The left lane, commonly known as the “fast lane” or the “passing lane,” is often found in highways and multi-lane roads. It’s typically used by drivers who want to drive quickly, but it’s strongly recommended to drive in the left lane sparingly and to avoid staying on it for too long.
Drivers are expected to merge back into the right lane after overtaking whoever is in front of them, but why exactly is this the case?
Risks of Driving Slowly On the Left Lane
Driving on the freeway safely is surprisingly difficult for the uninitiated. If you’re unfamiliar with the lanes, you might drive slowly in the passing lane.
If left unaddressed, this can become a dangerous driving habit as it has the potential to cause many problems. These problems include an increased risk of collisions, the promotion of aggressive driving habits, legal trouble, and a heightened risk of causing traffic.
Increased Risk of Collisions
One of the biggest risks of driving slowly in the left lane is making yourself significantly more vulnerable to collisions. If you don’t pay attention to the drivers around you and stay in the left lane when you shouldn’t, they might hit you when they try to overtake the vehicle in front of you. Driving slower than vehicles behind you is also dangerous. It’s important to stay in your lane and drive predictably to minimize the odds of rear-end collisions.
Aggressive Driving Habits
Driving slowly on the left lane isn’t just inconsiderate of other drivers — it actively inconveniences them to the point that it encourages road rage and other aggressive driving habits. By angering other drivers, you increase the likelihood of them driving recklessly and crashing into you. You might even get into physical altercations in more extreme scenarios.
Breaking Road Laws
Different states have different laws that govern whether or not you’re allowed to drive on the left lane — slowly or not. Because of this, you can suffer from legal consequences. This means receiving tickets and paying hefty fines. This is all done to discourage drivers from driving on the left lane and causing potential accidents.
Risk of Causing Traffic
Slow driving in the left lane can potentially cause bottlenecks, increasing stress and travel time for all drivers who get caught in it. Because of this, it’s important to be considerate of other drivers and stay in the right lane.
When Should You Use the Left Lane?
Drivers should use the left lane when they plan to overtake slower vehicles. It’s primarily used for passing other cars, however there are instances where driving on the left lane is beneficial, if not necessary. Sometimes you’ll need to swerve to the left if you want to avoid hazards on the road such as obstructions, potholes, crashed vehicles, and boulders. There will also be times when you’ll need to move to the left lane if you want to make a left turn or exit.
Just bear in mind that staying in the left lane for too long is dangerous. If you plan to change lanes, be sure to use your turn signals to alert the driver behind you. Similarly, pay close attention to the vehicles around you to avoid bumping into them as you drive.
Where Should You Drive if You Want to Slow Down?
Since it’s illegal in many states for slow drivers to remain on the left lane, your best option is to remain on the right lane. Practice defensive driving, keep an eye out for other drivers, and do your best to match their speed. Maintain a steady driving speed to avoid getting rear-ended by vehicles behind you.
Left Lane Driving Laws in Different States
Left-lane driving laws differ from state to state, with the penalties being much more severe in one state compared to others. For example, you can get fined up to $1,000 for failing to comply with left-lane driving laws in Georgia whereas there are no laws restricting left-lane driving in South Dakota.
Here are some particularly noteworthy laws in different states.
Alabama
In Alabama, it’s illegal to drive in the left lane without passing another vehicle. According to Alabama Code § 32-5A-80, drivers need to stay in the right lane unless they pass another vehicle or prepare to make a left turn. Failing to comply can get you fined up to $200.
Arkansas
Arkansas Code § 27-51-301 states that vehicles moving slower than the normal speed of traffic should be driven in the right-hand lane or as close to the right-hand curb or edge of the roadway as possible. Exceptions are made for drivers who want to overtake and pass other vehicles in the same direction, as well as drivers who want to make a left turn or enter a private roadway. Failing to comply can get you fined up to $195.
Delaware
In Delaware, slow drivers are expected to keep to the right lane. According to Delaware Code Title 21 § 4114, slow drivers on the right lane can only move to the left lane if they plan to overtake and pass other vehicles, prepare for a left turn, enter a private roadway, or comply with other local regulations. Violations for driving in the left lane can get you fined between $25-75 for first offenses and up to $95 for second and subsequent offenses.
Georgia
Georgia Code § 40-6-184 states that slow drivers are expected to stick to the right lane. Exceptions are made in case there’s traffic congestion, inclement weather, obstructions and hazards on the road, traffic control devices, or cases a driver needs to exit, turn left, or pay a toll. Highway maintenance and construction are also acceptable exceptions. Failure to comply can get you fined up to $1,000.
South Dakota
There are no restrictions for left-lane driving in South Dakota, though it is strongly discouraged to remain in the passing lane for too long.
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