If you've ever driven in California, you may be aware of the state's left lane rules. The left lane on a highway is reserved for passing other vehicles; if you are not actively passing another vehicle, you should not be driving in the left lane.
Driving too slow in the left lane is very dangerous because it often causes other drivers to engage in road rage behaviors. In this blog post, we will discuss the left lane rules in California and what you can do to avoid getting pulled over or causing a traffic accident.
The Left Lane is the Fast Lane
The highway's left lane is typically the fastest lane of traffic, so it stands to reason that you would want to stay in that lane whenever possible. However, there are times when you should move out of the left lane, even if you are driving the speed limit.
If you are not actively passing another vehicle, you should move to the right lane as soon as it is safe to do so. This allows faster-moving traffic to pass and prevents other drivers from getting angry and engaging in road rage behaviors.
There are also some situations where you may be required to exit the left lane by law. For example, if there is a disabled vehicle on the shoulder of the highway, all drivers must move over one lane (if possible) to give the disabled vehicle space. If you are driving in the left lane and a police car or ambulance is trying to pass with its emergency lights on, you must move out of the way so that they can get through.
Breaking the Law
Driving too slowly in the left lane is not only dangerous, but it's also against the law in California. The maximum speed limit on most highways is 65 miles per hour, but if you are driving slower than other traffic and causing a traffic backup, you can be ticketed for “impeding the flow of traffic.” This violation carries a fine of $238 and one point on your driver's license. In addition to being ticketed, you may also be sued by another driver if you cause an accident while driving too slowly in the left lane.
If you find yourself in the left lane and realize that you are not passing another vehicle, don't panic! Just safely move over to a lane on the right as soon as possible. Be aware of your surroundings and always yield to emergency vehicles.
We’re Here to Help
If you’ve been injured in a car crash due to a slow driver in the left lane through no fault of your own, you may be entitled to compensation for your losses. Don’t hesitate to reach out to our skilled team at Scott J. Corwin, A Professional Law Corporation right away with any questions you may have.
Contact our office today by calling (310) 683-2300 or filling out the online contact form to discuss the details of your case and learn more about how we can help you. We offer free consultations, so there’s no reason not to reach out to someone from our team right away.
