Should Slow Left-Lane Drivers Be Ticketed?

Drivers later this year may be using the left-hand lanes of Georgia’s highways a little bit less if lawmakers greenlight a bill currently in front of state representatives.

House Bill 459 would amend state code by making it a violation to drive in a controlled-access highway’s left-hand lane except when overtaking and passing another vehicle. Driving in the left-hand lane would be OK when no other vehicles are directly behind a vehicle in question.

Other cases where left-lane driving would be acceptable would be when traffic and congestion make it impractical to drive in the right lane, when the right lane is obstructed or blocked, or when weather conditions make left-lane driving necessary. The law also would not apply when drivers are using left-lane exits, toll plazas or lanes such as those requiring Peach Pass.

Law enforcement vehicles, ambulances and other emergency vehicles, as well as those involved in highway maintenance or construction, would be exempt from the law.

If the bill meets the approval of the General Assembly and Gov. Nathan Deal, it would take effect July 1.

A copy of House Bill 459 is attached to this article.

Should lawmakers pass HB 459 and make it a violation to use a highway’s left-hand lane except for passing?

Share what’s on your mind with us, and then return here to see what your neighbors in Paulding, Douglas and Cobb have said.