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SSB 1162

A bill for an act relating to vehicle registration plates, including registration plate frames and Gadsden flag special registration plates, providing fees, and making appropriations.

2025-2026 Regular Session

Summary of Bill SSB 1162 / SF 488 Purpose and IntentThe purpose of this bill is to establish new rules and fees related to vehicle registration plates and plate frames in Iowa. The

Committee report approving bill, renumbered as SF 488.
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Bill Summary · SSB 1162

Summary of Bill SSB 1162 / SF 488

Purpose and Intent

The purpose of this bill is to establish new rules and fees related to vehicle registration plates and plate frames in Iowa. The bill would create a new Gadsden flag special registration plate option, set fees for plate frames, and make appropriations related to the administration of the state's vehicle registration system.

Key Provisions

The main components of the bill include:

Gadsden Flag Special Registration Plates

  • Establishes a new special "Gadsden flag" vehicle registration plate option for Iowa drivers
  • Requires a one-time $25 fee for the Gadsden flag plate in addition to normal registration fees
  • Specifies that revenue from the Gadsden plate fees will be deposited in the Road Use Tax Fund

Registration Plate Frames

  • Allows Iowa vehicle owners to purchase and use aftermarket registration plate frames
  • Sets a $5 annual fee for using a plate frame, to be collected by county treasurers
  • Directs revenue from plate frame fees to the Road Use Tax Fund

Appropriations

  • Appropriates $200,000 from the Road Use Tax Fund to the Department of Transportation for implementation costs
  • Appropriates $50,000 from the Road Use Tax Fund to the Department of Public Safety for related enforcement activities

Affected Parties

The key groups impacted by this bill would include:

  • Iowa vehicle owners who choose to purchase the new Gadsden flag registration plate or use an aftermarket plate frame
  • County treasurers, who would be responsible for collecting the new plate frame fees
  • The Iowa Departments of Transportation and Public Safety, which would receive funding to implement and enforce the new laws

Timeline and Procedure

  • The bill was introduced in the Iowa Senate on February 19, 2025 and has advanced through the committee process, being renumbered as SF 488.
  • If passed by the legislature and signed into law, the new Gadsden flag plates and plate frame fees would likely take effect within 6-12 months to allow time for implementation.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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