This bill amends Section 321.307 of the Iowa Code to establish specific minimum following distances that a person operating a motor vehicle must maintain while following another vehicle in the same lane and direction of travel under clear conditions. The new legal language specifies that a person must follow at least 50 feet behind a vehicle on highways with a speed limit of 35 miles per hour or less, increasing to at least 200 feet for highways with speed limits greater than 65 miles per hour. The bill retains the existing prohibition against following too closely, which is defined as not being reasonable and prudent based on speed, traffic, and highway conditions.

Additionally, the bill introduces penalties for violations, classifying them as simple misdemeanors punishable as scheduled violations. While the scheduled fine for following too closely remains at $135, the bill outlines enhanced penalties for violations that result in serious injury or death, including additional fines and potential suspension of the driver's license. Overall, the bill aims to improve road safety by clearly defining acceptable following distances based on speed limits.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 321.307