What is the result of failing to carry a registration card while operating a vehicle?

When operating a vehicle in Iowa, it is required by law to have a registration card on hand. If a driver fails to carry this documentation, the legal consequence can include a potential fine or penalty. This is established to ensure that all vehicles on the road are properly registered and that law enforcement can verify compliance with registration laws. The fines associated with not having the registration card while driving serve as a deterrent to non-compliance and help maintain accountability among vehicle operators.

While the possibility of receiving a verbal warning exists in some cases, it is not the formal consequence established by law; thus, this option might not be applicable in every situation. Similarly, immediate vehicle impoundment is typically reserved for more serious violations and is not a standard consequence for simply lacking a registration card. The option stating no significant consequence misrepresents the requirement set forth by Iowa law, since there are indeed fines and penalties in place. Therefore, the most accurate reflection of the consequence for not carrying a registration card is the potential for a fine or penalty.