Iowa Senate OKs Tougher Red Light Law

Tools

By Becky Ogann

Story Created: Feb 8, 2010 at 11:56 AM CST

Story Updated: Feb 8, 2010 at 6:11 PM CST

DES MOINES (AP) - The Iowa Senate has unanimously approved a measure increasing the penalties for motorists who run a red light and injure others in a crash.

The measure passed Monday and now goes to the House.

It was spurred by a 2007 case in which a pickup truck driver ran a red light, then hit and killed a motorcyclist. Under current Iowa law, the pickup driver could only be charged with a traffic citation and fined $35.

The proposal approved by the Senate would increase the fine to $500 and a possible suspension of driving privileges for up to 90 days for drivers who run a red light and cause a crash with serious injuries. The penalty is higher if someone dies, with a fine of up to $1,000 and a 180-day driving suspension.

Next Article Dubuque Group Pushes Prayer at Council Meetings

Conversation Guidelines

Be Kind

Don't use abusive, offensive, threatening, racist, vulgar or sexually-oriented language.
Don't attack someone personally. Keep it civil and be responsible.

Share Knowledge

Be truthful. Share what you know and what you are passionate about.
What more do you want to learn? Keep it simple.

Stay focused

Promote lively and healthy debate. Stay on topic. Ask questions and give feedback on the story's topic.

Report Trouble

Help us maintain a quality comment section by reporting comments that are offensive. If you see a comment that is offensive, or you feel violates our guidelines, simply click on the "x" to the far right of the comment to report it.

read the full guidelines here »

Commenting will be disabled on stories dealing with the following subject matter: Violent crime, sexual abuse, Amber Alerts, Operation Quickfinds and suicides.