Traveling in the left lane is a point of concern for professional drivers and others who travel on highways across the country. Legislators in several parliaments have introduced bills that address the continuing security concern.
The Association of Independent Drivers of Owners and Operators and the National Association of Drivers say that blocking the left lane, whether intentionally or not, results in reduced road safety and efficiency.
Indiana
An Indiana bill would revise the state’s left-hand traffic rule for travel on rural interstate roads.
The Hoosier State now requires drivers traveling on multi-lane roads to move to the right when they should “reasonably know” that another vehicle is trying to pass. Violators face fines of up to $ 500.
According to the state Legislative Services Agency, in the most recent fiscal year there were 80 convictions across the state for not giving in to a passing vehicle.
Sponsored by Senator Ron Alting, R-Lafayette, SB211 would change the statute and enforce lane usage restrictions only on highways with a published speed limit of at least 65 mph.
Specifically, continuous steering in the overtaking lane would be prohibited. Violators would face fines of up to $ 10,000. Exceptions apply.
Revenue from violations would go to the state’s general fund.
SB211 awaits possible consideration by the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Transportation.
South Carolina
Several South Carolina bills also address concerns about the use of the left lane on state roads.
State law requires that any vehicle moving at less than normal traffic speed must remain on the right. Exceptions to the lane rule are made for situations that include preparing to turn or overtake and overtake another vehicle.
Violators face fines of up to $ 100.
Republican representatives Jay West of Anderson, Murrell Smith Jr. of Sumter and Gary Simrill of York are behind a bill that aims to further discourage slowpokes on the far left lane of the highways.
The bill’s sponsors say the impediment is not enough to discourage behavior.
Their account, H3011, would double the fine to $ 200 and include a two-point violation for improper direction in the left lane.
An exception would be made for commercial driver’s license holders. Truck drivers who violate the law will face fines of $ 50. No points would be assessed for their driving history.
The South Carolina Department of Transportation would also be responsible for affixing signs on interstate highways to alert travelers to the law.
It is estimated that 128 signs would be installed across the state’s interstates at a cost of $ 24,000, according to a tax impact report.
A second bill focuses on the use of lanes along interstates.
Sponsored by Senate President Harvey Peeler, R-Gaffney, the S434 would require drivers to move to the right when another vehicle was trying to overtake the vehicle.
Notices would be issued within the first 90 days after enactment. Thereafter, offenders would face $ 25 fines.
S434 is on the Senate Transport Committee. H3011 is on the Board of Education and Public Works Committee. LL