‘Routine permit check’ on oversized load uncovers cracked rim, firearm violation, Iowa troopers say

The Iowa State Patrol Commercial Motor Vehicle Unit (ISPCMVU) discovered multiple violations during a recent traffic stop on a truck hauling an oversized load.

On October 26, 2025, Iowa troopers took to social media to highlight violations discovered during a recent commercial vehicle traffic stop.

“We often stop trucks to check for proper permits. In this case, not only did the driver not have a permit for their load, they were illegally in possession of a firearm in addition to the cracked rim. You never know what you may find on a routine permit check!” ISPCMVU wrote.

State police went on to clarify that possessing a firearm inside of a commercial vehicle is generally not illegal, but that there were other factors in this driver’s case:

“For those who have been asking, while Iowa is often referred to as a “constitutional carry state” where a permit to carry is not required, limitations still remain. Factors deeming an individual ineligible to carry firearms, to name a few, could be age, intoxication, convicted felons, possessing a firearm along with controlled substances, not being a US citizen, etc. 

We get asked often if possessing a firearm in a CMV is illegal. The answer to this question, generally, is no, it is not. Other factors and circumstances could make a person, who just so happens to be operating a CMV, ineligible to possess firearms.“