Lanes and Following Distance
Iowa Code § 321.297 — the right half of the road, the right lane when slower, and no following too closely
- A vehicle is driven on the right half of a roadway wide enough, except when passing, going around an obstruction while yielding to oncoming traffic, on a three lane road under its rules, or on a one way road.
- A vehicle going slower than the normal speed of traffic uses the right hand lane, or stays as close as practicable to the right edge, except when passing or preparing for a left turn.
- On a two way roadway of four or more lanes, a vehicle is not driven left of the center line, except as signs allow or to go around an obstruction.
- On a roadway marked into lanes, a vehicle stays as nearly as practical within one lane, and is not moved out of it until the driver has made sure the move is safe.
- On a three lane road, the center lane is for passing when it is clear for a safe distance, for a left turn, or when signs give it to traffic going that way.
A driver does not follow another vehicle more closely than is reasonable and prudent, having due regard for the speed of the vehicles, the traffic, and the condition of the highway.
Sources for this section (3)
- Iowa Code § 321.297 — Driving on right-hand side of roadway — exceptions
- Iowa Code § 321.306 — Roadways laned for traffic
- Iowa Code § 321.307 — Following too closely
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of October 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed Iowa attorney.