May 29, 2020 Volume 3, Issue 2

We hope all is well and everyone is staying healthy!

We recognize COVID-19 has presented some chal-

lenges. However, we have also found this to be a

time of opportunity. It has given us an opportunity to

identify new ways to improve and enhance our pro-

cesses and procedures, including the way we provide

and conduct training!

What’s New-

The Training Team has acquired a new program. The program is Articulate. It allows us to provide

online, interactive programs with a fresh new look and feel. Articulate allows for multiple modules; as

well as course assessments and surveys, which will allow us to constantly get feedback from all of you

which will help us to constantly enhance and improve future trainings.

Newly Available Online Training and Programs:

Driver’s Privacy and Protection Act (DPPA)

Providing Exceptional Customer Service

2020 Smart Start DRED Online Conference (Third-Party Driver’s Education Only)

DIS New Team Member Training Program

In addition to online modules, we also have some new job aids:

DIS Remote Issuance Processing

DIS 6-Month Extension Processing

VMCS County Accounting

TPA Processing

We would love to hear from you!

If you have requests, ideas or suggestions for training, please do not hesitate to reach out and share

with us at mvd.edandinfo@iowadot.us.

Education & Information

MVD Education and Information

Team

May 2020

Occasional sale of towable RVs by a motor vehicle dealer We frequently have received questions about whether motor vehicle dealers may legally sell a towable RV. After discussion with the Bureau of Investigation and Identity Protection (BIIP) and review of all rel-evant laws, we have determined the following: • A motor vehicle dealer may acquire and sell up to six used towable RVs in a 12-month period, even

without a towable RV dealer license. To “sell” in this context includes displaying, advertising or holding in inventory; it does not refer to just final sales.

• However, if the motor vehicle dealer does not have a towable RV license, then it cannot transact as

a dealer for the sale. This means upon acquisition it must take full title to the vehicle, pay relevant

registration fees and the vehicle is technically not in dealer inventory. The dealer may not affix deal-

er plates to the RV and it may not use the dealer reassignment sections on the title unless it is li-

censed as a towable RV dealer. The motor vehicle dealer is selling a used towable RV just as any

other business might sell a vehicle in a private sale.

Owner-retained vehicles with more than 50% damage When an owner sells or transfers a vehicle that is seven model years old or less, Iowa’s laws require the owner to disclose if the vehicle had any individual incidents in which the retail cost of repair exceeded 50% of the vehicle’s value. However, if an owner experiences such an incident and the vehicle is not transferred, there are no requirements for the owner to make any updates to the vehicle record even if an insurance payout occurs. Here are sample scenarios assuming the current year of 2020: • Owner of a 2015 car sustains more than 50% damage, gets insurance payment for repairs, keeps

vehicle … disclosure not required • Owner of a 2015 car sustains more than 50% damage, gets insurance payment for repairs, then im-

mediately sells the vehicle … damage disclosure required • Owner of a 2015 car sustains more than 50% damage, gets insurance payment for repairs, keeps

vehicle, but then sells it in 2023 … disclosure not required due to model year If an owner volunteers information to the county about damage over 50% while owner-retained, the county may include a sticky note on the vehicle record. However, the sticky note does not substitute for the required damage disclosure when the owner sells or transfers the vehicle and the county cannot require the owner to provide this information.

Vehicle & Motor Carrier Services

Artisan lien affidavit We have been working with BIIP, the Attorney General’s Office and selected counties to help clarify and improve the Artisan Lien process. As part of this effort, we have instituted the Artisan Lien affidavit as an official Iowa DOT form. The primary changes to this form include step-by-step instructions to help the artisan (mechanic or service station) ensure it has followed all of the legal steps necessary to secure and act on the artisan lien. The new Form 411358 is now available at https://iowadot.seamlessgov.com/ and is also referenced in County Manual Section 13. We are continuing to work on updates for related topics including Abandoned Vehicles and liens for Landlords, Self-Service Storage and Storage. Iowa laws for each of these processes is slightly different and we need to very carefully ensure that the forms and processes are accurate and legal.

New PWD parking application As previously announced, we are happy to report that the new Iowa DOT Form 411055 for Persons-with-Disabilities parking is available on https://iowadot.seamlessgov.com/. We are asking counties to help with this launch in two specific ways: • First, when the county processes the application, please fully complete the information in the box at

the upper right. In particular, the “Order Complete” box is very important because this tells Vehicle Services if there is something in the order that still needs to be fulfilled, such as a PWD sticker.

• Second, please share the link for the new form with any local agencies, medical facilities, senior cen-ters or other stakeholder groups. While we will still accept the old form, we think this new form is easier for customers and also improves our state-county issuance process.

Vehicle Services has transitioned our Ankeny front-counter service to appointment-only due to Covid-19 protocols. If you have a customer that wants to make an appointment for a PWD transaction, the cus-tomer can make the appointment on-line at https://iowadot.gov/mvd/other-appointments or the cus-tomer may contact us at 515-237-3110 or vscusto@iowadot.us and we will set up the appointment for them.

Vehicle & Motor Carrier Services

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Driver & identification Services

During this unusual time, DOT processes and procedures have been constantly changing. We’re doing our best to adjust our services to best serve the needs of Iowans. To help guide customers on how to obtain the appropriate services, we’ve created a “landing page”, called the Online service selector tool. This website will allow custom-ers to choose a service from the dropdown box and walk them through the available options. This includes li-cense/IDs, testing, cannabidiol cards, persons with disabilities placard, and records. We are encouraging custom-ers to do business with us online or through other means if possible. Our goal is to continue to provide custom-ers with driver’s license and identification related services while protecting them and our staff from COVID-19. Below are just a few of the adjustments we’ve made to assist with keeping Iowans safe. Appointments only – in an effort to maintain proper social distancing recommendations, all Iowa DOT operated service centers are currently open by appointment only, we are op-erating under the directive of 50% capacity. Customers can book their appointment here: Appointment booking. Skip the Trip at Home – Skip the Trip allows students to take the web-based knowledge test that is required to obtain a driver’s instruction permit in the comfort of their own home. Previously this was offered through the student’s school, now a parent will be able to administer the test at home. To take the test at home the child must be at least 14 years old but younger than 18, and the student will need an electronic de-vice other than a phone or tablet to connect to the internet. First, the parent will need to complete and submit the Application to Proctor Knowledge Exam form. These forms are being processed within 7 – 10 business days. Once the application has been approved, the student and parent will receive an email with instructions on how to complete the exam, the student will have 72 hours to complete. After the test is passed, the student will re-ceive an email with the results and instructions. If the student fails, they will have to wait at least 24 hours to re-take the exam and be required to submit a new Application to Proctor Knowledge Exam form. Skip the Trip at Home has been a great example of how the MVD team is adjusting services to meet the needs of our customers. Customers continue to send in notes of praise and appreciate being able to complete such an important milestone in the lives of their child. Shout out to the team members who are working to complete the applica-tions in a timely manner.

Remote Issuances – another way we are working to keep our cus-tomers and staff safe is by offer-ing the option to have the cus-tomer’s credential issued without having to appear at their local service center. These applica-tions are being processed within 7 – 10 business days. Again, an-other step towards helping Io-wans stay safe!

Customers can request the following driver’s license and ID card transactions be processed remotely:

-Obtain a minor school license (must currently possess a permit). -Upgrade to an intermediate or full driver’s license (must currently possess

the preceding license). -Removal of a work permit, SR22 or Ignition Interlock Restriction. -Address change (not allowed for Temporary Foreign National). -Correction to information (DOB, SSN, etc.) based on internal user error.

(Correct documentation must be on record and clearly legible). -Replacement of lost, stolen, damaged or destroyed driver’s license or ID

card. -Reinstatements (Reference Section H of Examiner’s Manual).

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Driver & identification Services

Driver’s license extension –

the driver’s license expiration relief

has been extended through June 25,

2020. To avoid a rush of customer

inquiries we are sending postcards

to eligible customers to implement

a six-month extension option.

The first post card has been sent to

customers who are eligible to renew

online.

The second post card has been sent

to those customers who are not eligi-

ble to renew online; encouraging

them to apply for a six- month exten-

sion of their driving privileges and to

schedule their in-person appointment

at a later date. This will allow us to

spread out the renewal appointments

over a six-month period.

REAL ID deadline extension - to allow states more time to focus on pandemic re-

sponse efforts, the US- DHS has extended the deadline to get a REAL ID to Oct. 1,

2021. In addition, TSA has announced they will temporarily accept expired driver’s

licenses as proof of identity in order to fly. If customers still need to come into a

service center, we will continue to encourage them to obtain a REAL ID if needed.

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Driver & identification Services

Additional DIS Updates:

• Skip the Trip – the regular (school or organization-administered) program is still going, but at a much

slower rate. Interest is still there for students who don’t have access or assistance from parents.

We’ve started conducting remote training for proctors.

• Parent-Taught Driver’s Ed – still operating as usual. We’ve received many inquiries from parents

who now want to do this because they consider themselves “homeschooling parents”. Program has

NOT been expanded and cannot be used by parents whose kids are now taking online classes, just

because of COVID-19.

• DIP in community colleges – everything is currently on hold. All students are being rescheduled by

community colleges, but no new revocations are being issued and no incompletes are being sent to

us (DIS). Colleges are starting to resume scheduling for summer months, but it is fluid. We are work-

ing with DMACC and NCTI to develop a live virtual setting to administer our Driver Improvement Pro-

gram.

• Moped – We issued temporary virtual classroom policy – must be live and interactive. We don’t

have a process currently for online certificates of completion, but working on online submission for

those.

• Motorcycle – community colleges shut down their courses. Many are currently in discussion of

opening back up. Some have already cancelled classes through June. A few private companies con-

tinue to move forward with gov. guidance (less than 10).

• Driver’s Education – some companies moving forward with classes and driving following CDC guid-

ance

Allowing virtual classes

Administrative rule waivers – classroom instruction can proceed without concurrent driving in-

struction and we’re allowing extra time until August 31st for instructors to complete the diving.

Classroom instruction can begin for students without instructional permits, they just need proof

of having passed the knowledge exam. Students cannot start driving until they have been issued

an instruction permit

Experimental programs – we are not looking to expand parent-taught driver’s ed, but we are looking to

be able to have the driving portion of driver’s ed completed by collaboration between parents and BTW/

teacher. To date, 5 experimental programs have been approved.

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#MVDnews

Yammer post — Darcy Doty

Shout out to Georgette Simbro! A customer let us know that Georgette took the time to listen to her son's unique circumstance and went the extra mile to do some research to make sure they new their options and we were able to serve him. This one was unique. Thank you!

Yammer post — Darcy Doty

Let's celebrate this comment from one of our customers to Waller, Charlene! Way to go Char for helping this family. This came to me from Hemmen, Cheryl who said, "this makes it worthwhile." Indeed Cheri, it does. I just wanted to drop a quick note to say thank you so much for going above and beyond to help my daughter get her driver's license. I know there are a lot of bigger things to worry about in our world but to her this was a big one and a major milestone in her life. Thanks to you and the DOT she is a very happy teenager. Even if she can't really go anywhere yet. You were so friendly and helpful. I am sure you all are overwhelmed with all the people to contact. So appreciated. Again thank you a million!

Yammer post — Don Sharr

Jeff Young entered a guilty plea for underreporting vehicles to the Polk County Treasurer. Good job with the Des Moines Register interview Deputy Director Maahs!

“Jason Maahs, the deputy director of the bureau of investigation and identity protection at the Depart-ment of Transportation, said the charges came after Young requested a review of the vehicle...

https://www.desmoinesregister.com/story/money/

business/2020/05/11/prominent-des-moines-developer-

Yammer post — Darcy Doty

I received this from one of our cus-tomers. Thank you Henderson, Mari-lyn! I want to commend Marilyn Hender-son for being incredibly friendly and helpful during this difficult time. I had questions about rescheduling a driving test for my elderly mother. Marilyn took the time and gave the attention to answer all my questions. She is a treasure to your organization.

The Iowa Department of Transportation has changed several of its services to properly respond to the

coronavirus pandemic and to promote the social distancing guidelines. The Bureau of Investigation and

Identity Protection has had to adapt and change the way business is conducted to support the safety of

the public and our employees. BIIP has taken this pandemic seriously and we continue to ask screening

questions to the individuals that we have contact with, in an effort to minimize our team’s exposure.

Currently, BIIP investigators are teleworking as much as possible and we continue to practice social dis-

tancing. However, BIIP has continued to work open and new criminal cases as they come in. Please keep

in mind, that due to temporary voluntary closures of some dealerships it has affected the speed in which

dealer cases can be closed due to the delay in obtaining pertinent documents. Although, we have only

had a few of these issues come up.

Also, we maintain several vehicle inspection locations which are located throughout the state. Many of

these sites were closed starting at the peak of the COVID-19 outbreak. As the Governor’s Office contin-

ues to make efforts to open the state back up, we will begin to resume inspections at these locations,

while practicing social distancing. Thankfully, we have been able to handle some vehicle inspections by

completing these offsite and away from state facilities, all the while practicing social distancing.

Lastly, during this pandemic BIIP has continued to conduct dealer on-site inspections as this service was

deemed essential. However, BIIP Investigators continue to ask screening questions, practice social dis-

tancing, and limit the number of persons contacted during these inspections.

We do look forward to getting back to the “new” normal as the Governor begins to take steps to re-open

the State of Iowa. We will support this mission safely and conscientiously with the safety of our employ-

ees and all of Iowans as BIIP’s priority.

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Recently BIIP has experienced some movement in the area of responsibility for some of

the investigative staff. Please take a moment to review the map and please make a

note of the investigator that is assigned to your area. Some of this change has hap-

pened very recently so if you are a county that has experienced some change in cover-

age, please keep in mind that we have asked the investigator to contact you to provide

an introduction and their contact information.

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It goes without saying that all county and DOT locations have had to make drastic adjustments to our operations in the past ten weeks. A lot of information has been coming at you regarding regulatory re-lief, waivers, and operational process changes we’re implementing in response to COVID-19. Thank you for continuing to actively keep up with changing information, and for reaching out when you have spe-cific questions for your teams. Communication has never been more important, and we want to do eve-rything we can to support you so that motor vehicle and driver and identification services can continue to be provided to Iowans who rely on our services even during a pandemic. Early on, we began thinking about the backlog of customer transactions we’d be facing. Both our Vehi-cle & Motor Carrier and Driver & Identification Services Bureaus, along with our Motor Vehicle Support Team, have been closely monitoring data so we can plan our path forward through the backlog and be-yond. Our driver and identification issuance data shows that our overall output was the lowest in the first week of April at about 10% of our normal, and since then we have gradually increased operations – in-person, online, and through remote methods. We know that title work is also behind, although we are uncertain to what extent lower numbers of vehicle sales and move-ins to Iowa have contributed to this. In comparison, this past week shows we issued about 60% of DL/IDs compared to what we would typically issue in a given week before COVID-19 hit, and I expect that rate to rise again this week. We will maintain and even enhance the remote services we have established, and with a better under-standing and supply of PPE (personal protective equipment) we have increased the number of appoint-ments we’re offering and have begun resuming our non-commercial drive testing. We have begun our attack on the backlog of customers who need our services and will continue monitoring our progress carefully, with the safety of our teams and customers at the forefront of our plan. We have been open for business throughout this pandemic and will continue to be here to support you and your teams. As you navigate through the eventual wind-down of the regulatory relief that’s been in place and the reopening of your offices, I encourage you to reach out to your county liaison if you have questions specific to your office so we can provide guidance and information. I am beyond proud of the innovation, creativity, and resilience that we have demonstrated the past ten weeks, and I’m eager to see the momentum we will gain in the next ten. We can get through this by continuing to put one foot in front of the other – we must; for the sake of our customers. P.S. If you notice my name looks weird it’s because I got married! Aaron and I had a small, covid-19 compli-ant ceremony at our property on May 9th. Cheers!