or otherwise escaping from the transport vehicle.
Methods of securement may include using an enclosed vehicle with blocking
and bracing, or the use of tie-downs, side kits, covers, and tarpaulins as needed
on open top and atbed vehicles.
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Size in
inches
WLL in pounds
Grade 30
proof coil
Grade 43
high test
Grade 70
transport
Grade 80
alloy
Grade 100
alloy
1/4
1,300 2,600 3,150 3,500 4,300
5/16
1,900 3,900 4,700 4,500 5,700
3/8
2,650 5,400 6,600 7,100 8,800
7/16
3,700 7,200 8,750
1/2
4,500 9,200 11,300 12,000 15,000
5/8
6,900 13,000 15,800 18,100 22,600
Chain mark
examples
Chains that have no markings or markings no longer discernible will
be considered Grade 30 proof coil
Example 1
3 4 7 8 10
Example 2
30 43 70 80 100
Example 3
300 430 700 800 1000
Synthetic Webbing
Width in inches WLL in pounds
1 3/4
1,750
2
2000
3
3000
4
4000
Tables to §393.108 [Working load limits (WLL), chains and
synthetic webbing] The following Chart has been supplied as a
courtesy. For a full listing of approved devices and application
of working load limits please refer to 49CFR 393.106 through
393.108
Alcoholic beverage possession
Possession of any alcoholic beverage, beer, liquor or wine by any person in any
commercial motor vehicle is prohibited.
Radar detectors
Possession of any radar detection device in any commercial motor vehicle is
prohibited.
Radar jamming device
Possession of any radar jamming device in any vehicle is prohibited.
55
Daily vehicle inspections
Pretrip inspections
The driver of a commercial vehicle is required to inspect each truck and/or
trailer prior to use each day to verify the equipment is safe to operate on the
highway. A written inspection report is not required to be completed with a
pretrip inspection.
Daily vehicle inspection reports
At the completion of each work shift, the driver is required to perform a daily
vehicle inspection, including a written report for the carrier (Daily Vehicle
Inspection Report [DVIR]). This daily inspection, sometimes called a “post-
trip,” is the communication link between the driver and the carrier, and the
current driver and the next driver regarding the condition of the equipment.
Defects discovered must be corrected and certication of repair made on the
report. If the defect does not aect safe operation and is not corrected, then a
certication must be made to reect the decision to operate the vehicle.
If no vehicle defects are noted during the post-trip inspection the report form
does not have to be completed.
Carriers must retain the original DVIR and certication for a period of three
months from the date it was completed.
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Hours of service/Logbooks
Drivers of commercial vehicles are subject to driving time limits provided in 49
CFR 395, unless granted an exception or modication by federal or state law. In
2004, federal rules for drivers of property carrying vehicles changed while the
rules for drivers of passenger carrying vehicles remained unchanged.
As of Dec. 18, 2017, all drivers of commercial vehicles who are subject to hours
of service requirements in 49 CFR part 395 must comply with the electronic
logging device (ELD) mandate, unless specically excepted.
Who must comply
• The ELD rule applies to most motor carriers and drivers who are
currently required to maintain records of duty status (RODS) per Part
395, 49 CFR 395.8(a). The rule applies to commercial buses as well as
trucks, and to Canada- and Mexico-domiciled drivers.
The ELD rule allows limited exceptions to the ELD mandate
Additionally, the following drivers are not required to use ELDs; however, they
are still bound by the RODS requirements in 49 CFR 395 and must prepare logs
on paper, using an Automatic On-Board Recording Device (AOBRD), or with a
logging software program when required
• Drivers who use the time card exception
• Drivers who keep RODS no more than 8 days during any 30-day period
• Drivers who conduct drive-away-tow-away operations, where the
vehicle being driven is the commodity being delivered, or the vehicle
being transported is a motor home or a recreation vehicle trailer with one
or more sets of wheels on the surface of the roadway
• Drivers of vehicles manufactured before model year 2000
Where do I go to nd if a ELD is registered?
https://csa.fmcsa.dot.gov/ELD/List
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Property carrier hours of service rules
1. After a 10-hour rest break, a driver shall not drive more than 11 hours.
2. After a 10-hour rest break, a driver shall not drive after 14 consecutive
hours of on-duty time.
3. A driver shall not drive after completing 60 hours on-duty time in seven
consecutive days, or 70 hours on duty in eight consecutive days.
4. A driver shall not drive after being on duty and/or driving for more than 8
hours since a break of at least ½ hour in length.
Passenger carrier hour of service rules
1. After an eight-hour rest break, a driver shall not drive more than 10 hours.
2. After an eight-hour rest break, a driver shall not drive after 15 hours of
on-duty time.
3. A driver shall not drive after completing 60 hours on-duty time in seven
consecutive days, or 70 hours on duty in eight consecutive days.
4. A driver shall not drive after being on duty and/or driving for more than 8
hours since a break of at least ½ hour in length.
Unless excepted by rule, drivers must have a logbook that is current to the last
change of duty status in their possession when on duty and make the logbook
available for inspection by any law enforcement ocer.
For-hire passenger carriers operating in Iowa who are transporting passengers in
vehicles with a seating capacity of seven or more persons, including the driver,
must comply with hours of service regulations the same as prescribed for larger
commercial passenger carrying vehicles.
A driver of a motor vehicle operated for hire which is designed to transport
seven or more persons but fewer than sixteen persons including the driver and
is used to transport railroad workers to or from their places of employment or
during the course of their employment is subject to the passenger carrier hour of
service rules listed above. The driver shall not accept a call for service from the
driver’s employer during a period of uninterrupted rest.
Numerous exceptions and exemptions to hours of service and record keeping
exist at both the federal and state level. Contact the Federal Motor Carrier
Safety Administration for information regarding federal exceptions, and the
Iowa DOT’s Motor Vehicle Enforcement at [email protected] for intrastate
exceptions.
150 air-mile radius exception
The most commonly claimed exception to maintaining a logbook in the truck
is the 150 air-mile radius exception found in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety
Regulations. Drivers of commercial motor vehicles (CMV’s) requiring a
CDL may claim exception from logbooks in the vehicle if they meet all of the
following criteria. Because this is a federal exception, it may be used intrastate
or interstate. All of the following conditions must be met to claim this exception.
1. Operate within a 150 air-mile radius of the work reporting location.
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2. Return to the work reporting location and be released within 14 hours.
3. Not drive more than 11 hours.
4. Obtain 10 hours o duty before returning to work.
5. Maintain accurate time records at the place of business for six months.
The time records must show:
• Time reported to work.
• Time released from work.
• Total time worked each day.
• Total time for seven prior days.
150 air-mile radius exception
Drivers of property-carrying commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) between 10,001
pounds and 26,000 pounds, not requiring a commercial driver’s license may claim
exception from logbooks in the vehicle if they meet all of the following criteria.
• Operates within a 150 air-mile radius of the normal work reporting
location.
• Driver returns to the normal work reporting location at the end of duty.
• Driver has at least 10 consecutive hours o duty between each on-duty
period.
• Driver does not drive more than 11 hours following 10 consecutive hours
o duty.
• Driver does not drive after the 14th hour of coming on duty on ve of any
seven consecutive days.
• Driver does not drive after the 16th hour of coming on duty on two of any
seven consecutive days.
• Driver does not drive after having been on duty for 60 hours in seven
consecutive days if the employing motor carrier does not operate
CMVs every day of the week.
• Driver does not drive after having been on duty for 70 hours in eight
consecutive days if the employing motor carrier operates CMVs every day
of the week.
• The motor carrier that employs the driver maintains and retains for a
period of six months accurate and true time records showing the time the
driver reports to duty each day, total number of hours the driver is on
duty each day, time the driver is released from duty each day and total
time for the preceding seven days.
150 air-mile radius exception, Agricultural Commodity
• Drivers operating under this exception are not required to record
their record of duty within 150 air miles of the source of the agricultural
commodity and exempt from part 395.
• The commodity must maintain its original form no processed
• 150 air-mile radius starts at the rst loading point, although multiple
loading points are allowed.
• A driver operating beyond the 150 air-mile radius of the rst loading point
loses the exemption must complies with hours of service as applicable
in 49 CFR part 395.
o Exemption subject to change and current as of 06-28-18
59
Passenger carrier requirements
The following requirements for passenger carriers are a basic overview and are
not intended to cover all requirements. For additional information, see Contacts
below.
For-hire passenger carriers
All vehicles used to transport passengers for compensation are considered for-
hire passenger carriers, including taxicab services with a seating capacity of less
than seven passengers and not operating on a regular route between specied
points. Proper travel authority must be obtained from the Iowa Department
of Transportation’s Vehicle & Motor Carrier Services, and the Federal Motor
Carrier Safety Administration for interstate travel authority.
Intra-city operations of passenger carrying vehicles
All vehicles whose services are licensed in a municipality are not subject to
travel authority, unless operated outside of their licensed area. This means
they can only operate within the geographical city limits they have received
permission to do so. If they operate from the city to a neighboring city, or
outside the city or jurisdiction they are not licensed for, then, they must obtain
authority from the Iowa Department of Transportation’s Vehicle & Motor
Carrier Services in the form of an “Iowa Motor Carrier Certicate,” including
taxicab services with a seating capacity of less than seven passengers and not
operating on a regular route between specied points.
Interstate Travel Authority
If you carry passenger’s for-hire and travel to another state with seating capacity
of less than seven passengers, no authority is needed. If you travel to another
state with seating capacity for seven or more passengers you must le for
Unied Carrier Registration and you must obtain interstate travel authority and a
“MC” number from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.
This process includes a $300 application fee with name, address, tax
identication number for passenger service, USDOT Number (if not obtained
yet, they will provide now), le form BOC-3, this is for the process agent ($35-
$75 fee). This is obtainable in 16-20 weeks.
Intrastate travel authority
This process requires a $150 Application fee with name, address, tax
identication number for passenger service, USDOT Number and if 15
passengers or more attending a $200 safety seminar class (with up to 6 months
to attend). Under 15 passengers needs no seminar. Form E insurance verication
forwarded to Iowa DOT for processing.
Transportation Network Companies (TNCs)
TNCs are required to obtain a Transportation Network Company permit from
the Iowa DOT, which is valid for one year. Compliance with the terms of the
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permit and payment of fees are both required. An application and all supporting
documents and fees must be submitted to the Vehicle and Motor Carrier
Services.
Application, documentation, and permit questions should be directed to
515-237-3268 or online at [email protected]
Drivers License Requirements (for hire)
Drivers must have one of the following class licenses.
Class B licenses (CDL) for vehicles with a GVWR or gross vehicle weight,
whichever is greater, of 26,001 pounds or more
Class C licenses (CDL) for vehicles with a GVWR and a gross vehicle weight
of 26,000 or less
An endorsement “P” is required on CDL licenses if the vehicle has a seating
capacity of 16 or more persons, including the driver
• 15 PEOPLE aboard a bus = no endorsement
• 16 PEOPLE aboard a bus = “P” endorsement
Class D chaueurs license (non-CDL) for vehicles that carry 15 or fewer
passengers, including the driver for-hire.
Safety requirements
For-hire passenger carrier vehicles must comply with all Federal Motor Carrier
Safety Regulations and 49 CFR safety regulations. These are the requirements
for drivers licensing, medical qualications, driver requirements, parts and
accessories of the vehicle, records of duty status, and hazardous materials
regulations (if applicable).
Registration requirements
For-hire passenger carrier vehicles must be registered for empty weight plus 150
pounds per seating capacity at a minimum or gross weight, whichever is more.
Insurance requirements
Public liability insurance requirements of for-hire motor carriers of passengers
are:
• $1,500,000 – 15 passengers or less.
• $5,000,000 – 16 passengers or more.
Private Passenger carrying vehicles for personal or business use
Private buses for personal use
Personal use example could be Mom and Dad taking their kids camping, or
a couple of friends who use the bus to go shing twice a year. Non business
expenses not tax deductible. Vehicle must conform to all Iowa laws (code 321)
pertaining to motor vehicle safety.
Driver’s License requirements for private business or personal use
Drivers must have one of the following class licenses.
Class B licenses (CDL) for vehicles with a GVWR or gross vehicle weight,
61
whichever is greater, of 26,001 pounds or more
Class C licenses (CDL) for vehicles with a GVWR and a gross vehicle weight
of 26,000 or less
An endorsement “P” is required on CDL licenses if the vehicle has a seating
capacity of 16 or more persons, including the driver
• 15 PEOPLE aboard a bus = no endorsement
• 16 PEOPLE aboard a bus = “P” endorsement
Class D chaueurs license (non-CDL) for vehicles that carry 15 or fewer
passengers, including the driver for-hire.
Safety Requirements for private buses used for business purposes.
Business use example may be a canoe rental establishment that transports
paddlers back up stream when they are done. A handicap home that takes its
residents to an employer that uses them for routinely performed tasks (i.e.
putting nuts and bolts in packages, sorting empty cans for recycling, sorting
papers, packing boxes with advertisements, etc.
For private business use, vehicles must comply with all Federal Motor Carrier
Safety Regulations and 49 CFR safety regulations.
Registration requirements
All passenger carrying vehicles over 10 passengers must be registered for empty
weight plus 150 pounds per seating capacity at a minimum or “gross weight”,
whichever is more.
Buses converted into a motor home
Buses converted into motor homes for other than family or personal use must
follow private or for-hire requirements below
A bus converted into a motor home is a motor vehicle designed as an integral
unit to be used as a conveyance upon public streets and highways and used as
a temporary or recreational dwelling. It must have at least four of the following
requirements, two of which shall be systems specied in items 1, 4 or 5 below.
These items shall also meet American National Standards Institute and National
Fire Protection Association standards in eect on the date of manufacture.
1. Permanently installed cooking facilities
2. Permanently installed ice box or mechanical refrigerator
3. Permanently installed potable water supply, including plumbing and a sink
with faucet either self-contained or connections for an external source,
or both.
4. Permanently installed self-contained toilet or toilet connected to a
plumbing system with connection for external water disposal, or both.
5. Permanently installed heating or air conditioning system, or both, separate
from the vehicle engine or the vehicle engine’s electrical system.
6. A one-hundred-ten (110) to one-hundred-fteen (115) volt alternating
current electrical system separate from the vehicle engine’s electrical
system with its own power supply or a connection for an external source
(or both), or a liqueed petroleum system.
62
Drivers License requirement
Drivers of buses converted into motor homes for family or personal use must
have a valid operator’s license. Vehicles must conform to all Iowa laws (code
321) pertaining to motor vehicle safety.
Open container law
According to Iowa Code 321.284 – Open Containers in Motor Vehicles, a
passenger in a motor vehicle upon a public street or highway shall not possess
in the passenger area of the motor vehicle an open or unsealed bottle, can, jar or
other receptacle containing an alcoholic beverage.
“Passenger area” means the area of a motor vehicle designed to seat the driver
and passengers while the motor vehicle is in operation and any area that is
readily accessible to the driver or a passenger while in their seating positions,
including the glove compartment. An open or unsealed receptacle containing
an alcoholic beverage may be transported in the trunk of the motor vehicle. An
unsealed receptacle containing an alcoholic beverage may be transported behind
the last upright seat of the motor vehicle if the motor vehicle does not have a
trunk.
This section does not apply to a passenger being transported in a motor vehicle
designed, maintained or used primarily for the transportation of persons for
compensation, or a passenger being transported in the living quarters of a motor home,
manufactured or mobile home, towable recreational vehicle or fth-wheel towable
recreational vehicle.
Private Buses are not allowed to have open containers of alcohol.
Driver qualication/medical cards
Motor carriers must establish that drivers of commercial vehicles meet the
qualication standards as provided in 49 CFR 391, unless excepted by federal or
state law.
Items required to be maintained at the principle place of business are:
• Driver qualication le items include:
-Application for employment.
-Previous employer inquiries.
-MVR-driver’s record.
-Annual list of trac violations.
-Annual review of driver’s records.
-Road test and certicate.
-Copy of the medical examiner’s certicate.
-Skill performance evaluation (waiver, if required).
-Entry-level training records (if required).
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Agricultural operations
Implements of husbandry
An implement of husbandry is a vehicle or special mobile equipment designed
or reconstructed for agricultural purposes and used exclusively in an agricultural
operation. Implements of husbandry may be self-propelled or towed vehicles.
Motor trucks, truck-tractors, pickups, farm trailers, and semitrailers are not
implements of husbandry, except for some self-propelled ag-lime and fertilizer
spreaders and semitrailers that are reconstructed and used exclusively for
agricultural purposes. The vehicles on the following list are considered to be
implements of husbandry. This list should not be considered to exclude other
vehicles that may also meet the denition.
• Combines
• Farm tractors, wheeled or tracked
• Fertilizer and chemical applicators
• Fence-line feeders
• Grain carts
• Gravity-ow grain wagons
• Tank wagons
Maximum speed for implements of husbandry
All self-propelled implements of husbandry must be operated on public
highways at speeds 35 mph or less. Failure to operate at 35 mph or less will
result in the loss of all implement of husbandry exemptions and may lead to
signicant penalties. Towed implements of husbandry are not restricted to 35
• Secured access le items include:
-Controlled substance testing records (if required).
-Safety performance history records (if required).
• Items required to be carried with driver include:
-Valid driver’s license for class of vehicle operated.
-Medical examiner’s certicate.
-Skill performance evaluation (waiver, if required).
Numerous exceptions and exemptions to qualication issues and record keeping
exist at both the federal and state levels. Contact the Federal Motor Carrier
Safety Administration for information regarding driver qualication, and
record keeping rules and exceptions. Contact the Iowa DOT’s Motor Vehicle
Enforcement at [email protected] for intrastate exceptions.
64
mph, but must be operated safely at or below posted speed limits and must
comply with any speed ratings or restrictions on the implement tires, if so
marked.
Slow-moving vehicle signs
Every farm tractor, farm tractor towing equipment, self-propelled implement,
or special mobile equipment operated on the highway at speeds 35 mph or less
must be equipped and properly display a reective slow-moving vehicle sign
that meets the American Society of Agricultural Engineers standards. The sign
must be visible to the rear of the implement or combination at all times, day or
night. When towed implements of husbandry are operated at speeds greater than
35 mph, the sign must be removed or hidden from view.
Implements on roadways
All vehicles operating on public roadways, including implements of husbandry
regardless of width, must yield one-half of the roadway to other trac.
Implement lighting requirements
At all times between sunset and sunrise when operated on a public highway,
self-propelled implements of husbandry shall be equipped with at minimum the
following lighting.
• One lighted white headlamp visible to the front.
• One lighted red tail lamp visible to the rear.
• One lighted amber ashing light visible to the rear.
At all times between sunset and sunrise when operated on a public highway,
towed implements of husbandry shall be equipped with at minimum the
following lighting.
• One lighted red tail lamp visible to the rear, located at the rear of the
rearmost towed implement.
• If the visibility of the lighted amber ashing light on the towing
implement is obstructed to the rear by the towed implement or cargo, an
additional lighted amber ashing light located at the rear of the rearmost
towed implement.
The required lighting devices must be visible from a distance of 500 feet.
Towing implements of husbandry
Any vehicle requiring registration when towing any other vehicle on the
highway, is required to be equipped with and use a drawbar and safety chain.
Pickup trucks and other passenger vehicles towing any vehicle, including
implements of husbandry, must use a drawbar and safety chain.
Implements of husbandry towing other implements of husbandry on the highway
must use a drawbar but are not required to be equipped with a safety chain,
although their use is strongly recommended.
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Implement brake requirements
Implements of husbandry are not required to be equipped with service brakes
acting on all wheels, but must have adequate brakes on the combination to
control the movement and stop the combination of vehicles.
Motor trucks, truck-tractors, and pickups must be equipped with service brakes
on all wheels. If towing an implement of husbandry with a truck or pickup,
the truck or pickup must have brakes adequate to control and stop the entire
combination. Farm trailers, semitrailers, including gooseneck trailers, are not
implements of husbandry and are required to be equipped with service brakes on
all wheels if they have a gross vehicle weight rating or loaded weight of 3,000
pounds or more.
Additional information regarding surge brakes and emergency breakaway
systems may be found in the commercial motor vehicle (CMV) safety
requirements section of this book.
Cargo securement on implements
The cargo securement rules for commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) used in a
farm operation are the same as any other industry that uses a CMV. Implements
of husbandry used in a farm operation are governed by state law, which allows
certain agricultural products transported on implements of husbandry to be
excepted from the cargo securement rules. Products such as hay, straw and grain
are examples of products included in the exception.
Number of implements in combination
Implements of husbandry may be operated in combination with other
implements, such as a farm tractor towing one or two grain wagons.
The maximum number of implements allowed in a combination is three.
Farm trailers
Unlike implements of husbandry that by design have an exclusive agricultural
purpose, farm trailers are designed and could possibly be used for many
purposes, not just agricultural. Bumper-hitch livestock, atbed, and utility
trailers are examples of vehicles that could be considered farm trailers if used
exclusively in a farmer’s agricultural operation. When operated as a farm
trailer, they are not subject to registration. However, farm trailers are subject
to the same lighting, safety and axle weight regulations as registered trailers.
Semitrailers and gooseneck trailers may not be considered a farm trailer and
must be registered. Bumper-hitch livestock, atbed, and utility trailers used
outside the scope of a farmer’s agricultural operation must also be registered.
Reconstructed semitrailers
A semitrailer exclusively used in an agricultural operation may be considered
an implement of husbandry if reconstructed by permanent attachment of a
converter dolly. Reconstructed semitrailers may be pulled by farm tractors and
must meet the lighting requirements for implements, may claim exception from
axle weight limits, and do not need to be registered. Semitrailers connected
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to a detachable converter dolly are not reconstructed and not privileged to the
implement exceptions.
All-terrain vehicles (ATV)
Operation of an ATV on a public highway is allowed if used as an implement
of husbandry in support of an agricultural operation. To be considered an
implement of husbandry when used on a public highway, the ATV and driver
must meet certain requirements. The term public highway includes all of the
area between the property lines, including the traveled portion of the roadway,
shoulders, and ditches. Agricultural ATV operation on a highway must meet all
of the following requirements.
• Must be used incidental to the agricultural purpose of the farm.
• May only be operated between sunrise and sunset.
• The driver must be issued and carry a valid driver’s license.
• Must be operated at speeds of 35 mph or less.
The owner of an ATV who also owns property adjacent to a highway, except for
interstate highways, is allowed to operate the ATV on the highway right of way.
All of the following requirements must be met.
• Only the property owner or a family member may operate the ATV.
• Only applies to highway right-of-ways adjacent to the property owned.
• Does not apply to interstate highways adjacent to property owned.
• May operate in the area from the roadway shoulder to the property line.
• May not operate on the roadway or shoulder.
• The driver must be issued and carry a valid driver’s license.
• Must be operated at speeds of 35 mph or less.
Truck registration
Trucks and truck-tractors may be issued special farm plates if the use of the
vehicle is limited exclusively to the owners farming operation or an exchange
of services with other farmers. Special farm plates may not be used for-hire.
The vehicle registration section of this book has specic information regarding
special farm plates and other registration options.
USDOT numbers for farm operations
Farm operations with a commercial vehicle traveling across state lines
must obtain a USDOT number from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety
Administration’s oce located in their home state. The power unit of any
commercial vehicle or combination of vehicles must be marked with the farm
operation name and USDOT number. The term commercial vehicle includes
single vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating or weight of 10,001 or more
pounds, or combination vehicles (including pickups and trailers) with a gross
combined weight rating or combined weight of 10,001 or more pounds. Farm
operations required to obtain a USDOT number are also required to comply with
Unied Carrier Registration regulations found earlier in this publication.
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MAP 21 Covered Farm Vehicles (CFV)
Under federal rules farmers and ranchers who operate Covered Farm Vehicles
(CFV) are given additional relief from regulations. The federal law denes
covered farm vehicles as vehicles that:
• Are operated by a farm/ranch owner or operator, or an employee or a
family member of the farmer or rancher.
• Transport agricultural commodities, livestock or machinery or supplies to
and from a farm or ranch.
• Are NOT operated for-hire.
• Are NOT transporting hazardous materials in quantities requiring
placarding.
To be considered a covered farm vehicle, MAP-21 requires that the vehicle
be equipped with a special license plate or other designation by the state of
registration that will allow law enforcement personnel to identify the vehicle
as a covered farm vehicle. Pending release of the nal FMCSA rules, Iowa
farm operators have two options for identifying their vehicles as covered farm
vehicles.
1. Register vehicle as a special farm truck
2. Complete a “Designation as Iowa Covered Farm Vehicle” (form 441088).
There is no fee required. The forms can be obtained online at
https://iowadot.seamlessdocs.com/f/CO19111000128744619
• No CDL is required (exemption from 49 CFR § 383).
• No enrollment and testing in a company-based controlled substance and
alcohol testing program are required (exemption from 49 CFR § 382).
• No physical examination and Medical Examiner’s Certicate are needed
(exemption from 49 CFR § 391, subpart E).
• Hours of service regulations do not apply (exemption from 49 CFR § 395).
Covered farm vehicles and their operators are not subject to the inspection,
repair and maintenance provisions of 49 CFR § 396, but must comply with other
FMCSA safety regulations, including the general provisions of 49 CFR § 390,
remaining driver qualication provisions of 49 CFR § 391, driving provisions of
49 CFR § 392, and provisions regarding parts and accessories necessary for safe
operation under 49 CFR § 393.
Covered farm vehicles remain subject to inspection by motor vehicle
enforcement ocers and other law enforcement personnel under these
regulations and under state motor vehicle laws.
The provisions of MAP-21 are not being adopted uniformly or at the same time
by the states. Therefore, if you plan to travel in other states using the covered
farm vehicle exemptions, be sure that you know what regulations apply in those
other states. Presently, Missouri and Minnesota are the only border states that
have agreed to immediately honor the covered farm vehicle exemptions for
Iowa’s farm operators traveling in their states. (Kansas, Wyoming and Colorado
have also indicated that they will honor the covered farm vehicle exemptions
for Iowa farm operators.) Existing reciprocity agreements with Nebraska,
South Dakota and Wisconsin remain in eect. The Iowa DOT will update this
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information as additional states determine and formalize their implementation of
MAP-21.
• Kansas: Transportation Division
785-271-3145
• Nebraska: Nebraska State Patrol, Carrier Enforcement Division
402-471-0105
• Minnesota: Minnesota State Patrol
651-405-6196
• Wisconsin: Motor Carrier Enforcement
608-267-9762
• South Dakota: Motor Carrier Headquarters
605-773-4578
Jeerson Port of Entry
605-356-0124
• Illinois: State Patrol Commercial Vehicles Section
217-782-6267
• Missouri: Missouri State Patrol Commercial Vehicle Enforcement
573-526-6128.
Driver license for farm operations
Implements of husbandry
Drivers of farm tractors and other self-propelled implements of husbandry
operating on a public highway are required to have a valid driver’s license unless
they operate under an exemption that allows them to operate from farm site to
farm site within two miles of the farm. Drivers with a suspended or revoked
driving privilege may not operate farm tractors or self-propelled implements of
husbandry on a public highway. A driver’s license is required if the implement is
not operated farm site to farm site or travels more than two miles from the farm.
Truck weight limits
Trucks and truck-tractor semitrailers used in farming operations are subject to
the same weight limits as other industries. Check the vehicle weight section in
this book for information on how to determine the maximum legal weight limits
for a farm truck.
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Implement of husbandry
highway weight limits
Many types of implements of
husbandry are exempt from axle
weight limits when operated on the
highway. Weight exempt implements
include farm tractors, combines,
gravity-ow grain wagons, tillage equipment, and similar equipment.
Implements not included in the axle weight exemption are:
• Self-propelled ag-lime, fertilizer and chemical applicators.
• Wheeled grain carts, tank wagons and fence-line feeders.
• Tracked grain carts, tank wagons and fence-line feeders.
Check the following sections for specic information on allowed maximum
weights for these types of vehicles. Also, while many implements of husbandry
are exempt from axle weight limits, every driven implement of husbandry must
comply with posted bridge limits where signed.
Self-propelled applicator weight limits
Self-propelled agricultural ag-lime, fertilizer and chemical applicators may be
operated as implements of husbandry, but are subject to weight limits when
operated on any public roadway.
To determine the weight limit applicable, applicators are rst separated into two
groups: nonpermitted and permitted.
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Grain carts, tank wagons and fence-line feeders
Grain cart: A towed vehicle with nonsteerable single or tandem axles designed
to move grain. A gravity-ow grain wagon that has a steerable front axle is not a
grain cart.
Tank wagon: A towed vehicle designed to carry liquid human or animal
excrement. Does not include self-propelled fertilizer applicators.
Fence-line feeder: A self-propelled or towed vehicle used exclusively for the
mixing and dispensing of feed at a bovine feedlot.
Wheeled grain cart, tank
wagon and fence-line feeder
weight limits
Grain carts, tank wagons and fence-line
feeders have highway weight limits that
change seasonally. As of July 1, 2005,
all vehicles of this type, regardless of
date of manufacture, must comply with
the following weight limits.
The season dates and weight limits are:
Feb. 1 – May 31 of each year
• Single axle – 24,000 pounds maximum
• Gross weight – 24,000 pounds multiplied by the number of axles
• Maximum gross weight – up to 96,000 pounds
June 1 each year – Jan. 31 of the following year
• Single axle – 28,000 pounds maximum
• Gross weight – 28,000 pounds multiplied by the number of axles
• Maximum gross weight – up to 96,000 pounds
The weight of the farm tractor towing the implement is not included in the gross
weight limit. Only the axles and gross weight of the grain cart, tank wagon or
fence-line feeder are limited by these rules.
Tracked grain cart, tank wagon and fence-line feeder weight
limits
Tracked grain carts, tank wagons and fence-line feeders must not exceed 96,000
pounds gross weight when operated on a public highway.
When crossing bridges and culverts, tracked grain carts, tank wagons and fence-
line feeders must not exceed the weight limits listed in the following table, even
if the bridge is not posted with a weight limit.
The weight limits for tracked implements on roadways and nonposted bridges
applies to the weight of the tracked implement only, and does not include the
weight of the towing implement.
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Track length is the distance of the track in contact with the roadway measured
on one side of the implement, rounded to the nearest foot.
Track length in feet Maximum weight in pounds
4 34,000
5 34,000
6 34,000
7 34,000
8 42,000
9 42,500
10 45,000
11 46,000
12 47,000
13 48,500
14 49,500
15 50,500
16 51,500
17 54,000
18 55,000
19 56,000
20 57,000
21 58,000
22 59,000
23 60,000
24 61,000
25 62,000
26 63,000
27 64,000
28 65,000
29 66,000
30 67,000
31 68,000
32 69,000
33 70,000
34 71,000
35 72,000
36 73,000
37 74,000
38 75,000
39 76,000
40 77,000
41 78,000
42 79,000
43 80,000
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Driven implements on bridges
When a bridge has a posted weight limit, that
weight limit applies to all vehicles or
combinations, including implements of husbandry
being driven on or attempting to drive on a bridge.
The weight limit on the bridge applies to the gross
weight of the vehicle or combination of vehicles,
not just that portion of the vehicle or combination
that is positioned on the structure while crossing.
Simply stated, all vehicles, including driven and
towed implements of husbandry must comply
with posted bridge weight limits.
Implements of husbandry transported on hauling units that are being taken for
repair are not required to comply with posted bridge weight limits.
Implements and roadway embargoes
The state, counties and cities are authorized to embargo public highways
as needed to protect the roadway from excessive damage due to seasonal
or climatic changes. Weight embargoes must be posted and signed by the
government agency with jurisdiction over the roadway. Driven implements of
husbandry and implements transported on hauling units taken for repair are
excepted from roadway weight embargoes.
Roadway and bridge summary chart
A chart summarizing when dierent types of vehicles, including implements
of husbandry, can legally operate on embargoed roadways and weight limited
bridges is located in the vehicle weight section of this book.
Farm Safety Initiative
For information on agricultural operations and commercial vehicle laws,
visit the Iowa DOT’s Farm Safety Initiative website: www.iowadot.gov/
farmersafety.
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Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT)
ELDT regulations require that all entry-level drivers of
commercial motor vehicles receive training from a provider
listed on FMCSA’s Training Provider Registry.
https://tpr.fmcsa.dot.gov/
ELDT training is required for those seeking to:
• Obtain a Class A or Class B CDL for the rst time;
• Upgrade an existing Class B CDL to a Class A CDL; or
• Obtain a school bus (S), passenger (P), or hazardous materials (H)
endorsement for the rst time.
Individuals who were issued a CDL or an S, P, or H endorsement prior to
February 7, 2022 are not required to complete training for the respective CDL or
endorsement.
If an applicant who obtained a CLP prior to February 7, 2022, and obtains a
CDL before the CLP or renewed CLP expires, the applicant is not subject to the
ELDT requirements.
Any individual who meets one of the exceptions for taking a skills test in 49
CFR Part 383 (https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/regulations/title49/part/383) is also
exempt from the ELDT requirements.
Training and education
The Iowa DOT’s Motor Vehicle Enforcement oers training and educational
opportunities to the motor carrier industry, trade associations, service clubs,
driver education, community colleges, local law enforcement and the public.
Programs cover a wide range of topics from general information about
motor vehicle enforcement, safely sharing the roads with trucks, and specic
regulatory training for motor carriers. Except for a safety education seminar
required for some new for-hire motor carriers, all presentations, training
seminars and workshops are conducted without charge. To request a motor
vehicle enforcement ocer for a presentation or training program, contact the
Iowa DOT’s Motor Vehicle Enforcement at:
Please note: This training does not satisy ELDT requirements.
Iowa Department of Transportation
Motor Vehicle Enforcement
MVE public information ocer
6310 S.E. Convenience Blvd.
Ankeny Iowa, 50021
E-mail: [email protected]
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration
105 Sixth St.
Ames, Iowa 50010-6337
515-233-7400; fax 515-233-7494
www.fmcsa.dot.gov
Motor carrier rating information and proles:
• Safer System: www.safer.fmcsa.dot.gov
• SafeStat: www.ai.volpe.dot.gov
Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance
1101 17th St. NW, Suite 803
Washington, DC 20036
202-775-1623; fax 202-775-1624
www.cvsa.org
If you need information regarding the Federal
Motor Carrier Safety Regulations or Iowa law
pertaining to the operation of commercial
vehicles, contact the Iowa DOT’s Motor Vehicle
Enforcement at [email protected].
Headquarters
Motor Vehicle Enforcement
fax 515-237-3387
www.iowadot.gov/mve
6310 SE Convenience Blvd.
Ankeny, Iowa 50021
PM 884 06/12/2023
