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Iowa bumper hitch law
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3w farms
Posted 9/27/2010 11:23 (#1376032)
Subject: Iowa bumper hitch law


S.E. Iowa
Keep hearing a rummor that you get a ticket if you drive your pickup with a reciever hitch in place and not pulling a trailer. They say you must remove it everytime you disconnect the trailer. Anyone know for sure and who was the idiot that passed this law. How it a reciever hitch more unsafe than any other ball hitch thats permanent
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DaveVR ONT
Posted 9/27/2010 11:25 (#1376037 - in reply to #1376032)
Subject: RE: Iowa bumper hitch law



Chatham Ontario (1 hr east of Detroit)
same here in Ontario I heard 375.00 fine.
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alnciowa
Posted 9/27/2010 11:35 (#1376049 - in reply to #1376032)
Subject: Re: Iowa bumper hitch law


nw/nc iowa on the banks of West Buttrick Creek..
Not a bad law, get tired of the knee busters and hitch that wrecks a bumper when some cowboy backs into you when parked. Same way for bicycle racks, for the cool guys.
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d4dave1
Posted 9/27/2010 11:36 (#1376051 - in reply to #1376032)
Subject: RE: Iowa bumper hitch law



Edson, Alberta, Canada

Yup...same law here in Alberta. ?? $ fine my friend.
Regards,
Dave.

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PaKettle
Posted 9/27/2010 11:37 (#1376053 - in reply to #1376032)
Subject: RE: Iowa bumper hitch law



Lenawee Co Michigan
No law in Michigan that I'm aware of. Probably one of your reps in Iowa walked past a pickup with the hitch in place, didn't see it and skinned his knee, then suggested that type of law.

I'm in the habit of removing it anyway when not in use. Sometimes they disappear from pickups parked in the city.
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caylerman
Posted 9/27/2010 11:42 (#1376055 - in reply to #1376032)
Subject: RE: Iowa bumper hitch law


NW IA
Cops would run out of paper writing tickets for that here in NW IA. Heck, they'd need to put on an additional shift just to write tickets in the Wally World parking lot. Gotta be a pretty gung ho LEO to write a ticket for that.
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Gerald J.
Posted 9/27/2010 11:46 (#1376060 - in reply to #1376032)
Subject: Re: Iowa bumper hitch law



Mine has been there for 6 or 8 years, Won't come out. No tickets yet. I did learn to miss it when walking behind the truck after a few times barking a shin on it.

I don't find anything about removing a removable hitch in the code of Iowa on line chapter 321 which deals with vehicles. Not to say there couldn't be a local ordinance. The hitch does tend to prevent rear impacts on the rear bumper in a collision.

Gerald J.
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MSM
Posted 9/27/2010 12:10 (#1376081 - in reply to #1376060)
Subject: Re: Iowa bumper hitch law


I leave mine in all the time. Has saved alot of damage to the rear of my trucks over the years. Got banged in the rear by a woman driving a Lexus while texting last month, pretty much trashed the front end of her vehicle,bumper,grille,radiator all I got was a small dent in my bumper and alot of her paint on my pintle hitch.
Probably right on some legislator banging his shin.
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Illinois John
Posted 9/27/2010 12:29 (#1376092 - in reply to #1376032)
Subject: In illinois it is not a rumor, it is a fact.


Crawford County, Robinson, Illinois

I learned of that law on this site several years ago.  It is the law in Iowa, according to that thread, and also a law in Illinois that nothing can protrude beyond the bumper of the truck.

I see trucks every day with hitches in the receiver, I believe most are not aware of the law.  It is a good idea, it always bothered me that if I happened to rear-end someone with a hitch it would do a lot of damage to my radiator that might not happen if they did not have the receiver in the hitch.

I always remove my hitch now when I am not pulling a trailer, even for a short run.

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PeteMN
Posted 9/27/2010 12:36 (#1376100 - in reply to #1376032)
Subject: RE: Iowa bumper hitch law


E.Central MN
I guess I could see it if it stuck way out or if the law was actually addressing something that interfered with the bumpers so they couldn't do their job in a very slow impact(although with most of today's vehicles any impact over a few mph will cost a couple grand to fix anyway). Seems like law enforcement officers should have something more important to do.
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kmk
Posted 9/27/2010 12:39 (#1376101 - in reply to #1376092)
Subject: RE: In illinois it is not a rumor, it is a fact.



West Central IL
It is not illegal to leave it in in IL if it sticks out less than 4 inches. Here is the ILSC Law adopted in March of 2009

Statutes Amended In Order of Appearance
625 ILCS 5/12-614 new


Synopsis As Introduced
Amends the Illinois Vehicle Code. Provides that if any portion of a motor vehicle hitch containing a ball mount and hitch receiver extends more than 4 inches beyond the motor vehicle's rear bumper, then the ball mount must be removed from the hitch receiver when the motor vehicle is not being used for towing. Provides that if any portion of a motor vehicle hitch extends more than 4 inches beyond the rear bumper of the motor vehicle and the hitch is composed of a single assembly that cannot be easily removed from the vehicle, then the ball of the hitch must be covered with a red cover. Defines "ball mount", "hitch receiver", and "motor vehicle hitch".
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Land_Surfer
Posted 9/27/2010 12:40 (#1376102 - in reply to #1376092)
Subject: RE: In illinois it is not a rumor, it is a fact.


I got rear ended by a car a year ago that was traveling in excess of 25 mph, and because I had my hitch with 2 5/16" ball in the receiver damage was limited to the bumper only.  If I had not had the bumper in damage would have likely gone well beyond the the bumper and into the body of the bed, etc. , according to my body man.  Needless to say, the hitch went through the car's radiator and damaged its pulley mounts, etc. on the engine.  I am not willing to share the damage with someone who rear ends me if I can prevent it.  Nor, do I believe in reducing the risk of damage to one's car who rear ends me by allowing for slightly more damage to occur to my vehicle.
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ezzard
Posted 9/27/2010 12:52 (#1376105 - in reply to #1376032)
Subject: Re: Iowa bumper hitch law


SE IA
I got rear ended by an old timer a couple years ago at a stop lite. I got out and went to the back of the truck as he backed off of my hitch insisting from his window that he didn't hit me. I looked at my ball hitch then at his broken grill laying on the street and just smiled, told him to have a nice day.
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MOjeeper
Posted 9/27/2010 13:02 (#1376109 - in reply to #1376105)
Subject: Re: Iowa bumper hitch law



NEMO
Guessing it's one of those laws that the insurance companies got passed, so they don't pay out as much in a low speed rearend wreck.
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Mike Shimek
Posted 9/27/2010 13:08 (#1376112 - in reply to #1376032)
Subject: Re: Iowa bumper hitch law



High Springs, Florida
We had a drunk run into the back of our rear mounted tractor forklift once. Forks went right through the firewall!
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Brandon SWIA
Posted 9/27/2010 13:08 (#1376113 - in reply to #1376102)
Subject: Re: Iowa bumper hitch law


I've been on the giving and receiving end of such a situation.
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scott nelsen
Posted 9/27/2010 13:14 (#1376116 - in reply to #1376105)
Subject: Re: Iowa bumper hitch law


Leeds, North Dakota
yep ezzard, had the same happen at mc'donalds one day, guess if he thought get closer to me, he would git his order faster, heard this clunk, reciever right thru radiator, next to drive up, went out passenger door, shaking my head, asked, we will call cops and report said no, said well it a accident, gotta report it, told me no this is my problem, said no, will local cops, manager of mc'donalds come out as folks are waiting, he was not a happy camper, cruiser showed up within a couple minutes, looked, asked me what happened said i was for food heard thump, asked me your meal okay, said great, any problem SIR, nope have a nice day, still lol, scott.
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scott nelsen
Posted 9/27/2010 13:18 (#1376119 - in reply to #1376112)
Subject: Re: Iowa bumper hitch law


Leeds, North Dakota
http://talk.newagtalk.com/forums/thread-view.asp?tid=188120&mid=137... hmmm.
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Land_Surfer
Posted 9/27/2010 13:21 (#1376123 - in reply to #1376113)
Subject: Re: Iowa bumper hitch law


It's better to be on the receiving end with a hitch than not.
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Larry NCKS
Posted 9/27/2010 13:34 (#1376134 - in reply to #1376032)
Subject: RE: Iowa bumper hitch law


Washington, Kansas & Lincoln, Nebraska
Doesn't bother me. I'm with the crowd that normally pulls the ball mount when not towing anyway.
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acfarmer
Posted 9/27/2010 14:01 (#1376153 - in reply to #1376109)
Subject: Re: Iowa bumper hitch law


Revere Missouri very northeast corner.

You could look at that another way. There would be more damage to the idiot that rearended you but none to yours because you left your reciever in. Big claim on one car/none on the truck. Reciever took out, small claim on both vehicles.

I would guess one more way for a state to generate income by writing tickets. 

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shade
Posted 9/27/2010 14:23 (#1376161 - in reply to #1376032)
Subject: Re: Iowa bumper hitch law


NC Kansas
I've though about one of these. I don't pull a trailer very often, but stepping up to reach in the back is getting tougher with these taller pick-ups. I assume it would qualify as "bumper" and not a "hitch"???? Oh, and it you have any $$ at all in your hitch, better have a locking pin.


http://www.realtruck.com/go-rhino-dominator-hitch-step/R141529P1C1T...
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jdflyer
Posted 9/27/2010 14:40 (#1376167 - in reply to #1376032)
Subject: Re: Iowa bumper hitch law


Centralia, MO
Good reminder. MO passed this law about 2 years ago and I haven't gotten used to pulling out my hitch yet. I can see a reason for the rule. About 10 years ago I got rear-ended by a woman and my hitch punched all the through her grill and radiator and screwed the fan up. It might have been almost as bad without the hitch but maybe the radiator and fan would have been saved.
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RockyMtnKng
Posted 9/27/2010 14:44 (#1376168 - in reply to #1376167)
Subject: Re: Iowa bumper hitch law


Manson IA
You got rear ended by someone and you are feeling guilty about the amount of damage done to her car????

The usual cause of being rear ended is by someone not paying attention. Sometimes by traffic or other things. But IMHO who cares how much damage my vehicle does to theirs if they hit me and it was their fault.... Receiver hitch left in is no different than an ag hitch on a pickup...
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Illinois John
Posted 9/27/2010 15:08 (#1376178 - in reply to #1376101)
Subject: RE: In illinois it is not a rumor, it is a fact.


Crawford County, Robinson, Illinois

I have seen very few hitches with balls that are less than 4" from the bumper, but perhaps they exist.  I do know the two hitches I have with different size drops for different trailers are both more than 4" from the surface of the bumper.

We had two older trucks years ago with DMI bumpers with hitches that slid in and out, we slid them in when not pulling wagons.  Now, according to how I read the law, since they did not have balls, we could have left them out.

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JohnW
Posted 9/27/2010 15:14 (#1376182 - in reply to #1376032)
Subject: RE: Iowa bumper hitch law


NW Washington
I can't imagine getting many tickets for a hitch sticking out behind your PU. Cops don't seem to have enough time to bust speeders, red runners and various other idiots let along illegal bumper hitches.
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dvswia
Posted 9/27/2010 15:25 (#1376185 - in reply to #1376182)
Subject: RE: Iowa bumper hitch law


sw corner ia.
ah, but the lowly farmer out here has to pay his dues, you know..
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95h
Posted 9/27/2010 15:32 (#1376189 - in reply to #1376102)
Subject: RE: In illinois it is not a rumor, it is a fact.


Kittitas Co. Wa. State

Thought crossed my mind,, why is it my "responsibility" to share the damage and $$$$$ involved because some dumb arse runs into my rearend ???   Maybe if they were actually paying attention and DIDN'T run into me they wouldn't have that problem of screwing up their car ??

 

..

 

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RockyMtnKng
Posted 9/27/2010 16:18 (#1376207 - in reply to #1376182)
Subject: Re: Iowa bumper hitch law


Manson IA
They seem to have plenty of time to pull me over for tinted windows in a snowstorm while I am running to get feed....
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Oilfarmer
Posted 9/27/2010 17:43 (#1376237 - in reply to #1376060)
Subject: Re: Iowa bumper hitch law


Ravenna Ohio
Mine stay in. Dad and I have been hit 3 times. Never got past hitch and bumper. All 3 were towed. The Escort that hit me was totaled. Hitch marks were on the block. Ohio.
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WBA
Posted 9/27/2010 18:18 (#1376249 - in reply to #1376092)
Subject: Re: Iowa bumper hitch law


NE Illinois
In ILL also old style snowplow frames that stay on truck.
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redgreenandrust
Posted 9/27/2010 18:49 (#1376268 - in reply to #1376207)
Subject: Re: Iowa bumper hitch law


thumb of michigan
from when i used to run a body shop i heard the main reason behind the remove your hitch law was to prevent batteries from getting punctured/shorted out and causing a fire on the car that hit the hitch. i have seen a few fires that we suspected the battery started. the law also is aimed at a hitch that is not only sticking out, but could be over 4 inches lower, which if you pull with a 4x4 would be almost every hitch.
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farmerbroun
Posted 9/27/2010 18:54 (#1376270 - in reply to #1376161)
Subject: Re: Iowa bumper hitch law



www.boltit.com 
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cbiers
Posted 9/27/2010 19:15 (#1376280 - in reply to #1376032)
Subject: RE: Iowa bumper hitch law



Don't know for sure here but until I get caught, I'm running with mine in. I was rear-ended once in my old pickup and if it wasn't in, I would've had some damage to the rear bumper. I've heard of numerous other people that have also experienced this.
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Skipper
Posted 9/27/2010 20:03 (#1376330 - in reply to #1376280)
Subject: Re: Iowa bumper hitch law



Well if its a law in MO. then I may have to extend my rear bumper a few inches! LOL
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Jbatmick
Posted 9/27/2010 20:21 (#1376350 - in reply to #1376032)
Subject: Re: Iowa bumper hitch law



Hastings, Florida
I got stopped here in Florida last week at 5 am one morning,deputy said my hitch made license tag hard to see, and said next time he saw me, hitch better be out. Makes sense, but I have not removed it yet.
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JohnW
Posted 9/27/2010 20:31 (#1376365 - in reply to #1376350)
Subject: Re: Iowa bumper hitch law


NW Washington
The cop was probably looking for drunk drivers. They often use flimsy excuses to stop you so they can check you for alcohol late at night or early in the morning, things like a headlight out, tail light out, not using turn signals, rolling stops are all fair game.
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jdflyer
Posted 9/27/2010 20:32 (#1376366 - in reply to #1376168)
Subject: Re: Iowa bumper hitch law


Centralia, MO
I'm not feeling guilty about anything. I'm commenting on a fact. If I took ten seconds to pull out the hitch and put it in the tool box it would have made a difference in the damage done. But it wasn't the law at the time and now it is.
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2+2, MN
Posted 9/27/2010 20:52 (#1376401 - in reply to #1376053)
Subject: Re: Iowa bumper hitch law


New Ulm, MN
Or get rusted in place. What about then AG bumpers with the drawbar that always sticks out?
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Jim Beam
Posted 9/27/2010 21:05 (#1376424 - in reply to #1376189)
Subject: RE: In illinois it is not a rumor, it is a fact.


Roaming the plains
Had a foreign car try to mate my reciever, fairly low speed but my 6 inch drop hitch peeled thru his hood, grill, & rad. I left without a mark on the PU or even the hitch. Would have rolled my bumper under and probably screwed up the bed sides had I not had it in.
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tater1086
Posted 9/27/2010 23:26 (#1376721 - in reply to #1376032)
Subject: Re: Iowa bumper hitch law


Snipesville, GA
If your that close how much less damage will the rearender get by me loosing my 4 inches of reciever hitch. But I have a homemade bumper made out of 1/4 STEEL and bracing.
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Ron..NE ILL..10/48
Posted 9/28/2010 06:30 (#1376906 - in reply to #1376366)
Subject: Re: Iowa bumper hitch law



Chebanse, IL.....

jdflyer

What IF that hitch protusion does help prevent damage to YOUR vehicle's bumper/tailgate caused by someone else's carelessness? Would you like to have that 10 seconds back, if that's the case?

Also, keep in mind, if you want to comply w/the law, all you need to do is cover that ball with a RED cover. There you go....that should stop potential radiator damage after someone wrecklessly hammers your rear end....right?

I go back to a common sense vs compliance question posed a long time ago. You're driving thru the Mojave desert on the only road known to man. Miles ahead you see a stop sign coming into sight, maybe it's an illusion? You see that there is nothing in this desert but sand, you, a road, and a stop sign. What will YOU do when you reach that stop sign?

Actually, I heard a few yrs back when all this was started re. Reese hitch removals, that the law was written for the purpose of pedestrians walking behind your parked vehicle. This was so the didn't inadvertantly hit their leg on your hitch. Whatever the case is, rest assured the next newest law won't be in favor of the majority  of people. Seems those laws were written a long time ago. Now it's laws to protect only a small minority (not "minorities").

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