Georgia law goes after left-lane lingerers

[wingcar]

I only wish that they would pass a law such as this here in Arizona. But then the police would be too busy pulling over all the showbirds from Minnesota, Illinois, Wisconsin, etc, etc...... (Not sure the law should include Prison time.....but, a nice fine would be another matter)
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Georgia law goes after left-lane lingerers, we cheer
By Brandon Turkus
Mar 3rd 2014

Georgia drivers are going to face a new law on the Peach State's roads, as a bill aimed at left-lane hogs has received near unanimous approval in the state's House of Representatives, passing 162 to nine.

The bill, colloquially called the "slow-poke" bill but officially known as House Bill 459, makes it a misdemeanor to hold up faster moving traffic by sitting in the inside lane of a freeway. Yes, a misdemeanor. The bill was introduced by Representative Bill Hitchens, a former state trooper.

"My reason for doing this is more for an educational opportunity for people who don't understand you're not supposed to ride 55, 60 mph in that left lane when you've got 15, 16, 17 people lined up behind you," Hitchens told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution's website.

According to The Athens Banner-Herald, drivers spotted by police slowing up traffic could face stiff penalties, with up to a $1,000 in fines and 12 months in prison. "I always say it's the manners your momma should have taught you; if someone pulls up behind you, you move to the right and let them by," Hitchens told MyFox Atlanta.

The bill still needs to pass the state senate before it can be signed into law by the governor.

[Ghoste]

Good for them.

[ACUDANUT]

On long trips, I sometimes use that lane the most, because it is smoother. The right lanes have the most damage from semi's.  If someone is getting close to my rear, I move over and don't impede the flow of traffic. Is this wrong ?

[bakerhillpins]

Yea, I heard about that on NPR.  After living in the south for several years and visiting relatives down there all I have to say is


It's about F'in time!

I think the problem stems from the fact that there are thousands of miles of "byways" in the south. (4 lanes of pavement separated by a median with surface level cross traffic)  This programs people to park it in the left lane at an average or reduced speed.    

Believe it or not it was one of the main reasons I moved back north.  

[JB400]

Not really a problem in my area.  Maybe once a month will I see someone that does that.  Still irritating

[Highbanked Hauler]

On long trips, I sometimes use that lane the most, because it is smoother. The right lanes have the most damage from semi's.  If someone is getting close to my rear, I move over and don't impede the flow of traffic. Is this wrong ?

   That is very true here in NC. too but someone hanging in the left lane isn't a problem. Usually on an interstate I am doing 75 and people are blowing by me at I'd guess 85 plus.

[Cooter]

Translation.....
this will open up the gates for the speeders who raise hell when they are pulled, ticketed, and paying huge for insurance. Bout time.

[polywideblock]

been a law out here for years , great big signs everywhere saying "keep left unless overtaking, heavy fines apply " remember were on the left side   . makes no difference to the oldsters with the bowling hat on the parcel shelf driving at 60KPH in a 80 zone , 50 cars behind them     or even worse the provisional drivers that sit side by side giggling about all the cars their holding up    and the cops let them off all the time  

[Mike DC]

               

I can totally understand the need for fines against speeding or running  a stop sign.  

But, going too slowly in the fast lane?  Like they really couldn't deal with that problem by authorizing cops to just pull people over and give a verbal warning?  



On the other hand a verbal warning doesn't keep lawmakers busy.  It doesn't generate much more paperwork.  And it doesn't generate any more  . . . revenue.  

[stripedelete]

Verbal warning?  I'm disappointed they will not be executed.

I have patience for Ma and Pa Kettle wandering over from Indiana.  But, this is passive aggressive behavior stemming from entitlement.  The problem is a generation being raised with no consideration for anyone a.k.a. Common Courtesy   .

Btw, it's just as bad above the Ohio River as it is below.

[Mike DC]

 
Passive aggressive behavior stemming from entitlement?  Going too slowly in the fast lane? 

[myk]

*GASP*  If people aren't allowed to slow-drive in the fast-lane what will happen to all of the Corvette drivers?  Where are they supposed to drive?

[stripedelete]

 Yes!   They absolutely know they have 25 cars behind them.  They can don't care.  They can do what ever they want!

[myk]

Yes!   They absolutely know they have 25 cars behind them.  They can don't care.  They can do what ever they want!

Yup, welcome to the "me, myself and I" state of mind...

[Wicked72]

wish we had that law in MD!!

[flyinlow]

*GASP*  If people aren't allowed to slow-drive in the fast-lane what will happen to all of the Corvette drivers?  Where are they supposed to drive?

[Ponch ®]

               
 

But, going too slowly in the fast lane?  Like they really couldn't deal with that problem by authorizing cops to just pull people over and give a verbal warning?  

Verbal warnings aren't effective if there aren't tangible consequences for failure to heed the warning.

[Ghoste]

Of course this kind of thing could affect my long held retirement dream hobby of going out everyday at rush hour and driving around in the left lane at 20mph with my right turn signal on.

[ws23rt]

Of course this kind of thing could affect my long held retirement dream hobby of going out everyday at rush hour and driving around in the left lane at 20mph with my right turn signal on.

I can see one of those electric driven chairs doing 20mph with a little tweak or two.

Would they have a four lane path at your retirement community?

[Ghoste]

Oh no, I'm going for the heart of the commercial areas just like the retirees who do it to me currently.

[Kern Dog]

Oh hell yeah!
I love the idea of sticking it to those "Self appointed traffic monitors."

[Musicman]

I lived in several places down south (anything VA and lower) for about 4 years, and I have to agree with bakerhilpins 127%!

It's about F'in time!
We only have 2 lanes here in the North for the most part... the Crusing lane and the Passing lane. If your speed is 45.1 MPH and the guy in front of you is doing 45... pull into the passing lane, !!!ACCELERATE!!! to pass them in a timely manner, then return to the crusing lane and resume your 45.1 mph. Keep to the right except to pass.

[kab69440]

Good. Now if when could just get that in Ohio. Left lane squatting should be punishable by death. Anyone bearing witness to the act should have the right and responsibility to go "Death Race" as soon as it is practical to do so.

[Ghoste]

50 cal on the hood of your Charger?  Obama wont like that.

[flyinlow]

Good. Now if when could just get that in Ohio. Left lane squatting should be punishable by death. Anyone bearing witness to the act should have the right and responsibility to go "Death Race" as soon as it is practical to do so.

Yea it was considered by Ohio last year when they raise the speed limit to 70 MPH. The Highway Patrol said it would be too hard to enforce. Not sure why, they seam to be able to make u turns on the busy interstates and then do 100 MPH runs to issue a $170 speeding ticket. I guess it would be to hard to catch up to the car blocking traffic.