(Atlantic) In July of 2021, legislation in Iowa passed tethering the farm permit to the school permit for 14 and 15-year old drivers. The legislation allows the driver the use of a school permit for farm-related work as long the distance is less than 50-miles from point A to point B.
Iowa State Patrol Trooper and District #4 Public Information Officer Shelby McCreedy, appearing on KSOM’s Trooper Tips program says this legislation has garnered a lot of questions.
Trooper McCreedy says once all of that criterion is satisfied, 14, 15, and even 16-year-olds without an intermediate driver’s license can drive without an adult from 5:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. seven days per week. The stipulation is the permit is used to assist a parent, guardian, or employer with farm-related work, as long as the driving distance from point A to point B is under 50 miles.
Trooper McCreedy says one question often brought up is, if parents are divorced, or there are multiple farm residences for whatever reason can the youth drive between the residences.
Trooper McCreedy fetching lunch during fieldwork is not permitted.
Iowa has a graduated licensing system for young drivers. It starts at age 14 with an “instruction permit” to drive, but only when an adult is in the vehicle. There are also permits for 14 and 15 year olds to drive alone to and from school and school activities. At the age of 16, Iowa teenagers can get an intermediate license to drive without adult supervision.
