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.
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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
Glenn Fava says,
Just make the round trip from Florida to Jersey via I-95. It is simple incredible the amount of Idiots who stay in the left lane causing miles of traffic backups and many enraged people. When you finally get a chance to pass them from the right lane and glance over at the offender many times you see them on their cell phone talking and texting. These people cannot be that stupid or can they? They must be sociopaths because they could care less about courtesy or other drivers.
Lisa Vee says,
Have you not noticed proud narcissism is outright encouraged in this “enlightened” society?
Charles v garcia says,
Most certainly so
Anita Calderon says,
I moved to Florida from another state where a law is in place that slower drivers must be in the right lane and this left lane law doesn’t exist here in Florida. I wish Florida would get this left lane law in place because people are all over the roads and I don’t like driving here.
Lisa Vee says,
Why in the world would you go to a state where half of the northeast and a good bit of the midwest lives six months out of the year, and has more tourism than any other state with an expectation of encountering courteous drivers? Tourists never seem to know where they are, where they’re going, how to get there or even what planet they’re currently on.
Welcome to Florida…aka “paradise”. Wait til you experience a few summers there! Nevermind about the endless bugs, skyrocketing cost of living (thanks for that too, New Yorkers!) and general rude, me first and always attitudes.
Jim Campbell says,
They don’t call it FloiDUH for nothing! But I think most of those live in Key West where a friend of mine was kicked off a tour bus for having a crying child.
claretta clement says,
The left lane should only be use for passing.
Susan B Watts says,
This article was interesting!! Learned a lot!! Thanks!!;
Pan says,
Every state has it’s own special signage for traffic flow on limited access highways and state routes.. My favorite is Connecticut, because it makes sense.. Now, if only people would follow the rules, there would be virtually no traffic jams.. Left lane passing, center lane speed limit (for conditions), right lane slow traffic.. It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out why.. What it does take is tossing out the over inflated ego that it’s your lane, your speed.. And the, your time is more important than everyone else.. We all need to enter anf exit, let the car or truck out by either slowing a tad so they can merge or be a hero and move a lane left if possible for them.. If I make someone else’s driving maneuver a little easier 20x a day at a cost of 3 seconds each of my precious time, I’ve made 20 people’s day a little brighter in a total of 1 minute out of my day.. I drive for a living, so yes that’s an easy average.. And it makes me feel good when someone waves and smiles with gratitude and sometimes relief, for such a small gesture at the right time.. I think the biggest traffic safety program that should be pushed is courtesy to each other..
We share the road, we should behave like we know how to share.. That could be the slogan, lol
Sharon says,
It’s about time this “left lane only” for passing is going to be enforced. But I hope the one’s that love to speed are not going to use this as a race track which is the case even now, and with very few car’s in the left it may be even more tempting. But would rather this happen then having the speeders weave in and out of lane’s possibly causing accidents. My BIGGEST pet peeve are the people that tail gate, they are putting so many people in great danger, and DO NOT save much time if any at all. I’m sure there’s alot of revenue for Oregon and Washington if they would only enforce it more. I think those two rules would really save alot of time and lives. And I love the comment about making the left lane law a regular public announcement to keep it on driver’s minds.
R. Kortan says,
The use of cruise control should be included in this left lane passing situation.
G Michael Sadie says,
By “open road” I assume you mean interstates? What about county roads? I live in California and occasionally see signs that read, “Slower Traffic Keep Right,” but if the law forbids traveling in the left lane except for passing, what’s the point of those signs? And what about speed limit laws: are they prima facie speed limits or are they absolute?
John says,
Yeah, but you forgot to mention the brilliant engineers that came up with the idea of a left hand exit. This is one of the most dangerous maneuvers I have to do in my bus. So if it’s between fighting my way into that lane, or driving 3 miles in it, I’m driving in the left lane.
Lisa Vee says,
Agreed. That would be the exception to the rule. Left lane exits are an utter nightmare.
Jim Campbell says,
For interstates, does everyone not know how to look at the exit signs to determine which side the upcoming exit is on?
Michael Houser says,
Very good point . I wish they could make this a public service announcement, as they do the cigarette commercials; to logically brain wash people as normal. If kids and inexperienced motorist had tougher ways to earn there license, this would save a lot of accidents and driving hardships
Rich Stehlik says,
Good point about the left lane, though motorists may not heed your advice until ticketed.
Also, would you say something about using the directional signal. Does anyone else use
it? When first driving, I had to use hand signals, now most motorists can’t flip a switch.
Kan says,
lower speed means higher survival chance in accident, that’s why I always choose right line
Glenn Fava says,
I was in law enforcement for over 20 years and a certified crash reconstructionist. I can tell you speeding is no where near the top cause of collisions. The # 1 cause is driver inattention. People who are left lane hogs create havoc on roadways causing others to try and pass on the right. It also causes road rage for the people stuck behind them. you are correct that a lower speed gives you a higher survival rate, however a driver that is going 75 mph and is alert and in control of his vehicle is not nearly as dangerous as the idiot driving 55 mph in the left lane.
Jim Campbell says,
Rate this comment a 10! Situational awareness is the key to safe driving.
Thomas O'Grady says,
What you wrote makes absolute sense, and I learned to drive that way living in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Problem is, I live in Florida now and they don’t have a keep right-pass left law here. I-95 is crap shoot when you’re on it, what with drivers from Maine to Florida passing through every day. Wish it was a national law.
Pan says,
It was revised in Florida in 2014.. The left lane is for passing only.. You can be ticketed for continuous driving in the left lane, without passing, even at the speed limit.. If there was stricter enforcement, that would be nice..
Barry says,
The maximum and minimum speed limit for the left lane is the POSTED speed limit. I use the left lane to avoid traffic congestion in the right lane Drivers in the right lane sometimes break hard to turn into a driveway. Cars traveling behind the turning car also hits their brakes which may cause an accident. I believe it is safer to use the left lane traveling at the posted speed limit. Drivers need to abide by the posted speed limit or get a speeding ticket.
Ben says,
Not true, at least in California. The posted is only the maximum speed.
If your concerned by vehicles making right turns suddenly then your probably following too closely.
Just because you can drive the maximum in the left lane doesn’t mean you should camp out their; impeding other drivers while you play speed nazi to those who want to drive faster and take their chances at a ticket
Fran says,
The speed limit is the speed limit, even if you’re in the left lane, but I notice people just doesn’t observe the speed limit. If it’s 45 why are you going 60 or 70
Phil says,
Sometimes it is impossible to keep safe distance in regular rush hour traffic. People will always slide in front of you and brake and then make their right turn. Would I then be following too close? Therefore sometimes safer to stay in middle lane.
Barry says,
I guess you are a speeder who needs a ticket. Remember, speed kills. I should not have to move over for law breakers. I do not hog a lane normally. I only use the left lane when it is congested.
Jim Campbell says,
You shouldn’t’ have to but if you don’t you could become a victim; or worse a casualty. Don’t pretend to have the right to enforce speed limits unless you’re willing to accept the consequences provided by those who don’t care. You don’t know if there is an emergency situation that you could be impeding or not. BE SAFE; MOVE OVER!
Eric says,
If you don’t, then you could become a victim? Give me a break with the scare tactic. Barry is not pretending to have the right to enforce speed limits. Barry is simply abiding by the law, which those who selfishly drive whatever speed they want are not doing. Being safe is not selfishly driving whatever speed you want over a speed limit. Speed limits are created for safety purposes and for traffic flow. There will likely always be people that are selfish or don’t care about the law. The solution for society is not to cater to these people and move out of their way so that they can do what they want. The solution is to realize that speed limits are there for good reason and everyone abide by them for the safety and smooth flow of everyone on the road. You also can’t assume all speeding vehicles have an emergency either. Official emergency vehicles have flashing lights and sounds.
If you are under the speed limit, or if you are in a place like Germany where there are sections with no limit, then moving over makes sense for traffic flow and courtesy. If you are at the limit in the left lane, then there is no need to move over unless there is an emergency vehicle approaching from behind or there is open room in the right lane to move over for potential emergency vehicles. Speeding (selfishly thinking you are above the law) and following too closely are what need to change, not those who are going the speed limit in the left lane.
Posted signs that instruct to “keep right except to pass” applies to passing when you are still within the speed limit. Passing is not an exception to the posted speed limit unless you’re an emergency vehicle.
Barry says,
Ben, I have not had an accident for 40 years. My last speeding ticket was in 1972. The law varies by state
Barry says,
Ben, the speeders wants to hog the left lane so that they can speed. If drivers obeyed the speed limit, then there would not be any lane hogs unless the driver is slower than the maximum speed limit. Thank you for your response.
Claus says,
Barry, if you need to be in the left lane to feel safe in traffic, it tells me that you don’t have any confidence in your own driving skills. Besides: The left lane is the passing lane in most states here in the US. Try that left lane approach in countries without speed limits on the interstates and you will be the one getting tickets.
Barry says,
I feel comfortable with my driving. I am not referring to interstate — pass left stay right.
Harry Moore says,
The left lane is not a travel lane even at the posted speed limit. People passing you on the right is a great potential for a crash. Be smart and use common sense.
Pan says,
If cars are turning in driveways then you are not on a limited access
highway, which this article seems to pertain to.. In the situation you present, you are correct, if you aren’t going to make a right on city or town road that has a turn every few hundred feet, I agree, you should not be adding to congestion in the right lane..
Barry says,
You are right. I am not talking about interstate driving. In that case, drive right pass left. Thank you.
Glenn Fava says,
You are a Left lane hog and contribute to crashes. Being a retired law enforcement officer and crash expert it is people like you who cause crashes. DRIVE RIGHT, PASS LEFT…….You are not the Police and you have no right to try and keep other drivers from passing. Be concerned about your driving and not others……
Barry says,
It is the speeding traffic that causes accidents. I have not caused any accidents. My last ticket was in 1972 and my last accident was in 1976. I am referring to dual lanes and no interstate driving. Why didn’t you catch the speeders in the left lane?
Barry says,
Glenn, Rushing, tailgatigating and speeding is what causes accidents. Drivers need to leave in plenty of time. I am not the one who causes them to speed and have accidents.