Signed by Governor Henry McMaster

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that increases penalties for driving in the left lane on interstates for extended periods of time.

Highlights:

• Amends traffic laws to ensure the following (Sec. 1):

• On any controlled-access roadway having two or more lanes allowing movement in the same direction, a driver may not continue to operate a motor vehicle in the furthermost left-hand lane if the driver knows or reasonably should know that he is being overtaken in that lane from the rear by a motor vehicle traveling at a higher rate of speed;

• A person who violates the provisions of this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, must be punished by a fine of $200 or by imprisonment for not more than 30 days, except that a driver of a vehicle requiring a commercial drivers license may not be fined more than $50;

• The Department of Transportation must place signs along the interstate highways directing slower traffic to move right. These signs must be placed at intervals of no greater than every 35 miles; and

• For 180 days after the effective date of this section, only warning tickets may be issued for a violation of the provisions in this section.

Full Bill Text