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House approves expansion of law allowing drivers to exceed speed limit when passing on two-lane roads
Summary
Lawmakers approved House Bill 205 to extend an existing allowance that lets drivers temporarily exceed the speed limit by up to 15 mph when passing slower traffic, adding explicit coverage for passing lanes and multiple-vehicle passes; debate focused on road safety and limits for how many vehicles may be overtaken.
The Idaho House on Feb. 26 passed House Bill 205, which amends state law to clarify that a driver may exceed the posted speed limit by up to 15 miles per hour when passing slower traffic in a two-lane highway with a passing lane, including the ability to pass more than one vehicle.
Representative from District 7, sponsor of the bill, said the change corrects an oversight in the original law by extending the temporary speed allowance to left-hand passing lanes on two-lane highways. He described the measure as a “safety bill” intended to reduce risky maneuvers and frustration on routes such as Highways 95 and 55.
Why it matters: Supporters said the clarification will let drivers complete safe passes that currently would require them to exceed the posted limit in order to re-enter their lane; opponents and some colleagues asked for clearer limits after citing instances where drivers attempt to pass multiple vehicles and then cut back in dangerously close to oncoming traffic.
Representative from District 8 said he favored the bill but urged caution, noting he had seen “significant safety hazards when people… try to jump multiple cars.” The sponsor answered that the bill’s text (page 2, line 11, as read on the floor) “specifically states 1 or more vehicles,” and that the provision is intended for non-interstate roads with posted speeds between 55 and 65 mph.
Vote: The House passed House Bill 205 by a vote of 64 ayes, 3 nays, 3 absent/excused.
Implementation notes: Sponsors said the provision is not intended for interstates or city limits and applies to posted speed limits generally between 55 and 65 mph. No new funding or administrative changes were described on the floor.
