Bill aims to address ‘coasting’ on left
Some say keeping “passing lane” free prevents accidents
A central New York state senator is hoping to codify one of the unwritten rules of the road.
Joe Griffo, an Oneida County Republican, wants to rewrite the state’s vehicle and traffic law to restrict access to the left lane on highways — commonly referred to by motorists as the “fast lane” — to drivers who are passing other vehicles. Under the provisions of the bill, vehicles in the left lane would need to move to the right after driving without passing anyone for a mile and a half.
Griffo’s office said the lawmaker introduced the legislation after receiving numerous complaints about drivers not using the
left lane for its intended purpose: passing other vehicles.
“‘Coasting’ in the passing lane along an interstate highway poses a safety risk to other vehicles, disrupts the flow of traffic and can lead to road rage,” the bill memorandum states.
“This bill would encourage individuals to occupy the left lane only when passing or overtaking another vehicle or to comply with the state’s Move Over law,” reads the memo, referring to state law that obligates drivers to shift lanes away from an emergency vehicle. “In doing so, traffic will be allowed to move more efficiently and safely.”
A Thruway regulation requires obedience to all posted signs, including those saying to keep right except when passing. Failing to follow the signs could result in a violation.
State law applying to all roadways in New York requires vehicles driving below the speed of traffic to remain in the righthand lane or as close as practicable to the right curb, depending on the situation.
Most states already have laws regulating the use of the left lane on highways, according to the Claims Journal.
A New Jersey law restricts access to the left lane on highways to drivers passing other vehicles, preparing to take a left or exiting the highway. Violators can face a $200 fine and two points on their license, according to a briefing prepared by the law offices of Beninato & Matrafaljo.
A New Hampshire law took effect in January that prohibits motorists from remaining in the left lane on a highway and impeding the flow of traffic. Violation of the law carries a $50 fine.
“Blocking the left lane on highways disrupts the normal flow of traffic and increases the chance of crashes — but keeping it open for passing causes fewer crashes than speeding because traffic f lows more smoothly and there’s less tailgating and less weaving in and out of traffic,” tweeted the union representing the New Hampshire state police.
The proposal for New York doesn’t include a penalty for noncompliance, but Griffo hopes a law would spread awareness about this safety concern. A penalty could be written into future versions of the bill, according to his office.
New York law also requires drivers to pass vehicles on the left, with few exceptions.