HF 89: Relating to reasonable and prudent following distances while a person is operating a motor vehicle, and making penalties applicable

What it does

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.F. The minimum reasonable distance increases in increments of feet, from at least feet to at least 200 feet, as the speed limit on the highway increases from not more than miles per hour (MPH) to greater than MPH.

House subcommittee · named January 21, 2025

• Rep. Zach Dieken (R) · zachary.dieken@legis.iowa.gov
• Rep. Brian Meyer (D) · brian.meyer@legis.iowa.gov
• Rep. Sam Wengryn (R) · sam.wengryn@legis.iowa.gov

Lobbying · 1 for, 0 against

For: State Police Officers Council

In plain words

1. January 17, 2025Filed in the House and sent to the Public Safety committee
2. January 21, 2025House subcommittee named: Dieken, Meyer, B. and Wengryn
3. January 28, 2025Subcommittee recommended passing it
4. February 5, 2025Approved by the House committee
5. February 5, 2025Committee vote: 21–2
6. March 5, 2025Approved by the House committee, and given a new number: HF 770