GUIDE TO IOWA LAWS
FOR BICYCLISTS
The Iowa Code, Section 321 Motor Vehicles and Law of the Road, contains laws specific to bicyclists and laws for all vehicles operating on the roadway. This section of the Iowa Code also contains laws that do not apply to bicyclists because the nature of the laws does not have application to bicycling or may be specific to motor vehicles. This guide attempts to provide information and general understanding of specific and general laws that pertain to bicyclists in simple language. However, this guide is NOT intended to serve as a precise statement of Iowa statutes concerning the operation of a motor vehicle and should not be considered as such. For further information, check the Code of Iowa, Chapters 321 through 321J, and the Iowa Department of Transportation rules contained in the Iowa Administrative Code. Links to Iowa Code sections in this guide allow users to view the complete language of the law.
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DEFINITIONS Bicycle
Roadway, Highway, and Street
speed of an e-bike when powered by an electric motor is less than 20 miles per hour. (§321.1 [40][c])
improved, designed, or ordinarily used for vehicular travel. Street or highway are interchangeable terms that mean the entire width between property lines of every way or place of whatever nature when any part thereof is open to the use of the public, as a matter of right, for purposes of vehicular (§321.1 [65 & 78])
A bicycle is a mechanical device with two wheels and at least one saddle or seat, and propelled by human power. An e-bike (electric assist bicycle) has two or three wheels which may be pedaled or propelled by an electric motor of less than seven
Vehicle streetcars, and other conveyances either singly or together while using any highway for purposes of travel. (§321.1 [84])
RIGHTS OF BICYCLISTS Bicyclists Have Same Rights & Duties
A person riding a bicycle on the highway has the same rights and duties as the operator of a vehicle, except by nature where the laws do not apply. (§321.234)
not moved by human power, and may be used to transport a person or property on the highway. (§321.1 [90])
Local Bike Laws
Local authorities may regulate the operation of bicycles, including the requirement of a registration fee. However, regulations from local authorities shall not conflict with the provisions of section §321.234. (§321.236) Links to existing local ordinances regulating bicycles may be found at http://iowabicyclecoalition.org/local/
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TRAFFIC SIGNS, SIGNALS, AND MARKINGS YELLOW LIGHT
(§321.256)
RED LIGHT
Bicyclists (and all drivers) shall stop when there is a steady circular red light. A bicyclists may make a right turn on red if the intersection is clear. A bicyclist may also make a left turn from a one-way street to another one-way street. Turns shall be made in a manner that does not interfere with other
Bicyclists (and all drivers) shall prepare to move when there is a steady circular yellow light and should no longer proceed to the intersection. Bicyclists (and all drivers) shall proceed cautiously when there is a flashing yellow light. A flashing yellow arrow light indicates vehicles should turn (§321.257 [B,F-G])
GREEN LIGHT opportunity at either: • the clearly marked stop line; • or before entering the crosswalk; • or before entering the roadway.
enter the roadway unless the pedestrian can safely cross the
Bicyclists (and all drivers) shall stop when there is a flashing circular red light, and after stopping may proceed cautiously. (§321.257 [A,E])
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Bicyclists (and all drivers) may proceed through or turning in the intersection when there is a steady circular green light. Vehicles should yield the right-of-way to other vehicular and (§321.257 [C])
PEDESTRIAN SIGNALS
No pedestrian shall cross the roadway when there is a “steady upraised hand” light. A pedestrian shall not start to cross the roadway when there is an “upraised hand with countdown” light. A pedestrian may cross the roadway when there is a “walking person” light. Drivers of all vehicles shall give pedestrians the right-of-way when a crossing signal is illuminated. (§321.257 [H-J])
CRIMINAL OFFENSES Steering unreasonably close to bicyclists prohibited
A person operating a motor vehicle shall not steer the motor vehicle unreasonably toward a person riding a bicycle on the highway, including the roadway or the portion adjacent to the roadway. (ยง321.281)
Throwing items at bicyclists prohibited
A person shall not intentionally project any object or substance against a person riding a bicycle on the highway. (ยง321.281)
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SPEED AND CONTROL Speed restrictions.
Bicyclists (and all drivers) shall drive at a careful and prudent speed. All operators of vehicles must have due and any other conditions that may affect safety. No person shall drive any vehicle at a speed greater than will permit the person to bring it to a stop within the assured clear distance. A bicycle (or any kind of vehicle) that is not capable of attaining a speed of forty miles per hour shall be prohibited from using the interstate road system. (ยง321.285)
Control of vehicle and reduced speed. (ยง321.288)
A person operating a motor vehicle shall have the vehicle under control at all times. A person operating a motor vehicle shall reduce the speed to a reasonable and proper rate when approaching or passing the following: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.
A person walking on the highway. An animal being led, ridden, or driven on the highway. An intersection, sharp turn, or steep descent. An emergency warning device or when approaching an emergency vehicle flashing light. A slow moving vehicle. A road workzone.
Minimum speed regulations.
A person shall not drive a vehicle at a slow speed so as to * , unless the reduced speed is necessary for safe operation or in compliance with the law. (ยง321.294) *
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(ยง321.1 [84]) on page 2.
DRIVING ON RIGHT SIDE OF ROADWAY – OVERTAKING AND PASSING Driving on right-hand side of roadway.
Meeting and turning to the right.
• •
Overtaking a vehicle.
Bicycles (or any vehicle) shall be driven upon the right half of the roadways, except when:
•
Overtaking another vehicle proceeding in the same direction. There is an obstruction making it necessary to drive to the left of the center of the roadway. (Any person doing
Bicycles (or any vehicles) or persons on horseback meeting each other on the roadway shall yield one-half of the roadway by turning to the right. (§321.298)
the roadway).
The driver of a vehicle overtaking another vehicle proceeding in the same direction shall pass to the left side of the other vehicle and at a safe distance. The passing driver shall not again drive to the right side of the roadway until it is at a safe distance from the other vehicle. (§321.299)
under the same applicable rules.
Overtaking and passing.
• • A bicycle (or any vehicle) proceeding at less than the normal practicable* to the righthand curb or edge of the roadway. An exception of this includes passing another vehicle that is proceeding in the same direction, or preparing for a left turn at an intersection, an alley, private road or driveway. (§321.297)
put into practice or of being done or accomplished, feasible. It does not mean the same as “as close as possible”.
A bicyclist (or other vehicle operators) may pass a driver in the right lane of a road with multiple lanes in the same direction when such movement can be made in safety. The bicyclist (or driver) shall not drive off the pavement or upon the shoulder of the roadway or upon the apron or roadway of an intersecting roadway in overtaking or passing on the right or the left. (§321.302)
Limitations on left side overtaking.
A vehicle shall not be driven to the left side of the center of the roadway in overtaking and passing another vehicle proceeding in the same direction unless the left side is clearly visible (§321.303)
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DRIVING ON RIGHT SIDE OF ROADWAY – OVERTAKING AND PASSING Prohibited passing.
No vehicle shall overtake a bicyclist (or another vehicle) under the following conditions:
Whenever any road has been divided into three or more lanes shall not be moved from such lane until the driver has
•
•
When approaching a curve in the highway where the driver’s view along the highway is obstructed for a distance approximately seven hundred feet. When approaching a narrow bridge, a tunnel, an intersection, or railroad grade crossing.
On a road with a center turn lane, a vehicle (or bicycle) may drive in the center turn lane to turn left or to overtake another
• to the right or a distinctive center line. (§321.304) that merge to form a single lane. (§321.306) shall be driven only to the right of such island in a direction designated by sign. (§321.305)
Following too closely.
The driver of a motor vehicle shall not follow another vehicle more closely than is reasonable and prudent, having and the condition of the highway. (§321.307)
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TURNING AND STARTING, SIGNALS ON STOPPING AND TURNING Turning at intersections.
A right turn shall be made as close as practical to the edge of the roadway. A left turn shall be made in the right half of the roadway nearest to the center line. (§321.311)
Turning on curve or crest of the roadway.
No vehicle shall turn to proceed in the opposite direction upon any curve, or near the crest of a roadway or hill, where such vehicle cannot be seen by the driver of another vehicle (§321.312)
Method of giving hand and arm signals. (§321.318) All hand and arm signals shall be given from the left side of the vehicle in the following manner: • • •
Left turn – Horizontal extension of the hand and arm. Right turn – Upward extension of the hand and arm. Stop or decrease of speed – Downward extension of the hand and arm.
Giving required signal. such movement can be made with reasonable safety. A bicyclist shall give clear, audible signal by sounding the horn to alert pedestrian of such movement. (§321.314)
Giving continuous signal.
A hand turn signal should be given continuously at least 100’ before making a turn to the left on roads with a 45 mph or less speed limit. On roads with more than a 45 mph speed limit, a continuous turn signal should be made 300’ before turning. (§321.315)
Stopping.
No person shall stop or suddenly decrease the speed of a vehicle without giving an appropriate signal. (§321.316)
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RIGHT-OF-WAY Entering intersections from different highways.
When two vehicles enter an intersection from different highways, at approximately the same time, the driver of the vehicle on the left shall yield the right-of-way to the vehicle on the right. (§321.319)
Left turns – yielding.
The driver of a vehicle shall stop as required by this section at the entrance to a highway and shall yield to the right-of-way to other vehicles approaching from the opposite direction which are within the intersection so as to cause an immediate hazard. Having yielded to this, or having giving a signal as required by this section, the driver of such vehicle may make such left turn. (§321.320)
Entering through highways.
A driver of a vehicle shall stop at the entrance to a highway and shall yield the right-of-way to other vehicles which have entered the intersection through such highway as to constitute a hazard. Having yielded to this, the driver may proceed cautiously and with due care enter such highway. (§321.321)
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Vehicles entering stop or yield intersection.
A bicyclist (or any driver) approaching an intersection with line, or before entering the crosswalk, or before entering the intersection, or at the point nearest the intersecting roadway. A bicyclist (or any driver) approaching a yield sign shall reduce the speed to a minimum level if required for safety. opportunity at either stop line, or before entering the crosswalk, or before entering the intersection, or at the point nearest the intersecting roadway. (§321.322)
Moving vehicle backward on the highway.
A person shall not make bicycle (or a vehicle) move in a backward direction on a highway unless the vehicle can be backed with reasonable safety. A person backing shall yield to any approaching vehicle. (§321.323)
RIGHT-OF-WAY Approaching certain stationary vehicles.
Operation on approach of emergency vehicles.
The driver of a motor vehicle approaching a stationary emergency vehicle that is displaying red and blue lights, or a stationary recovery vehicle, a stationary utility maintenance vehicle, a stationary highway maintenance vehicle, or a solid waste collection service vehicle, that is displaying red, amber, or blue lights shall approach the authorized emergency vehicle with due caution and shall proceed in one of the following manners:
Upon the immediate approach of an emergency vehicle displaying red and/or blue lights giving audible signal by siren, whistle, or bell, the bicyclist (or driver of any other vehicle) shall yield and shall immediately move to a position parallel to the right edge of the highway, shall stop and remain in such position until the authorized emergency vehicle has passed, (ยง321.323A)
1.
Upon the approach of a funeral procession, bicyclists shall yield to the right-of-way. (ยง321.324A)
2.
Making a lane change into a non adjacent lane to the authorized emergency vehicle. If making a lane change would be impossible, prohibited by law, or unsafe, the person shall reduce the speed of the motor vehicle to a reasonable and proper speed for the (ยง321.323A)
Funeral processions.
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PEDESTRIANS RIGHT AND DUTIES Pedestrian subject to signals. intersections. (§321.325)
Pedestrians on left.
Pedestrians shall walk on the left side when walking on or along a highway. (§321.326)
Pedestrians right-of-way. of a vehicle shall yield the right-of-way to a pedestrian crossing the roadway within any marked crosswalk or within any unmarked crosswalk at an intersection, except as otherwise provided in this section. (§321.327)
Crossing at other than crosswalk.
Every pedestrian crossing a roadway at any point other than within a crosswalk or within an unmarked crosswalk at an intersection shall yield the right-of-way to all vehicles. Any pedestrian crossing a roadway at a point where a pedestrian tunnel, or overhead pedestrian crossing has been provided signals are in operation at a mid-block or non intersection area, pedestrians shall not cross at any place except in a marked crosswalk. (§321.328)
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Duty of driver – pedestrians crossing the highway.
Every driver shall exercise due care to avoid collision with any pedestrian on any roadway and shall give warning by sounding the horn when necessary and shall exercise due care upon observing any child or any confused or incapacitated person on a roadway. (§321.329)
Use of Crosswalks.
Pedestrians shall use the right half of crosswalks. (§321.330)
SPECIAL STOPS REQUIRED Obedience to signal indicating approach of railroad train or railroad track equipment.
When a bicyclist approaches a railroad grade crossing and warning is given by automatic signal, crossing gates, a flag person, or otherwise the immediate approach of a railroad train, or railroad track equipment, the bicyclist shall stop. Bicyclists should not cross when the crossing gate remains lowered. (§321.341)
Stop at certain railroad crossings – posting warning. The bicyclist approaching a railroad grade crossing across red colored lights shall stop. (§321.342)
STOPPING, STANDING, AND PARKING
Stop before crossing sidewalk – right-of-way.
A bicyclist (or any driver) coming from a private roadway, or driveway shall stop immediately prior to driving onto the sidewalk area. The bicyclist (or driver) shall proceed into the sidewalk area otherwise if the driver can do so without danger
the vehicle is entering. The bicyclist (or driver of a vehicle) which is about to cross a highway from a private road or driveway shall stop immediately prior to driving on such highway. The bicyclist (or driver of a vehicle) shall yield the right-of-way to all vehicles approaching that highway. (§321.353)
Stopping on traveled way.
A person shall not stop, park or leave an attended or unattended bicycle or vehicle upon any highway outside of a business district, rural residence district. (§321.354)
Stopping, standing, or parking.
A bicycle may stop, stand, or park on a sidewalk if not prohibited by a local jurisdiction. (§321.358)
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MISCELLANEOUS RULES Following fire vehicle.
A bicyclist shall not follow any fire vehicle any closer than 500’ or park a bicycle within the block where the fire vehicle has stopped to answer an alarm. (§321.367)
Putting debris on highway.
A person shall not throw or deposit any debris on the highway (Glass, bottle, nails, tacks, wire, cans, trash, garbage, litter, offal and any other rubbish). A person shall not throw any substance that is likely to injure any person, animal, or vehicle upon the highway. (§321.369)
SCHOOL BUSES Discharging pupils and stopping requirements
A bicyclist shall not overtake a school bus when red or amber warning signal lights are flashing and should stop not less than fifteen feet from the school bus. The bicyclist shall remain stopped until the stop arm is retracted and the school bus resumes action. (§321.372)
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SAFETY STANDARDS Movement of unsafe or improperly equipped vehicles.
A bicyclist may not drive, move, or for the owner of the bicycle to cause, or knowingly permit to be driven or used on any highway, any vehicle which is in an unsafe condition as to endanger another person or does not contain necessary parts, or not equipped with lamps and other equipment, or equipped with one or more unsafe tires, or which is equipped in any manner which is in an unsafe condition as to endanger another person. (§321.381)
LIGHTING EQUIPMENT When lighted lamps are required
Every bicyclist using the highway shall have lights at any time from sunset to sunrise, and at the time when fog, snow, sleet, or rain has provide insufficient lighting to reduce vision to less than 500’. (§321.384) Bicycle lights required during the above conditions are a front white light visible from 300’ and a rear red light visible from 300’. A red reflector may be used instead of a rear light. A police officer riding a bicycle is not required to use either front or rear lamps if duty requires. (§321.397)
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CONTACT
MADE POSSIBLE BY
Iowa Bicycle Coalition P.O. Box 5562 Coralville, IA 52241
This guide is made possible by the members and supporters of the Iowa Bicycle Coalition. This organization is a grassroots movement of bicyclists from across Iowa to make bicycling safe and accessible for all. The mission of the Iowa Bicycle Coalition is to promote safe and enjoyable bicycling in Iowa through education, events, better policy, and growing a community of supporters. You can join today at: www.iowabicyclecoalition.org/join.
www.iowabicyclecoalition.org Phone: 515.309.2867 Email: bikeinfo@iowabicyclecoalition.org Twitter: @IowaBicycle Facebook: www.facebook.com/IowaBicycleCoalition