New Traffic Bill Targets Left-Lane Lurkers
If you’ve ever driven on a metro Atlanta interstate this has happened to you: getting stuck behind a slowpoke in the left lane. But Rep. Bill Hitchens, R-Rincon just introduced a bill to change that.
On Monday, Hitchens unveiled House Bill 459, which would make it illegal to drive in the left lane unless overtaking or passing another vehicle, the AJC reports. The measure would apply only when another car is attempting to get by. If passed, an offender could be ticketed for impeding the flow of traffic.
Hitchens, the former head of the state Department of Public Safety, wants to make it illegal to drive in the left lane on all controlled access highways except under the following circumstances:
- When passing another vehicle.
- When there is no other vehicle directly behind the vehicle in the left lane.
- When it is impractical to drive in the right lane due to traffic.
- When weather conditions make it necessary.
- When there is an obstruction or hazard in the right lane.
- When a vehicle must change lanes to comply with other laws.
- When exiting on the left.
- When paying a toll or using a toll pass.
- When driving in the left lane to comply with traffic control.
Police, paramedics, firefighters and other emergency vehicles are exempt. The proposal doesn’t apply to highway maintenance or construction traffic either.
