Bill > H0205

This bill amends Idaho's traffic laws to allow vehicles to temporarily exceed the speed limit while passing in certain circumstances. Specifically, drivers of passenger cars, motorcycles, and pickup trucks not towing other vehicles can now exceed the posted speed limit by up to 15 miles per hour when passing another vehicle traveling below the speed limit. This provision applies to two scenarios: (1) passing on the left on two-lane roads with speed limits of 55 mph or higher, and (2) passing in a newly defined "passing lane," which is an extra roadway lane created to allow faster vehicles to overtake slower vehicles without crossing into oncoming traffic. The bill clarifies that this does not apply to passing on the right within a passing lane, crossing into an opposing traffic lane, or on roadways with speed limits below 55 mph or within city limits. The law aims to provide a safer method for passing slower vehicles by allowing a temporary speed increase, with the requirement that drivers return to the right lane and reduce speed as soon as it is safe to do so. The bill will go into effect on July 1, 2025, and is being implemented with an emergency clause.

Transportation and Infrastructure

Transportation and Defense Committee (H)

https://legislature.idaho.gov/sessioninfo/2025/legislation/H0205/