Several laws involving driving will change or go into effect Monday with the start of the state’s new fiscal year. Department of Transportation spokesman Dave Stutz says one change is in the term of driver’s licenses.He says the term of most licenses will be increased to five years. Stutz says longer-term licenses are a nationwide trend.He says giving drivers more time before renewing their licenses won’t compromise safety. He says there won’t be any increase in the cost of the licenses. Stutz says they will be taking a closer look at people who seek an Iowa driver’s license.Stutz says anyone seeking a license for the first time will be required to prove their U-S citizenship — an outgrowth of the September 11th attacks. Stutz says there’s a change in law that could cut the paperwork for people involved in an accident.He says you won’t be required to file your own accident report if the police file a report on your accident. A new law is designed to keep you out of accidents.He says you’re now required to slow down and change lanes if you come upon an emergency or maintenance vehicle at the side of the road. All of the changes begin July 1st.
