The coronavirus pandemic has led the Iowa Department of Transportation to make a series of concessions for the state's motorists which have never been made before. For starters, DOT spokeswoman Andrea Henry says extensions are being granted for anyone whose driver's license should have been … [Read more...]
Bill seeks study of Interstate rest areas in Iowa
Members of the Iowa House are considering a bill that would launch another study of the 38 Interstate rest areas in Iowa. "The point of the bill is just to take another comprehensive look that hasn't been done for about 30 years as to the rest areas," Representative Brian Lohse of Bondurant says, … [Read more...]
Revival of ‘The Corn State’ license plate proposed
A northern Iowa farmer who's been in the legislature nearly 12 years is proposing a new "corn state" license plate design. Senator Tim Kapucian of Keystone has drafted a bill that would carry out his vision. "It'll say at the top of the plate: 'The Corn State' and then it'll be a white plate with … [Read more...]
Lawmakers make another bid to ban handling a cell phone while driving
A bill to make it illegal for motorists to drive with a smart phone in their hand has emerged in the Iowa legislature again this year. Susan Daemon is a lobbyist with the Iowa Sheriffs and Deputies Association -- a group that's been supporting this move for years. "We appreciate the step that … [Read more...]
Loitering in the left-lane on Iowa highways could cost you
An Iowa Senate Committee has given its approval to new fines for drivers who loiter too long in the left lane on an interstate or four-lane highway. Senator Zach Whiting of Spirit Lake has been given the task of steering the bill through the senate. "I think it is an identifiable problem for a … [Read more...]
Heavy snow spreading across the state
The state DOT's 511 website shows the roads across much of Iowa's southwestern half are completely snow-covered, with blizzard warnings posted for 18 northwest Iowa counties. Visibility is down to a quarter-mile in some areas. Most of Iowa can expect three to six inches of snow by … [Read more...]
Legislators ponder rumble strips, left-lane hogs, backseat belts
Three traffic-related bills have already emerged in the 2020 Iowa legislature. A bill to make seat belt use mandatory for back-seat passengers has cleared a subcommittee in the Iowa Senate. Senator Zach Whiting of Spirit Lake says federal statistics show nearly half of the people killed in motor … [Read more...]
Millions in Volkswagen settlement funds available to replace diesel engines
The Iowa Department of Transportation is accepting applications for funding from the national Volkswagen Settlement. Debra Arp leads the team that is handling the grant paperwork. "Volkswagen came into a settlement with the U.S. Department of Justice and created this trust fund to do … [Read more...]
Iowa DOT message: drunk driving ‘impairs your 2020 vision’
The Iowa DOT's message boards on the state's interstates and highways are displaying a message geared toward the New Year's holiday. This week's digital message on Iowa DOT message boards is this: "Drinking and driving impairs your 2020 vision." The DOT changes the message every Monday, so this … [Read more...]
DOT director resigns at the request of the governor
Iowa Department of Transportation Director Mark Lowe announced today he is resigning on January 10th. A spokesperson tells Radio Iowa that the governor asked Lowe to resign. The Governor's spokesperson released this statement: “Governor Reynolds appreciates Director Mark Lowe’s years of service, … [Read more...]