Des Moines, Iowa — The Iowa Senate has passed a bill that would establish a 135-dollar fine for motorists caught lingering too long in the left lane.
Senator Mike Klemish of Spillville says under current Iowa law, drivers are to mostly stay in the right lane unless they’re passing another vehicle.
That means using the left lane only for passing, to avoid some obstruction in the right lane or to take an exit that requires driving in the left lane. The bill passed on a 38 to eight vote. Senator William Dotzler of Waterloo, one of the “no” votes, says it’s aggravating to have a slow-moving vehicle in the left lane, but Dotzler says he’s concerned about the safety of bicyclists riding along the side of city streets that have two lanes of traffic in both directions.
If the bill becomes law, police and state troopers could issue warnings for left lane loitering during the first 12 months, then the fine would take effect on July 1st of next year.
Senators have unanimously passed another bill that would make it a felony to call 911 and falsely report a mass shooting, a hostage situation, or some other allegation that would prompt a massive law enforcement response. They’ve been dubbed “SWATTING” calls — a reference to “Special Weapons and Tactics” of SWAT teams. Officials in Iowa and around the country say SWATTING calls are becoming more frequent.
