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
M Pierce says,
Always good to learn and or refresh safety. Now if everyone would do it!
imfedup2 says,
Get these boat towing,camper towing,anybody with a trailer OUT of the left lane here in Florida! That goes for 18-wheelers also. They wouldn’t get away with it up north.
Peggy Moreno says,
It helps to know what the rules are (as we tend to forget sometimes). Becoming a better and safer driver can reap good benefits. Thanks for the recap.
Sam Hamian says,
Good readying. It was informative and everyone to pay attention to good driving.
A. Grizzle4 says,
Thanks for reminding us re safe driving. I myself drives the way that you have described minus the “do not”. Thank yhou
Barry Graham says,
Here are some more comments about the left lane (but not the same topic).
With regard to waiting in the intersection, a lot of people don’t drive properly when it comes to making a left turn. If the intersection is not blocked in the opposite direction and you are making a left turn, rather than waiting behind the line, you should pass the line and wait for traffic to clear or for the light to change. When the light changes to red, you make the turn, and do not, as I have seen people do, reverse back behind the line. If you have passed the line you are allowed to make the turn when the light changes.
Also people making left turns should not pull over as far to the right as possible to prevent people from passing them or making a right turn (at a T junction). They should pull over as far to the left as possible.
Finally, this is about the right. With regard to turning when a pedestrian has a walk light, your answer is of course correct but it highlights a very stupid and dangerous situation which, as far as I know, is an American thing. In the UK, where I come from, there would never be a walk signal if traffic has a green light that allows a car to cross a crossing with a walk signal. This ought to be the case here, it would prevent a lot of accidents.
Barry Pearlstein says,
I was a high school teacher in NYC. During my career I taught Driver Education to kids as well as adults. I am certified in New York State in Driver and Traffic Safety.
Recently, I have volunteered for the AARP Driver safety program. I taught defensive driving for adults, predominately 55 and over.
Your article on left turn driving seem to come right out of my lectures. I have been for many years an advocate for keeping right. There are other defensive techniques that are vitally important, and it would be my pleasure to share these with you.
Article well done, thank you.
Chris says,
I disagree with nearly every point this article makes with regards to the logic and reasoning of ” lane courtesy”. Multi-lane roadways are designed based on a myriad of factors none of which are inclusive of “lane courtesy” rather safety and capacity demands as just two such factors determine how many lanes are built. That being said the article above mentions speed limits being too slow… As determined by who… Drivers? Speed limits are determined by engineering and safety factors so to simply state speed limits are too slow so drivers must allow for space for “faster” driving is non-sensical. Additionally there are no laws that allow any driver to establish a “common speed” greater than the posted speed limit. Consequently the common speed should never exceed that of any posted limit. I.e. 55 means 55 not 60 as many believe the tolerance law enforcement allows as being the actual speed limit. I could go on however there are so many flaws with the logic and reasoning of lining up in a right lane that space does not allow in this comment section. Full lane usage by all drivers within the speed limit is the design of any roadway system. Anything else is a concocted effort to justify why safe drivers should stay to the right to allow speeding and reckless drivers a passage way.
Heidi Scott2nd says,
Great article, every one should read it, if we all ahere to it we will have less accidents, safer driving and get to our destination with much less stress! Finally all cars should have a device that inhibits one using a cell phone whilst driving, as long as the engine is on!
Dew says,
I’m not sure if there is a law that is specific enough to be enforced. My thoughts are as follows. I have long wondered why those who wish to go 80 mph in a 65 speed limit think that I am obligated to move over to the slow lane when I am already going 72 or 73. 72 or 73 is a safe “go with the flow” speed. Do they expect me to slide in behind 60 to 65 mph traffic just to accommodate their desire to drive at a very unsafe speed? If there is no slow traffic to the right in the next .5 mile or so, I will get over. Otherwise, I will remain in the left lane and slowly overtake the slow traffic without risking a traffic ticket!
Ron B. says,
Drivers in the left lane that refuse to move over to allow the traffic behind them to pass SHOULD BE ARRESTED! Every time I pass one of those kinds of people, they are almost always distracted, or have no clue altogether. GET THEM OFF THE ROAD if they want to be that stupid!
Ann Lee Walker says,
It took me awhile to convince my husband that you only use the left lane when passing.
He would always say, I am doing the speed limit, not breaking the law. Other drivers
would become angry and as soon as there was a break in the right, they would go tearing
around us an then pull immediately in from of us. This is dangerous driving. The people
who want to use the left lane are in a hurry, many times they are in it to simple go much
faster, not just to pass. breaking the speed limit and could care less about staying in it or
how fast they go. I think my husband finally realized on his own after being cut off a few
times. He rarely changes lanes and if he is passing into left lane, changes back to right as
quickly as possible. One problem with the passing lane is that trucks (large, commercial
ones) often drive in the passing lane and are holding up anyone who want to go fast enough
to pass someone. I do not think people are aware that doing so, can cause road rage and I have seen it happen. I have driven in Colorado, speed limit, is I think, 70 or 75 miles
per hour. You will receive a ticket if you drive in left lane and there are many signs letting you
know this. The rules are followed by pretty much everyone. Of course that is a very generous speed limit with little cause to go to left lane, as people are already going pretty fast. Another pet peve is when you see cars entering the highway from an entrance ramp and you do not slow, allowing them to enter safely into busy traffic. You can simply move over in most cases and allow them to enter. It’s getting a bit crazy out there, road rage and all. We could all use some classes in driving rules as they continue to change over time. Lets get some proper signs posted. Around our area everyone seems to be in a hurry with no consideration for other drivers.
James says,
If there is someone behind you and no one if front of you then get out of the left lane. Stay in the right lane unless you are going to pass. If you can’t figure out why take the next exit.
James Seats says,
EVERY State has posted maximum speed limits, decided by professionals held to safe determined limits for the area. If drivers who want to exceed these speed limits are putting themselves and others in danger by excessive speed known as the number one cause of death, injury and property loss. NO ONE should exceed posted limits in ANY lane and should respect others, even those in the left “passing” lane if they are maintaining the posted maximum speed limit by law. Ask your State Law Enforcement agencies about their Highway Codes, here in South Carolina there is one, “Unless exists a life threatening or eminent life threatening situation, the posted maximum speed limit shall not be exceeded”. Be responsible, maintain maximum speed in left lane and act like an Officer is behind you all the time.
Joannie says,
I follow this rule whenever I can, it is just common sense and courtesy. When driving on a three+ lane highway, I usually choose a middle lane. This way, I am not in the way of cars merging onto the highway or cars needing to pass.
What I find frustrating though are drivers who feel the need to pass and then zoom across three lanes to catch an exit. Very dangerous to everyone in their vicinity. I usually just ask my Angels to keep everyone around them safe. ?