Washington State Legislature Debates ‘Aggravated Left Lane Driving’ Bill
Image: European Roads
One of the most annoying feelings in the world is driving down the highway when you suddenly have to slam on the brakes for some family of 15 in a Suburban that’s driving five under the speed limit in the fast lane.
It must have been while stuck behind this flotsam of the roadways that Washington state senator Michael Baumgartner must have thought to himself, “I’ll sort this out.” Baumgartner came up with his “aggravated left lane driving” bill to call for special penalties for motorists driving slower than the speed limit in the left lane.
“Such actions can cause other drivers to brake unexpectedly or create a long line of frustrated drivers,” Baumgartner wrote in the bill (Senate Bill 6105). “This in turn can cause other drivers to engage in unsafe and illegal conduct, such as tailgating or passing the slower vehicle in the right lane.”
Washington state troopers report that people driving slowly in the passing lane is one of the most common complaints they receive.
The bill will be heard by the Senate transportation committee on January 25th. If passed, the bill would cause left-lane drivers lagging behind the speed limit to be charged with both a regular traffic fine of $124 plus additional penalties of between $27 and $67, based on their speed below the speed limit.
News Source: King 5 Seattle
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