Do you love the left lane?
When you head out on the open road, do you automatically steer toward the left lane because that’s traditionally where “faster” drivers are known to go? And while there’s nothing wrong with using the left lane as it’s intended, people who drive slowly in that lane could find themselves in trouble with the law.
Much of the current misunderstanding over the left lane stems from the 55 mph national speed limit that was enacted in 1974, according to the National Motorists Association (NMA), a grassroots drivers’ alliance that lobbies for traffic regulations and safety issues. Before this, passing on the left was an unwritten rule of the road, but after the speed limit was enacted, drivers believed that if they were maintaining the posted speed limit then they could chill anywhere. “Because the speed limit was too low, drivers trying to pass weren’t allowed to and it caused a lot of problems, and it still does,” says Shelia Dunn, Communications Director of the NMA.
Reserving the left lane only for passing other cars—known as “lane courtesy”—reaps surprising benefits, however. Here’s why you should reserve your left-lane use for passing only.
You’ll Avoid Tickets And Fines
People have different interpretations of how to drive in the left lane, but staying there when you’re not passing isn’t allowed in most states, despite what some drivers might think. Blame the confusion on the lack of a nationwide law. In 29 states, there are laws that any car moving slower than the surrounding traffic should be in the right lane, while other states are stricter and designate the left lane only for turning or passing. In Georgia, it’s actually a misdemeanor to move slower in the left lane than surrounding traffic. This year, Tennessee cracked down and now has established a $50 fine for slow left-lane drivers.
It’s Safer
Beyond avoiding fines (always a plus!), abiding by lane courtesy makes the roads safer for everyone, as faster drivers have a quick and easy way to get around slower drivers. “You’re less likely to get into an accident because traffic is always flowing and more consistent,” says Dunn.
You’ll Save On Gas
Following the letter of the law can save you a few bucks, too. Maintaining your speed and sticking to the right can get you better gas mileage. You’re also doing planet Earth a solid. Less weaving in and out of lanes is more fuel-efficient and better for the environment, so even if you forgot to recycle last week, you can still be a tad proud of yourself if you stick to the right.
You’ll Stress Less
Trying to zip around cars doesn’t significantly improve your commute time, either. “If you remain at a consistent speed limit and only drive to the left if you need to, you’re going to ultimately get to your destination faster,” says Dunn. Plus, lane courtesy might just be the quickest cure for road rage. “If you’re weaving in and out and cutting people off, you may cause road rage in others, and that’s what we really need to stop,” says Dunn.
Of course lane courtesy is easier said than done, especially in states with heavily trafficked motorways. But you don’t have to give up entirely. “Don’t just park yourself in one of the middle lanes,” recommends Dunn. “You should really be cognizant of trucks and what everyone around you is doing, and try to drive right as much as possible.” But staying in the right lane doesn’t mean you can zone out, either: Remember to be aware of and make room for merging vehicles.
In the end, lane courtesy actually helps all drivers treat one another as equals on the road—and makes the highways and freeways a safer space for everyone.
Before you take off to your next destination, get a fast, free auto insurance quote from GEICO to see how much you could save.
Next: The rules of the road aren’t always cut and dry, so take our “Are You a Good Driver?” quiz to find out how you compare with your fellow motorists.
By Kara Cutruzzula
Patrick Rowe says,
This is a great topic for this is something that drives me crazy. I’m a frequent long distance traveler in Florida and people cruising in the left lane is the biggest frustration I run in to. Not only do they block the lane, but they’ll cruise at a speed the same as a car near to them in the other lane, making it impossible to pass and causing traffic backups and then ignoring the flash to pass signal when given. I’ve been wondering over the past 10 yrs when did this become the norm, because I didn’t get the memo. This needs to be stressed in drivers training.
Red Baron says,
There is one drawback. Interstate ramps flowing traffic into the right lane. 95% of those vehicles clearly ignore the YIELD sign and I have yet to see a ticket ever given for just violation.
James McFarlane says,
While living in the United Kingdom, fast lane rules were enforced by Police. Since the UK drivers use the left side of the road, the fast lane is not the left lane, but rather the right lane. I was the sole driver on the road and was driving in the second lane from the left and had a police car pull up behind me and signaled me to move over to the far left lane (i.e. the “slow lane”). Moving to other lanes (the right lanes in the UK and the left lanes in the UK) was only permissible when passing. You could never just “cruise” in these lanes. The result was the traffic moved more quickly, there were fewer accidents caused by drivers passing on the wrong side (a term referred to as “undertaking”, as opposed to “overtaking”).
I frequently drive I-95 between Washington and Philadelphia and believe most of the congestion is due to drives not observing lane courtesy.
LJPrince says,
Things good to now
Ben Sawyer says,
I find people texting and talking on their phones to be a greater threat to safety than a slow driver in the left hand lane. I typically drive as far down the road ahead of me as I can see and if someone is driving slower than I am I can usually adjust to get around them safely and courteously. Distracted drivers are much more dangerous on our highways.
Marina Grau says,
It’s a great article and I wish more prople will have access to… I fight every morning with the Traffic on Florida’s Turnpike and the people that are constantly blocking or driving as if it was the slower lane… and even texting, I try to get their attention and make the sign with my arm to move to the right… Unfortunately many people in South Florida doesnt seem to know thats the passing lane and DOT careless, pls let me know how I can contribute to spread this information, I suggest that Insurance Companies should help to put more signage and DOT should stress that on the driving test.
Patrick says,
I agree with most of your points. I would add that passing on the right lane should as in Europe be strictly forbidden; too many drivers pass on the right at higher speed than the 70 mph limit.
Red Baron says,
They do so because too many are hogging the left lane and won’t move, no matter what. You can blow your horn, flash your lights, and they steadfastly refuse to move to the right.
Byron says,
WHAT!!!!, If there is a posted speed limit as here in Virginia that is 70 MOH on most freeways, then where is it written that drivers have the right to exceed that limit. And why are doesn’t the state crack down on those drivers. Being in the right lane and wanting to pass is taking your life at risk due to the left lane speeders doing fifteen to twenty miles over the posted limit of 70. Where I live we only see a State Trooper or County Sheriffs when there is a accident. And I have been told by the state that they put officers only in the at the higher risk areas. My statement to the Trooper that stated this was it seems more important to collect a HOV ticket the to slow down the speeders that run the left lane at high rates of speeds endangering all other drivers who are following the speed limits.
Ben Sawyer says,
Huh ?
Nikki Moore says,
Yes left lane is for passing
Andean Ranger says,
Great article. I fully agree with its premise. I also agree with those here who praise European drivers and criticize American ones. It is truly a pleasure to drive in Europe, where lane discipline is strong and drivers know how to drive. Beyond the article, I found the comments to be telling. They seem to devolve into two camps. One camp agrees completely, the other says “I have a right to drive on the left lane anytime I want to because….” Some of the latter point to unusual circumstances (deer, driveways, congestion), but most others simply feel that “Nobody should be passing me if I’m doing the speed limit.” Well, I am a civil engineer and I studied highway design. Most speed limits are arbitrary and have little relationship to the speed for which the road was designed. Also, cars today have much better capabilities (handling and braking) than those for which the roads were designed. Finally, traffic flows much better if the fastest vehicles travel on the left, with all vehicles pulling back to the right lane after passing, volume permitting. This is always true regardless of how fast vehicles are moving. If you left lane blockers are so intent on punishing those who exceed the speed limit, why not move over to the right and let them pass, thus making it easier for the police to catch them speeding? The drop in road rage would help ease global warming!
Scott says,
Very good, thanks for attempting to educate the masses on this 🙂
Where I grew up, if you didn’t keep right, you would get a ticket very quickly. I wish the drivers in South Floriduh could comprehend this concept.
David says,
I lived and worked in Germany for several years. You NEVER pass on the right and keep as far right as your speed requires. You never have to worry when you take an exit that someone is passing you in the right lane, it is so civilized & safe. Americans are reckless and it is a free-for-all, makes me crazy…
Myra Frieder says,
I have been driving many, many years without having had an accident (other than my being hit the rear once.) Even though I really am aware of the rules of the road regarding passing, I believe that it never hurts to be reminded, especially about driver safety. So, thank you for this very helpful email.
P.S. I’m already a GEICO insured.
Linda Absher says,
This was a nice article, and a great reminder of the word “courtesy.” One thing I do see is the suggestion to make room for merging traffic. This is great, but don’t forget that the ultimate responsibility of merging into traffic is that of the merger. Hence the word YIELD. One must adjust one’s speed to blend into traffic. That’s what I was taught 51 years ago. Don’t depend upon the oncoming traffic to move over or slow down if that is not possible for them. I wish those “merging” into traffic would remember this as well.
Thomas says,
Most of the time I am using the fast lane “Right Lane” because 99% of the drivers they will never use the right lane and most of the time it open and faster.