Iowa May Be Increasing Fines For Those Slow Drivers In The Left Lane

Have you ever tried to get anywhere on I-80, and you get stuck in that long line of people waiting for some jerk going the speed limit in the passing lane who's in a slow-motion drag race with a semi a mile ahead of you? Well, that inconsiderate jerk might finally be having to pay a price for their actions.

Changing Iowa Laws

It's a carryover from the 2021 regular session, which covers travel in the left lane. State law already mandates slower traffic stay to the right, and any violators face a $50 fine.

Rep. Gary Worthan, R-Storm Lake, is just as sick and tired as the rest of us as the people who won't just move over. 

What's The Problem?

His sponsored bill, HF494, specifies that drivers who “reasonably should know” another vehicle is attempting to overtake them would face escalating fines for failure to merge right.

What's Changing?

The bill doesn't change the law itself but rather increases the fine. As I said before, the current fine is $50, and that's obviously not enough for people to learn from each other. So, the proposed increase is 170% to $135.

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If inaction results in serious injury, violators would face $500 and/or a 90-day suspension. Incidents that result in the death of another driver would carry a $1,000 fine and a loss of driving privileges for 180 days.

Rep. Gary Worthan cites his family's trucking business for the fine increase, saying the left lane rule change would help out all professional drivers by eliminating the "rolling roadblock" by not passing and getting out of the passing lane.

Let's make Iowa better. Tell your representative you want higher left-lane fines.

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