New Law in Idaho Encourages Drivers to Speed Up

Driving in Idaho can be frustrating. The Gem State is not known to have the best drivers, with cars either going way too fast, others going well below the speed limit, and far too many texting and driving, being on their phone making a call, or perhaps having some sort of substance or alcohol in them when operating their vehicle. There are many laws broken each day in the Magic Valley and across the state of Idaho, and it isn't easy for officers to catch them all. Recently, a new law was put into place in Idaho that legally allows drivers to speed, but there are a few things to know when doing so.

New Driving Law in Idaho Started July 1

Before you get too excited, no, there is not a new law that allows you to go over the speed limit anytime you want and freely drive fast. At the beginning of July, a new law went into effect for drivers looking to pass a vehicle on two-lane roads. This law allows drivers to get up to 15 miles per hour over the speed limit to safely get around the vehicle being passed, but there are a few things to know when doing this. You can not pass anytime you want and go as fast as you want, as there are restrictions to doing so, and not everyone is eligible to do so. 

Details on New Driving Law in Idaho

As mentioned above, this law is not a pass to speed freely. It is to allow drivers to pass in a safe manner. The law allows drivers to go up to 15 mph over the speed limit while passing a vehicle going under the speed limit on a two-lane road, when a passing lane is present. Vehicles that are towing may not pass, and if the speed limit is under 55 mph, you may not exceed the speed limit. You can not speed up when passing in the right lane, and this does not count when passing vehicles on the interstate, as this is only for passing lanes on a two-lane road. If you need more information on the law, you can watch the video in the paragraph above, as it will explain what is and isn't allowed, or click the link in this paragraph or the one above. 

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It can be frustrating getting stuck behind slow vehicles, especially on two-lane roads in the country or in the mountains, but there are proper ways to pass. It is important to do so safely and not put other lives at risk. This law is a way to help you get around safely while permitting you to speed temporarily to get around, before getting back down to the normal speed limit once around the vehicle.