Bill > SF2116

Introduced Session

This bill repeals and replaces provisions regulating driving on the right side of roadways and overtaking and passing on roadways. The current driving requirements and prohibitions found in Code sections 321.297, 321.298, 321.299, 321.302, 321.303, 321.304, and 321.306 remain in effect with certain changes. The bill distinguishes roadways in two ways: (1) roadways not laned for traffic or laned for traffic in opposing directions and (2) roadways laned for traffic moving in the same direction. The bill requires a person to drive in the right-hand lane on a roadway with multiple lanes for traffic moving in the same direction or to the right of the center line of any other roadway, as applicable. Limited exceptions include while overtaking another vehicle and avoiding obstructions when such actions can be completed safely, while authorized by official traffic-control devices, and while preparing to make a left turn, so long as the driver yields to all vehicles traveling in the proper direction. However, if the roadway has three or more lanes for traffic moving in the same direction, a driver is required to drive in the center lanes, such that the far left lane can be used for overtaking and the far right lane can be used to enter or exit the roadway, as applicable. The bill also provides for these traffic regulations and prohibitions, as applicable, on one-way roads, roads with temporary passing lanes, and roads with center turn lanes. Overtaking another vehicle is only authorized when such action can be completed safely and without causing another vehicle to adjust speed or direction. The authorized manner for and prohibitions against overtaking another vehicle remain similar to current law. A person who violates the bill is guilty of a simple misdemeanor punishable by a scheduled fine of $135, which matches the current penalty for such violations. However, a peace officer is required to issue a warning memorandum in lieu of a citation until July 1, 2025, to a person who drives in the left lane of a roadway with two lanes for traffic moving in the same direction when an exception does not apply, and to a person who drives in either the left or right lane on a roadway with three or more lanes for traffic moving in the same direction when an exception does not apply. Similar to current law, if a violation of the bill causes a serious injury, a court could impose an additional fine of $500 or suspend the person’s driver’s license for not more than 90 days, or both. If the violation causes a death, a court could impose an additional fine of $1,000 or suspend the person’s driver’s license for not more than 180 days, or both (Code section 321.482A).

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Other Sponsors (1)

House Transportation Committee (09:00:00 3/12/2024 RM 103, Sup. Ct. Chamber) (on 03/12/2024)

Official Document