Iowa and Minnesota have some new traffic laws in 2024. Here’s what you need to know.
Major changes are coming to the roads of Iowa and Minnesota in 2024—are you ready? Whether you’re a new driver or a seasoned motorcyclist, these new laws will impact your daily commute. From expanded teen driving privileges to the return of traffic cameras and the introduction of motorcycle lane-filtering, we’ve got everything you need to stay informed and stay safe on the road.
TL;DR: The new laws are designed to increase safety while accommodating the evolving needs of drivers in Iowa and Minnesota.
Here’s what you need to know about the new laws in the region and how they might affect you. Start with Iowa or click here to jump to Minnesota’s newest laws.
Iowa’s New Traffic Laws
1. Teen Driving Privileges Expanded (Effective July 1, 2024)
Iowa is giving more freedom to young drivers. The new law expands driving privileges for those with restricted licenses. As of July 2024, teenagers as young as 14.5 years old will be allowed to drive up to 25 miles for work or school-related purposes. Previously, restricted licenses were more limited, primarily allowing young drivers to assist with farm-related work.
Why it matters: While this gives teenagers more independence, it also increases the responsibility on both parents and young drivers to ensure safety. For bikers and motorists alike, expect to see more inexperienced drivers on the road, especially in rural areas where the law may have a significant impact.
2. Traffic Cameras Reintroduced in School Zones
In addition to other safety initiatives, Iowa is stepping up efforts by reintroducing traffic cameras, especially in school zones. Drivers exceeding the speed limit by more than 10 mph will face fines. This law is aimed at reducing speeding in high-risk areas while still ensuring that fines are applied fairly.
What This Means: Whether you’re a motorist or a biker, it’s crucial to stay alert in school zones. With the cameras back in play, fines are more likely if you’re not paying attention to your speed. As always, safety around schools is a priority, and this law aims to protect children from reckless driving.
3. Increased Powers for the Iowa Insurance Commissioner (HF 2263)
Starting in 2024, the Iowa Insurance Commissioner will have expanded authority over insurance producers, particularly those dealing with auto insurance claims. This includes heightened oversight and the ability to enforce stricter regulations to ensure insurance companies are adhering to fair practices.
What this means to you: This law could benefit both bikers and motorists when filing insurance claims after an accident. Insurance companies often look for ways to reduce their financial liability, but with these expanded powers, the Insurance Commissioner will have greater authority to ensure fair practices and protect consumers.
The Biker Lawyers Stand Ready
The new law gives The Biker Lawyers another tool to make sure insurance companies treat our clients fairly. We’ve spent years holding them accountable when they delay claims, undervalue settlements, or fail to pay what is owed. With this added oversight, we’ll be able to press harder to secure the full compensation our clients deserve, ensuring they aren’t shortchanged.
Bottom Line: If you’ve ever been frustrated by slow responses or insufficient offers from insurance companies after an accident, know that The Biker Lawyers will be right there to hold them accountable and protect your rights under this new law.
Minnesota’s New Traffic Laws
1. Stricter Child Passenger Safety Rules (Effective August 1, 2024)
Minnesota is tightening its regulations to protect young passengers. Under the new rules, children under 13 years old must sit in the back seat if possible, and children under 2.5 years old must remain in a rear-facing car seat as long as they fit within the seat’s weight limits.
Why it matters: For parents, this law adds another layer of safety requirements when traveling with children. It’s a reminder to follow the latest guidelines for child safety seats and keep your young passengers in the safest positions within the vehicle.
2. Automated Traffic Cameras for Safety
Starting in 2024, Minnesota is implementing automated traffic cameras in designated areas. These include school zones and construction zones. Similarly to their use in Iowa, the cameras are designed to enforce speed limits in high-risk areas.
How it will impact you: Both motorists and bikers will need to be more cautious in these zones. While the cameras serve an important safety purpose, they will also result in fines for drivers who exceed the speed limits. As always, keeping a careful eye on your speed is key to avoiding penalties.
3. Simplified Driver’s License Tests
In an effort to improve the driver’s license test process, Minnesota has passed a law that requires simplifying the language on the test. This change aims to ensure that drivers understand the rules of the road without being confused by overly complex language.
What This Means: For new drivers, this could make the process of obtaining a driver’s license less intimidating. The simplified tests will focus on understanding essential road safety rules, which could make it easier for everyone to get on the road safely.
4. New Minnesota Lane Filtering Law for Motorcyclists (Effective July 1, 2025)
Motorcycle safety took a huge leap forward in Minnesota with the introduction of a lane filtering law.
Effective July 1, 2025, this law allows motorcyclists to move between slow or stopped cars at a speed no greater than 15 mph above the surrounding traffic, provided they do not exceed 25 mph.
Lane filtering, distinct from lane splitting (which allows for much faster speeds), is seen as a way to reduce rear-end collisions, which are particularly dangerous for motorcyclist.
This law comes with strict penalties for drivers who intentionally block motorcyclists from lane filtering, promoting awareness and respect between car drivers and riders. Lane filtering is expected to enhance biker safety and reduce accidents, particularly in congested areas.
Why it’s a big deal: For bikers, this law provides more flexibility and safety when navigating congested traffic, reducing the likelihood of rear-end collisions.
Lane filtering allows motorcyclists to avoid being stuck in traffic where they are more vulnerable to inattentive drivers. And again, the law also includes penalties for drivers who intentionally block motorcyclists from lane filtering, reinforcing respect on the road.
Our very own Dan Matzdorff explained that part of the reason the law doesn’t go into effect until next year is so that the general public can be properly educated about it.
5. Bonus Regulation Heads-up: Flying Cars
Yes, you read that right. Minnesota joins New Hampshire as one of two states with new “Jetsons Laws” regulating the use of the flying cars of tomorrow.
Let’s be clear as to what exactly a “flying car” is. The new provisions call them “roadable aircraft” and defines them as “any aircraft capable of taking off and landing from a suitable airfield and that is also designed to be operated on a public highway as a motor vehicle.”
Minnesota’s recent regulation regarding flying cars is part of the state’s forward-thinking approach to emerging technologies in transportation. While we may still be years away from seeing flying cars as a common sight in the skies, Minnesota has passed legislation aimed at setting groundwork for their eventual use.
Minnesota’s regulation on flying cars acknowledges that this type of vehicle, while futuristic, will require unique safety standards and infrastructure. The law addresses the need for special permits, safety protocols, and vehicle registration standards. It’s designed to ensure that when flying cars do become available for public use, they will be integrated safely and efficiently into Minnesota’s transportation system.
Impact on Minnesotans:
While flying cars may seem like a distant dream, this law represents Minnesota’s forward-thinking approach to future-proofing transportation infrastructure. As flying cars become more viable, Minnesotans will be ahead of the curve in terms of legal readiness, ensuring safety regulations are in place.
Conclusion
The 2024 updates to traffic laws in Iowa and Minnesota are designed to enhance safety, modernize driving rules, and create a more efficient driving experience for all.
Whether you’re a parent, a teen driver, or a biker, these changes have something to offer. For motorcyclists, the lane filtering law is a game-changer, and for all motorists, increased oversight on insurance practices and the return of traffic cameras are steps towards a safer driving environment.
As always, staying informed and adapting to these new laws is key to ensuring a smooth and safe ride.
And if you find yourself needing help navigating an accident or an insurance claim, remember that The Biker Lawyers are here to protect your rights every step of the way.
Call (319) 294-4424 for a free consultation or click below.