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Bill > HF770
IA HF770
IA HF770A bill for an act relating to reasonable and prudent following distances while a person is operating a motor vehicle, and making penalties applicable.(Formerly HF 89.)
summary
Introduced
03/05/2025
03/05/2025
In Committee
04/03/2025
04/03/2025
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 modifies Iowa's existing traffic law regarding following distances between vehicles by establishing specific minimum following 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, 100 feet on roads with speed limits between 36-55 mph, 150 feet on roads with speed limits between 56-65 mph, and 200 feet on roads with speed limits over 65 mph. These distances are considered "reasonable and prudent" under clear driving conditions. Previously, the law used more general language about maintaining a reasonable and prudent following distance without specifying exact measurements. The bill also adds a penalty provision, classifying violations as a simple misdemeanor that would be treated as a scheduled violation, which typically involves a predetermined fine. The goal appears to be creating more clarity and specificity around safe following distances to help prevent rear-end collisions and improve overall traffic safety.
Committee Categories
Justice
Sponsors (0)
No sponsors listed
Other Sponsors (1)
Public Safety (House)
Last Action
Referred to Public Safety. H.J. 896. (on 04/03/2025)
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=HF770 |
| BillText | https://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/publications/LGI/91/attachments/HF770.html |
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