Spend a modest amount of time on the road and there always seems to be an individual who camps out in the left lane while driving at the same pace as a truck or slow car next to it in the right lane. It’s enough to drive others crazy as a long line of cars builds up behind the moving roadblock. Worse, it can lead to reckless driving as drivers take risks to pass the slow-moving vehicles.
A recent article reminds us that it is actually illegal for anyone to sit in the left lane if they are not passing cars. Unfortunately, it’s rare to see law enforcement to do anything about it. Some experts believe that driving too slow is just as dangerous as driving too fast. Moreover, advocates are quick to point out that Germany’s Autobahn famously has no speed limit, yet it has fewer accidents per capita than U.S. highways because drivers use the left lane only for passing.
Most states have a law against it
Most states have laws on the books for keeping slow drivers out of the fast lane. In New Mexico, drivers must stay in the right lane when driving at average or slower speeds. The only reason to be in the left lane is to pass another vehicle or to take a left turn. While Oklahoma issues tickets with $200 fines and Nevada charges $250, New Mexico’s fine is only $10.
If a slow-moving car potentially causes an accident, it is important to seek medical help for the injured. It is also a good idea to speak with a personal injury attorney who can guide the injured and their family through the process of filing a suit against the slow negligent driver.
