Oklahoma 2024 Regular Session

Oklahoma House Bill HB3452

Introduced
2/5/24  
Refer
2/6/24  
Report Pass
2/13/24  
Engrossed
3/12/24  
Refer
3/19/24  

Caption

Motor vehicles; requiring the overtaking and passing another vehicle to be performed expeditiously; setting time limit to complete act; effective date.

Impact

This legislation impacts state vehicular regulations by altering existing rules about lane usage and the conduct of drivers when passing slower vehicles. The bill not only clarifies legal expectations but also sets penalties for violations, with a maximum fine of $250. This is expected to lead to stricter adherence to safe driving practices, thereby improving traffic flow and reducing accidents caused by negligent overtaking. The bill premised on both public safety and road efficiency reflects a significant update to the state’s traffic laws.

Summary

House Bill 3452 amends existing legislation regarding roadway usage for motor vehicles, specifically focusing on the rules concerning overtaking and passing other vehicles. The bill mandates that drivers must complete overtaking maneuvers expeditiously, establishing specific time limits for completion, which is set at two minutes for smaller vehicles and four minutes for larger ones. It aims to enhance the overall safety on roads by clarifying how and when vehicles should change lanes during these maneuvers, thus attempting to reduce accidents related to overtaking.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB3452 seems to be predominantly supportive among those focused on traffic safety and efficiency. Advocates argue that stricter guidelines will foster safer driving conditions and improve the overall flow of traffic on state highways. However, there may be concerns raised by some drivers regarding the enforcement of such time limits for overtaking, with potential arguments that these could lead to aggressive driving behaviors if not managed properly. Overall, the bill appears to have garnered substantial bipartisan support in the legislative process.

Contention

Notable points of contention include the specific time limits imposed for overtaking and whether these measures might inadvertently lead to more unsafe behaviors, particularly among inexperienced drivers. Additionally, there might be debates about the effectiveness of penalties and whether they will truly deter violations, or if they will disproportionately affect drivers in different types of vehicles. The bill's passage reflects an ongoing effort to balance roadway safety with the practicalities of diverse traffic conditions encountered across various types of roads.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

OK SB1070

Motor vehicle disability placard; requiring Service Oklahoma to issue certain temporary placards; requiring certain expiration; requiring a certain fee. Effective date.

OK HB1482

Motor vehicles; requiring towing of certain vehicles as one unit; requiring retention of certain vehicles until reimbursement is made; effective date.

OK HB1914

Motor vehicles; establishing conditions under which motor vehicles may proceed through red traffic signals; effective date.

OK HB2164

Motor vehicles; requiring the collection of certain fee for certain towed vehicles; providing for the collection and remittance of certain fee; effective date.

OK HB2133

Motor vehicles; modifying definitions; limiting allowable power of certain electric motorcycles; effective date.

OK HB1076

Motor vehicles; deleting limitation on the height of motorcycle handlebars; effective date.

OK HB2684

Motor vehicles; modifying name of section; modifying actions a driver shall take upon approach of certain vehicles; making certain acts unlawful; effective date.

OK HB1587

Motor vehicles; disallowing the use of certain traffic-control devices; effective date.

OK SB338

Motor vehicles; requiring motor vehicle liability policy to obtain driver license; establishing provisions and penalties. Effective date.

OK HB1422

Motor vehicles; farm tractors or implements; allowing certain tractors to operate on certain roadways; effective date.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.