PSA: It is ILLEGAL in VA to drive slow in the left lane of any multi lane road

[Anonymous]

Many don't know this, but is actually against the law to drive slower in the left lane of ANY multi-lane road in VA. Not just a highway. Not just 66, 495, etc. But ANY roadway divided into 2 or more lanes. Even if there are stop lights.

The law: § 46.2-804.
Whenever any roadway has been divided into clearly marked lanes for traffic, drivers of vehicles shall obey the following:

1. Any vehicle proceeding at less than the normal speed of traffic at the time and place and under the conditions existing, shall be driven in the lane nearest the right edge or right curb of the highway when such lane is available for travel except when overtaking and passing another vehicle or in preparation for a left turn or where right lanes are reserved for slow-moving traffic as permitted in this section;

It does not mean driving lower than the speed limit. But "the speed of traffic." It's is relative, and "slower traffic keep right" is not about the speed limit. Thankfully, police are actually beginning to crackdown on left lane cruisers.

[Anonymous]

But you can’t be in any lane and go above the speed limit. So, if you’re behind someone going the speed limit in the left lane you can’t get upset. It’s illegal to go above the speed limit.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:But you can’t be in any lane and go above the speed limit. So, if you’re behind someone going the speed limit in the left lane you can’t get upset. It’s illegal to go above the speed limit.

+1

This seems obvious to me, I am not sure why OP is missing this

[Anonymous]

This is one of those policies that doesn’t make sense because the left lane is for speeders.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Many don't know this, but is actually against the law to drive slower in the left lane of ANY multi-lane road in VA. Not just a highway. Not just 66, 495, etc. But ANY roadway divided into 2 or more lanes. Even if there are stop lights.

The law: § 46.2-804.
Whenever any roadway has been divided into clearly marked lanes for traffic, drivers of vehicles shall obey the following:

1. Any vehicle proceeding at less than the normal speed of traffic at the time and place and under the conditions existing, shall be driven in the lane nearest the right edge or right curb of the highway when such lane is available for travel except when overtaking and passing another vehicle or in preparation for a left turn or where right lanes are reserved for slow-moving traffic as permitted in this section;

It does not mean driving lower than the speed limit. But "the speed of traffic." It's is relative, and "slower traffic keep right" is not about the speed limit. Thankfully, police are actually beginning to crackdown on left lane cruisers.

Driving in the left lane while not actively passing will get you a ticket. Even if going 60 in a 60. If you are going 60 in a 60 and cars are shooting all around you that is reckless driving on your part in VA. You could ticket the speeders but you also can get a ticket. In that case Troopers prefer to ticket the person in the left lane as that is the person creating the dangerous conditions.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:But you can’t be in any lane and go above the speed limit. So, if you’re behind someone going the speed limit in the left lane you can’t get upset. It’s illegal to go above the speed limit.

+1

This seems obvious to me, I am not sure why OP is missing this

OP also left out the word “normal” and just said “speed of traffic.” That qualifier is important because normal speed of traffic does not mean people speeding in the left lane.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Many don't know this, but is actually against the law to drive slower in the left lane of ANY multi-lane road in VA. Not just a highway. Not just 66, 495, etc. But ANY roadway divided into 2 or more lanes. Even if there are stop lights.

The law: § 46.2-804.
Whenever any roadway has been divided into clearly marked lanes for traffic, drivers of vehicles shall obey the following:

1. Any vehicle proceeding at less than the normal speed of traffic at the time and place and under the conditions existing, shall be driven in the lane nearest the right edge or right curb of the highway when such lane is available for travel except when overtaking and passing another vehicle or in preparation for a left turn or where right lanes are reserved for slow-moving traffic as permitted in this section;

It does not mean driving lower than the speed limit. But "the speed of traffic." It's is relative, and "slower traffic keep right" is not about the speed limit. Thankfully, police are actually beginning to crackdown on left lane cruisers.

Driving in the left lane while not actively passing will get you a ticket. Even if going 60 in a 60. If you are going 60 in a 60 and cars are shooting all around you that is reckless driving on your part in VA. You could ticket the speeders but you also can get a ticket. In that case Troopers prefer to ticket the person in the left lane as that is the person creating the dangerous conditions.

I have never, ever heard of someone getting a ticket for going too slow in the left lane. I think you would need to be going well below the speed limit to get one, because that is the only time a cop is going to view you as "creating the dangerous condition." No one ever gets pulled over for going 62 in the left lane when the speed limit is 65, even if it is annoying to other drivers. It's not low enough to justify stopping traffic. Also, you would need to sustain that low speed over a certain distance. Because drivers' speeds fluctuate, they aren't going to ticket someone for dipping below the speed of traffic for a moment unless it actually causes a dangerous situation.

And OP is adamant that this law also applies to any road with more two or more lanes traveling in the same direction. While that may be true, the variable speeds of drivers on non-highways make this virtually impossible to enforce unless, again, a driver is goin signficantly below the speed limit over a sustained distance. Since drivers may slow to enter turning lanes, as they approach lights, etc., the idea that cops will pull over just anyone who is getting passed on the right on any multi-lane road is fantasy.

For the record, I don't go slow in the hammer lane (as my DH likes to call it) and I get annoyed with slow drivers in this lane as well. However, I view it as an inevitability and find safe ways to get around these drivers, or are patient until a safe pass is available to me. If you are getting so upset about this phenomenon that you are posting long screeds about it online, complete with references and illustrations, my guess is that you have a road rage issue and that actually poses a much bigger threat to me than the occasional slow driver in the left lane. I find those irritating, whereas I feel my well being is threatened by the rageful drivers I sometimes encounter, rapidly changing lanes, failing to signal, tailgating, and speeding. Drivers like this cause way more accidents than the occasional slow driver in the wrong lane, which is why cops rightfully focus on speeders and aggressive drivers when they ticket.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:But you can’t be in any lane and go above the speed limit. So, if you’re behind someone going the speed limit in the left lane you can’t get upset. It’s illegal to go above the speed limit.

But you would only enter the left lane to pass someone going slower than the speed limit and then immediately move back over.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Many don't know this, but is actually against the law to drive slower in the left lane of ANY multi-lane road in VA. Not just a highway. Not just 66, 495, etc. But ANY roadway divided into 2 or more lanes. Even if there are stop lights.

The law: § 46.2-804.
Whenever any roadway has been divided into clearly marked lanes for traffic, drivers of vehicles shall obey the following:

1. Any vehicle proceeding at less than the normal speed of traffic at the time and place and under the conditions existing, shall be driven in the lane nearest the right edge or right curb of the highway when such lane is available for travel except when overtaking and passing another vehicle or in preparation for a left turn or where right lanes are reserved for slow-moving traffic as permitted in this section;

It does not mean driving lower than the speed limit. But "the speed of traffic." It's is relative, and "slower traffic keep right" is not about the speed limit. Thankfully, police are actually beginning to crackdown on left lane cruisers.

Driving in the left lane while not actively passing will get you a ticket. Even if going 60 in a 60. If you are going 60 in a 60 and cars are shooting all around you that is reckless driving on your part in VA. You could ticket the speeders but you also can get a ticket. In that case Troopers prefer to ticket the person in the left lane as that is the person creating the dangerous conditions.

I have never, ever heard of someone getting a ticket for going too slow in the left lane. I think you would need to be going well below the speed limit to get one, because that is the only time a cop is going to view you as "creating the dangerous condition." No one ever gets pulled over for going 62 in the left lane when the speed limit is 65, even if it is annoying to other drivers. It's not low enough to justify stopping traffic. Also, you would need to sustain that low speed over a certain distance. Because drivers' speeds fluctuate, they aren't going to ticket someone for dipping below the speed of traffic for a moment unless it actually causes a dangerous situation.

And OP is adamant that this law also applies to any road with more two or more lanes traveling in the same direction. While that may be true, the variable speeds of drivers on non-highways make this virtually impossible to enforce unless, again, a driver is goin signficantly below the speed limit over a sustained distance. Since drivers may slow to enter turning lanes, as they approach lights, etc., the idea that cops will pull over just anyone who is getting passed on the right on any multi-lane road is fantasy.

For the record, I don't go slow in the hammer lane (as my DH likes to call it) and I get annoyed with slow drivers in this lane as well. However, I view it as an inevitability and find safe ways to get around these drivers, or are patient until a safe pass is available to me. If you are getting so upset about this phenomenon that you are posting long screeds about it online, complete with references and illustrations, my guess is that you have a road rage issue and that actually poses a much bigger threat to me than the occasional slow driver in the left lane. I find those irritating, whereas I feel my well being is threatened by the rageful drivers I sometimes encounter, rapidly changing lanes, failing to signal, tailgating, and speeding. Drivers like this cause way more accidents than the occasional slow driver in the wrong lane, which is why cops rightfully focus on speeders and aggressive drivers when they ticket.

https://www.nbcwashington.com/news/local/thousands-cited-for-slow-left-lane-driving-under-new-law/49121/?amp=1

Thousands of people have been fined since Virginia implemented a law setting penalties for driving too slowly in the left lane of a highway.

The law established a $100 fine for driving too slowly in the left lane, failing to stay to the right unless passing and other related violations.

“You should only be in the left hand lane when you are passing or overtaking another vehicle,” Virginia State Police First Sgt. Steven Mittendorff said. “Any other time, you should be over to right side of the highway.”

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:But you can’t be in any lane and go above the speed limit. So, if you’re behind someone going the speed limit in the left lane you can’t get upset. It’s illegal to go above the speed limit.

-10000


Get out of the left lane slow Karen. YOU are the cause of so many accidents and dangerous moves on the road even you clog up the left lane and block anyone from being able to pass.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:But you can’t be in any lane and go above the speed limit. So, if you’re behind someone going the speed limit in the left lane you can’t get upset. It’s illegal to go above the speed limit.

Look, even police go above the limit sometimes. Police aren't going to ticket you for going 5 over. Often even more than that. There's a reason the law specifies "speed of traffic" and not "speed limit" - because most common sense people undertand that this is a relative concept.

Stay out of the left lane, slowpokes. It's the law.

You're not the police, and you're not a 5th grade patrol.

[Anonymous]

Agree that the left lane is for passing. But, if I have a left turn or exit in a few miles and traffic is heavy, I'm staying in the left lane. Why? Because drivers in this area are jerks and will not let you over.

[Anonymous]

I saw a sign stating this on 66 yesterday. Something like - the left lane is for passing not cruising.

[Anonymous]

lol as if the problem in Virginia isn’t actually everyone going 75 in the left lane and then entitled jerks want to do 85-90.

That’s the real issue here and if you haven’t experienced it I suggest you drive more.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:lol as if the problem in Virginia isn’t actually everyone going 75 in the left lane and then entitled jerks want to do 85-90.

That’s the real issue here and if you haven’t experienced it I suggest you drive more.

Yes but 75 in left lane and the people coming up at 85-90 --- you have to get out of left lane or you will get a ticket. As I said above troopers will ticket you, not the speeders. The left lane driver is the one that causes accidents not the speeding by itself.