Appanoose County – Client was stopped by law enforcement for having an auxiliary light bar installed in the front grill of his vehicle. Client was ultimately charged with OWI 2nd Offense. The officer alleged the light bar was illegal because it had multiple led bulbs. Iowa Code section 321.403 states “Any motor vehicle may be equipped with not to exceed three auxiliary driving lamps mounted on the front at a height not less than twelve inches nor more than forty-two inches above the level surface upon which the vehicle stands, and every such auxiliary driving lamp or lamps shall meet the requirements and limitations set forth in this chapter.” After reviewing the Code section, Attorney Scott Michels argued to the County Attorney that this light bar was a single lamp, therefore, not illegal. The County Attorney ultimately agreed to suppress the evidence obtained from the stop and dismiss all charges.
