IowaIowa law sets minimum light levels for vehicle windows
Iowa law sets minimum light levels for vehicle glass and requires the department to establish a measurable standard for enforcing them.
What it does
Drivers may not use a vehicle on Iowa highways if its windshield lets through less than 70% of light, or nearby side glass lets through less than 50%. The department must set a measurable standard for enforcing these limits.
Argument forThe light limits may make it easier for people outside a vehicle to see through its windshield and nearby side glass.
Argument againstDrivers with darker window film may have to change it to meet the stated light levels, which could cost them money.
More detail
Iowa law bars highway use of vehicles with glass below the stated light levels, and requires the department to set a measurable standard for enforcing the limits. The limits cover front windshields, side windows immediately to the driver's right or left, and forward sidewings on either side. The limits do not apply when someone drives a vehicle owned or leased by a federal, state, or local law enforcement agency as part of official duties. The enrolled text does not state a separate effective date.
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Where it stands
- Introduced
- Passed 1st Chamber
- Passed 2nd Chamber
- To Governor
- Became Law
Looking ahead
No hearings or votes scheduled.
History
- 2026
- May 15Signed by Governor Kim Reynolds.Became Law
- May 6Reported correctly enrolled, signed by Speaker and President, and sent to Governor.To Governor
- Mar 24Message from Senate.
- Mar 23Immediate message.
- Vote recorded Shall the bill pass? Result: pass.Upper
- Mar 23Passed Senate, yeas 31, nays 16.Passed 2nd Chamber
- Feb 11Placed on calendar.
- Feb 11Committee report, recommending passage.Minor
- Feb 4Subcommittee recommends passage.Minor
- Jan 29Subcommittee Meeting: 02/04/2026 11:30AM Senate Lounge.
- Jan 27Subcommittee reassigned: Warme, Townsend, and Zumbach.
- 2025
- Apr 22Explanation of vote.
- Apr 15Explanation of vote.
- Mar 27Subcommittee: Klimesh, Townsend, and Zumbach.
- Mar 26Referred to Transportation.Minor
- Mar 25Read first time, passed on file.Minor
- Vote recorded Shall the bill pass? Result: pass.Lower
- Mar 25Message from House.
- Mar 25Immediate message.
- Mar 25Passed House, yeas 72, nays 25.Passed 1st Chamber
- Mar 25Amendment H-1120 withdrawn.
- Mar 18Amendment H-1120 filed.Minor
- Mar 5Introduced, placed on calendar.Introduced
TransportationPublic Safety