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Bill > HF89
IA HF89
IA HF89A bill for an act relating to reasonable and prudent following distances while a person is operating a motor vehicle, and making penalties applicable.(See HF 770.)
summary
Introduced
01/17/2025
01/17/2025
In Committee
01/17/2025
01/17/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
91st General Assembly
Bill Summary
Current law prohibits a driver of a motor vehicle from following another vehicle more closely than is reasonable and prudent, considering the speed of such vehicles, other traffic on the highway, and the condition of the highway. A violation for following too closely is punishable by a scheduled fine of $135. This bill provides minimum distances considered reasonable and prudent while a person is following another vehicle in the same lane and direction of travel under clear conditions. The minimum reasonable distance increases in increments of 50 feet, from at least 50 feet to at least 200 feet, as the speed limit on the highway increases from not more than 35 miles per hour (MPH) to greater than 65 MPH. The scheduled fine for a violation is not amended. Pursuant to Code section 321.482A, if a person is convicted for a violation of the bill and the violation 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 a person is convicted for a violation of the bill and 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.
AI Summary
This bill amends Iowa's traffic law to provide specific, measurable definitions for what constitutes a "reasonable and prudent" following distance while driving. Currently, the law uses a subjective standard for following too closely, but the new bill establishes precise minimum distances based on the highway's speed limit. Under the proposed changes, drivers must maintain at least 50 feet of distance on roads with speed limits of 35 mph or less, at least 100 feet on roads with speeds between 35-55 mph, at least 150 feet on roads with speeds between 55-65 mph, and at least 200 feet on roads with speeds over 65 mph. These new standards apply to vehicles traveling in the same lane and direction. The bill maintains the existing penalty structure, treating violations as simple misdemeanors with a standard fine, but retains additional potential penalties if the violation results in serious injury or death, which could include extra fines of $500-$1,000 and driver's license suspension for up to 90-180 days. The goal appears to be creating clearer, more enforceable guidelines for safe following distances to help prevent traffic accidents.
Committee Categories
Justice
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Committee report approving bill, renumbered as HF 770. (on 03/05/2025)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.legis.iowa.gov/legislation/BillBook?ga=91&ba=HF89 |
| BillText | https://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/publications/LGI/91/attachments/HF89.html |
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