http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/us/2008/0...ers.beware.ktul

They tried this crap in TX too and after awhile the the 'peace officers' pretty much gave up. Unless you want to be behind 18 wheelers all day the average person is going to travel in the left lane...

I agree that it seems to be a passive-aggressive thing with a lot of drivers (with a handful of clueless nimrods thrown in for good measure). I'd love it if they passed this law in MD.

For those of us who can't see the video...what's it about?

okla. police pulling people over if you are going below the speed limit in the left lane. 1 guy is going 63 in a 65 and they gave him a warning. Next month they start giving out REAL tickets and the fine is $206

Thanks, Samy0. I can never understand the vidoes words. But, how can a policeman give out a ticket to someone doing 63, when the speed LIMIT is 65?? Is it saying that the left lane is ok for speeders??

Sounds like it. After all, +/- 2 MPH for most speedos is reasonable accuracy. I'd take it to court and ask the officer if I was doing 67 would that be okay? How about 70? At what point do I get a ticket for going too fast.

Exactly, Bent! Gotta agree. And we all know how hard it is to do an exact speed of 65. That would take too much focus off the driving and on the speedometer, IMO. Unless you have cruise control.

I think their point is that the left lane should be for passing only. the officer told stories about cops and ambulances getting calls and getting stuck behind someone going below the speed limit in the left lane and holding them up. the part that got me was the one guy he pulled over wasn't impeding traffic. there was nobody around and the cop speeds up to him shoots his laser then pulls him over. the guy said he thought he was being safe by not going over the limit

I wondering if this guy saw the cop behind him. Everybody knows there's a "halo effect" in place whenever a cop is driving near by.

That is the point Samy. For those that did not take drivers ed or have forgotten. The purpose of the left lane is for Turning Left or Passing. If you are not doing either you are in the wrong lane regardless of speed.

I do the same as well. It gets nerve wracking to have to keep going over to the left lane, then back again whenever their is a merger. I, too, will get over to the right if someone is behind me and wanting to speed past me.

Sometimes, it just more relaxing to spread out and not be in one long line in the right lane.

I know in Pennsylvania, they passed the law back in '99 that you can't drive in the left lane unless you're passing. I know because I got pulled over for it when, as Checkingin pointed out, the halo effect was in place since I knew a cop was near by. So I'm cruising at a reasonable speed in the left lane and got pulled over. He only gave me a warning though.

Personally, I think it's a great law. There's nothing more irritating than someone driving along in the left lane, clueless to the fact that there is a string of cars behind him/her who are waiting to pass. A friend of mine calls the right lane on the highway the "super secret passing lane" since that is where most of the passing occurs.

I would have to agree with the super secret passing lane. It is rediculous when you have to pass people because they do not know to drive in the right lane.

I don't think MD traffic code expressly prohibits "driving" in the left lane (been awhile since I've had to use those laws), but some states (NJ comes immediately to mind) the left lane is for passing only and has a specific code addressing the prohibition of "driving" in the left lane.

I know that well.. and now it's even worse with the Centre being open and everyone wanting to exit at Rt 40, half mile down the road.

I drive about 68 to 70mph in the left lane. and will (not) mover over for on comming traffic at on ramps. if I`m in the right lane. YEILD, that`s what the sign says and means. Yeild until it`s ok to enter the roadway. I have put many on cars in the sholder because of not yeilding.

From what I`ve heard from the state of Md highway commissioner on a radio show. A lady called in and asked if she had to move into the right lane if she was doing the speed limit in the left lane. His answer to her was no you don`t have to if your doing the speed limit. The right lane is for slower traffic that might have to do the 55 mph.minm. speed posted fo what ever reason.

What if that person is doing 65-70 in the left lane?

We wouldn't need these laws if people would just show a little common courtesy.

If your in the left lane and somebody comes up behind you, how hard can it be to just move over and let them pass.

I too drive I-81 from Maugans ave. exit to Exit 6 B Every day twice a day. It's nothing more then a Pi** me off mode when you get major old fart's looking at the tree's that may be different that day. I have CDL's and drive for the WCBOE and yes We're allowed to do the posted speed limit's. But in many of the older drivers that don't bother to keep up on the law's they won't do the posted speed limit's. In my opinion THAT driver is a hindrance to traffic and should be pulled over and Fined not a warning. The board follows this law and tells us to do the posted speed limit's. But you still have to Old Fart's that refuse to do it and now you have those drivers holding up traffic because they're still living the past holding their speeds at 55 because we have children on board.
Well my question for them has always been, "So what you're saying is when you're in your car and you have your grandkids do you do the speed limit's?" And the answer is always "Well yes I do" What's the difference???? If your driving skills are not up to date or you're afraid of driving that big Ole bus, then GET OFF THE ROADS!!!!!! Please note all to many of our seniors ought to be made to retake a driving test. I'm a firm believer in that and yes when I'm there I'd be all to happy to do this myself. My Father in law is 88 years old and that old fart flies. Now as for me in my bus and the left lane that is a big no no, Unless we have to merge over due to Oncoming merging traffic or Slow driver's we are allowed to pass but we must remain in the right lanes. Most of my High School kids hate it if I'm not there driving, I hear about it the next day. They all say My God don't kill us like that again, That old fool didn't go over 45 the entire time. And yes this includes on I-81. That driver should be fired or forced into retirement.
I live on route 40 and it's amazing to see how many senior's or young kids on cell phones turn up the wrong way because they can't focus enough on their driving skills. As a commercial driver another pet peeve I have with driver's is that, those HUGE BIG FAT WHITE LINES PAINTED AT EVERY STOP SIGN, TRAFFIC LIGHT IN EVERY STATE. Means KEEP YOUR NOSE BEHIND IT!!!!!!!!!! NOT OVER IT !!!!!!!!!!! Believe me if you get behind me on the interstate you'll know it's me driving cause I don't hold you up. I think it's more dangerous to do that then to keep up with the flow of traffic, not over doing the posted speed limit's of course but at least keeping it at the legal limit. Now on Mountains, sorry folks those bus's have issues with mountains, they hate the hills. We're sorry believe me we have them floored.

Depends on how many cars are in the right lane if it's safe to move over.
Some people can't just get over fast enough for you speeder. Zoommmmm. lol

I drive mostly in the right unless I'm passing someone that's going way to slow.

He/She should move over to the right lane. The left lane is really supposed to be used as a PASSING lane, regardless of what speed you're doing.

Ahhhh Interstate etiquette! Personally I will stay in the left(passing) lane and try to maintain a few mph over posted limit. It is generally in alot better shape (holes etc.) I constantly check all mirrors and rarely will any vehicle "appear" behind me without my knowing they are coming. Good point earlier about the right lane followers that DO NOT think they should have to move over to the left lane to make it easier for someone to merge on. They would rather endanger everyone on the road than safely give some room. Merging drivers should hit the interstate at the appx. speed of the right lane vehicles, then they just need a hole to slip into. Too many drivers think its a sin to back off from their important journey to allow someone else safely in. Then we end up with cars rolling down the shoulder getting desperate to merge. It is merge , not stop too!!! Do not stop and wait for a big enough hole to accelerate into. wow. A fun exit is 81N valley Mall with 70 west dumping into the right lane and the right lane exit. So much indescision as to when and how to get to the right lane. Get one "I dont have to move for anybody else" driver right there and sparks could fly! One rule to remember....if you are getting waves from other drivers that do not include all their fingers...you most likely deserve it.

What about highways that are three lanes going each way? Are you allowed to stay in the far right lane or the center lane, but just not drive in the far left lane? What about if you're stuck behind a slowpoke in the center lane, are you allowed to pass them on the right? I typically will try to pass on their left, but if the right is wide open and the left isn't, I will use the right as long as I'm not gonna cut someone off. Is it against the rules to do that?

I don't foresee a law ever being passed in the eastern states forbidding driving in the passing lane, simply because the roads are too congested. That said, I really wish the slowpokes would stay out of the left lane!

From Wikipedia:

Unfortunately, the various uniform codes (Uniform Commercial Code, Uniform Probate Code, Uniform Vehicle Code) are simply model codes that the states may, or may not, adopt. It seems the majority of states have not adopted this one yet, although a number (such as OH, NY, FL, SC and others) have. It looks like Maryland's version died in 2006 (MD Senate Bill 701, House Bill 1196).

Aye Crumba, slow anoying drivers should be banned from the highways or run off the road. In my country we don't have this problem, they are quickly eliminated.

remember it is not your "Right" to drive at whatever speed you want. Driving is a privilege earned and rules must be followed.

how would you feel if I don't feel like getting up from a table that you and your family are waiting for at your favorite restaurant before you need to be at an important event???

I hate when someone feels that it is ok to travel 25-30 mph on Jefferson blvd just because they feel like it. the speed limit is 50 and most people rely on that speed to get their kids to school on time or to work on time.

mcgee you are one of the worst people out there! the two biggest mistakes are people not yielding at speed and morons like you that don't work with other people as a team to make the roads safer. you boasting about running people into the shoulder shows your incredible lack of intelligence. people like you should be arrested because you are purposely endangering lives because you think it's your "Right"....moron.

I always thought maybe we should come up with a system where one day a year you get a card to get a freebie on running a dumb a$$ off the road. You knwo what I eman he cuts you off or something similar you can run them in a ditch and get a free pass.

Think about it if it is random you would never know who around you has the card that day so you might be more mindful of pi$$ing them off. LOL

First off hcmg, Thanks for the moron remark.LOL
Now if your driving off of an interstate rampway. Refering to the rampway off 70w to 81 North. At the end of the ramp YOU will see if you look,There is a YEILD sign. Some people think that is for other people.( NOT.) You must Yeild to on comming traffic until it`s safe to enter the raodway.
I was within my rights to keep driving on the entancer of the highway in which I was headed for. Because I didn`t have a YEILD sign they did. And by them not yeilding they ran out of road to drive on.Because they didn`t slow down. NOW WHO was the MORON. ME or the other driver? YEILD means just that YEILD.

To hell with courtesy.

That comming from someone at one time was hired to protect and serve the public.

Get Em Yoss..... That's funny right there. I'd suggest RAM it. sorry had to do it.

Aye Crumba, in this country paint ball guns should be issued to drivers. Many times I sit on 270 and think that the slow drivers, the ones who don't realize what is happening around them, should face my paint ball. In my country they resolve the issue with the slow stupid driver very quickly

Right bent you don't get angry when someone does something really deliberate to you when driving. If you want us to believe that then why don't you tell us about the bringe in Brooklyn you have for sale. Everyone gts pi$$ed of at some point. Ofr me it was the idiots racing on I-95 cutting people off by cutting all three lanes and passing on the entrance ramps. Before you say "call the police" I was told "they will be out of jurisdiction before we can get there" not even so much as a thank you for calling. People like that kill innocent drivers maybe they would think second thoughs if they knew there was more than the police to worry about .

Power behind the wheel is all some people got. If Im tooling up the interstate and the left lane is clear and I see drivers preparing to yield onto the roadway I will signal and move over. If someone is next to me I guage my "slow lane speed" to allow the merger maybe room in front of me, maybe tuck in behind. Its not a contest to see if the "yielder" can make it onto the highway. I put my driving skills to the test to make the roadways safe for everyone. No matter what their skill level. My daughter is running on her learners permit right now. I guess running her out of merge room would be a real kick for some tough guy or girl. Driving is give and take.

my solution to road rage... clickie... language warning...

Take her to this... http://www.streetsurvival.org/ I guarantee it will be the best driver learning tool she'll ever receive. I just wish we could have more of these schools to accept adults.

...but back on topic, I'm pretty sure the worst road for this is probably Rt. 29 from Ellicott City to past Columbia. People will be driving literally 30 mph in all different lanes when the speed limit is 55 and the pace is usually 60-65. I'm terrified driving on Rt. 29 every time through there. I think the law is a necessary one, but we must not ignore those people going 80+mph or even those going 65 who are constantly weaving in and out of traffic.

I'm not sure which direction on Jefferson you're going, but actually from Eastern Blvd. till a little ways after the bridge over the Antietam it is 30mph. Take it from me and the state trooper with his radar gun- 10mph over So unless you feel generous enough to pay my ticket or take the points on your license instead of mine perhaps improved time management might help avoid late to school with the kiddies or work.

ohhh snap! Speed limit means absolute top speed! Not average speed to drive....good point...

You know, regardless of who has the right of way, one always has the legal obligation to avoid a collision whenever possible. Forcing somebody off the road because you got there first is illegal, however good it makes you feel.

I'm just sayin'...

Wow a little literal aren't you!

Of course I was talking about the part of Jefferson that is 50mph. If I was referring to the 30mph section I would have said 30mph! Sheesh.

My point was that the topic was about people traveling in the left lane and going slow and how much it is not only wrong but drives us all nuts! Traveling much slower than the posted speed limit on Jefferson blvd is the exact same thing.

Driving at whatever speed you want, especially well below the posted speed limit as well as running people into the shoulder are NOT your right, driving is an earned privilege.

I call it the "ME" syndrome. There is no one else on the planet but "ME" and my actions can't possibly affect anyone else. Yet we are all taught to do unto others as you want done to you.

Drive like you are trying to help everyone else around you have a smoother, safer trip and your day will be much better!

haycee the speed limit is indeed a top speed but it is the top speed for safe driving.

if we followed your definition no one would drive 65 on the highway.

Q. How should speed limits be set?
A. Traffic engineers maintain that speed limits should be established according to the 85th percentile of free flowing traffic. This means the limit should be set at a level at or under which 85 percent of people are driving. Numerous studies have shown that the 85th percentile is the safest possible level at which to set a speed limit.

I LOVE THIS ONE!

Q. Isn't slower always safer?
A. No, federal and state studies have consistently shown that the drivers most likely to get into accidents in traffic are those traveling significantly below the average speed. According to an Institute of Transportation Engineers Study, those driving 10 mph slower than the prevailing speed are six times as likely to be involved in an accident. That means that if the average speed on an interstate is 70 mph, the person traveling at 60 mph is far more likely to be involved in an accident than someone going 70 or even 80 mph.

Here is the website:http://www.motorists.org/speedlimits/

Here is another:

A maximum speed limit is posted or set by statute on a highway to inform motorists of the highest speed considered to be safe and reasonable under favorable road, traffic, and weather conditions.

website:http://www.ibiblio.org/rdu/sl-irrel.html

!!!!!!!!!!!!
The majority of motorists select a speed to reach their destination in the shortest time possible and to avoid endangering themselves, others, and their property. In selecting their speed, motorist consider roadway, traffic, weather, and other conditions. The collective judgment of the majority of motorists represents the level of reasonable travel and acceptable risk. Prior research has shown that the upper region of acceptable risk is in the vicinity of the 85th percentile speed.

I could go on forever!

I personally avg. speed above the posted, never by more that 10 mph. Thats ticket time.