
Don’t You Just Hate Those Left-Lane Drivers On I-20?
We've all experienced it. That person who's cruising down I-20 in the left lane--going 65 mph in a 75 mph zone. Cars are stacked up on their tail, and the driver seems to be totally oblivious to the pile-up they're causing. And why are they driving in the left lane? It's not like the road's any better over there; it's Louisiana for cryin' out loud!
Well, not only is this annoying--it's illegal. Louisiana state law clearly states that on all multi-lane highways, you cannot drive in the left-hand land except under the following conditions:
- When you're getting ready to make a left turn at an intersection, private road, or driveway.
- When you're overtaking or passing another vehicle going in your same direction.
- When right-hand lanes are congested.
- When emergency vehicles are parked on or near the right shoulder with their emergency lights activated.
- When otherwise directed by law enforcement.
The law goes even further:
- You can't drive in the left lane if you're impeding another vehicle that's going in the same direction.
- You can't drive in the left lane at a slower speed than vehicles in the right lane.
- If you are driving slower than the normal speed of traffic you must drive in the right-hand lane.
If you're ticketed for this offense, you can be fined up to $100, given 30 days jail time, or both.
Bottom line is, the immortal words of Ludacris should be invoked every time you see someone breaking this law--"Move *&%$@!, get out da way!"