H.F. 151 Section 1. Section 321.299, subsection 1, Code 2013, is 1 amended to read as follows: 2 1. a. The driver of a vehicle overtaking another vehicle 3 proceeding in the same direction shall pass to the left of the 4 other vehicle at a safe distance and shall not again drive 5 to the right side of the roadway until safely clear of the 6 overtaken vehicle. 7 b. The driver of a motor vehicle, when overtaking and 8 passing a bicycle, shall leave a safe distance between the 9 motor vehicle and the bicycle of not less than three feet and 10 shall maintain such clearance until safely past the overtaken 11 bicycle, whether the bicycle is traveling on the roadway or on 12 a bicycle lane or shoulder adjacent to the roadway. 13 EXPLANATION 14 This bill requires the driver of a motor vehicle, when 15 passing a bicycle, to maintain a safe distance between the 16 motor vehicle and the bicycle of at least three feet until 17 safely past the bicycle. The requirement applies whether the 18 bicycle is being ridden on the roadway or on a bicycle lane or 19 shoulder adjacent to the roadway. 20 Pursuant to current law, a violation of motor vehicle laws 21 governing overtaking and passing is a simple misdemeanor 22 punishable by a scheduled fine of $100. In addition, if the 23 violation causes serious injury to another person, the court 24 may impose an additional fine of $500 or driver’s license 25 suspension for up to 90 days, or both. If the violation 26 results in an accident causing a death, the court may impose an 27 additional fine of $1,000 or driver’s license suspension for 28 up to 180 days, or both. 29 -1- LSB 1915YH (3) 85 dea/nh 1/ 1