Prior to this law, simple courtesy dictated whether slower drivers would move from the left lane to the right. Now, however, it is law that applies to drivers on any freeway and two-lane road. For single-lane roads, slow moving drivers must move as close to the shoulder or curb as “practicable” to let other vehicles pass; however, many drivers continued to impede the fast lanes, particularly on more rural stretches of roadways between metropolitan cities.
Penalties
As mentioned, police now have the discretion under the law to issue tickets to slowpoke drivers. These drivers can now be assessed a $50 ticket plus a $75 surcharge for a $125 fine per occurrence. Tickets will only be issued to those motorists who are impeding the speed of other drivers in the left lane and fail to move over to the right to let them pass.
Exemptions to the law
The law is not applicable to vehicles that are in a left-hand highway exit, vehicles that are turning left on a four-lane expressway, and vehicles in a specifically designated left-hand lane such as a carpool lane. Emergency vehicles such as fire trucks and ambulances are also exempt.
Other concerns
Further, as is sometimes misinterpreted, this law does not permit motorists to increase speed in the left lane. Speed limits still apply; however, accelerating to five miles per hour over the speed limit specifically to pass another vehicle is acceptable.
Essentially, if someone is driving the speed limit in the left lane, then there is no reason to merge right to let other vehicles pass. Instead, this law is intended for those vehicles who are traveling under the speed limit in the left lane which must merge right to let vehicles behind them pass.
Additionally, once a driver passes traffic in the left lane, s/he should move back over.
Lawmakers stress that they do not advocate tailgating behind slowpokes who may be driving in the left lane. Instead, they suggest calling the police if the slowpoke driver is causing any traffic issues and let officers handle the situation. Lawmakers also stress not trying to enforce others’ speeds by staying in the left lane to slow down speeders. Again, let the police handle any potential problems.