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left lane on highway

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syntax42

Junior Member
What is the name of your state? Ohio

Is it illegal for me to drive 65 in the left lane on a highway? The only thing I am aware of that would prevent me from doing so is a sign that says, "Slower traffic keep right." The contradiction occurs when other drivers are behind me. Are they going faster than me? No, because they would hit me if they tried to go faster than me. So technically, I am not "slower traffic."

Today, I was passing a truck and after I got past him I didn't feel like changing lanes because there was another truck to pass a quarter mile ahead. The driver immediately behind me didn't like my speed of 70mph (speed limit is 65 in Ohio) and rode my bumper. I never react to those people. Someone else in a red sedan decided they would go about 90 or so and pass on my right while honking their horn at me as if I were doing something wrong.

This got me thinking - many drivers seem to think they own the road and are more important than the law and everyone else on the road. They should be able to go whatever speed they want and nobody, except maybe a cop, should do anything to slow them down. If traffic slows down, they weave in and out to get to the front of the line, even if it means cutting people off and making other drivers angry.

The story ends well. There was a speed trap about two miles up the highway and I saw the same red sedan on the side of the road.

I just wish people wouldn't drive so recklessly on the highway when there is moderate traffic. At night, the only risk they take is hitting a deer instead of putting others in danger. I am only opposed to their driving during the day.
 


The Occultist

Senior Member
We are not here to discuss any morality issues you have. Nor are we going to argue semantics on the wording of a sign; you know that the sign means you are not allowed to hold anybody up in the left lane, and you should have moved over as soon as you had the chance.
 

Hey There

Member
Click and The Information is There

5-18-08
syntax42
? ASKED
Is it illegal for me to drive 65 in the left lane on a highway?
GO to Google and type in passing lane.
Click on Passing lane - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
which gives a detailed description .
The Ohio Driver's Manual and DMV Rule Book should have a rule governing left hand lane use in your state.

Google--Driving too slowly in the left lane
and click on webites on that page.
This should answer your question.:)


Best Regards,
Hey There
 

Maestro64

Member
The Driver Manual does not always tell you what the laws or rules are many are written as general guidelines for the average driver.

You need to look up the rules or laws that govern the use of the left lane. Some states define this as a passing only lane so you are not suppose to hang out in the lane. Many states have been updating their rules for use of these lanes since they have been finding that many road rage incidents are being caused by people hanging out in the passing lane and treating it as any other lane.

These law does not matter what your speed is, if you not passing someone your suppose to move to the right. As you kindly pointed out, people who speed and have no regard for others tend to have a run in with the police.

Also, I know in PA you are allow to flash your lights and tap the horn to signal that you want to pass. You might think this is rude but it is acceptable. If you ever drive in Europe this is done all over the place.
 

OP85063

Member
What is the name of your state? Ohio

Is it illegal for me to drive 65 in the left lane on a highway? The only thing I am aware of that would prevent me from doing so is a sign that says, "Slower traffic keep right." The contradiction occurs when other drivers are behind me. Are they going faster than me? No, because they would hit me if they tried to go faster than me. So technically, I am not "slower traffic."

Today, I was passing a truck and after I got past him I didn't feel like changing lanes because there was another truck to pass a quarter mile ahead. The driver immediately behind me didn't like my speed of 70mph (speed limit is 65 in Ohio) and rode my bumper. I never react to those people. Someone else in a red sedan decided they would go about 90 or so and pass on my right while honking their horn at me as if I were doing something wrong.

This got me thinking - many drivers seem to think they own the road and are more important than the law and everyone else on the road. They should be able to go whatever speed they want and nobody, except maybe a cop, should do anything to slow them down. If traffic slows down, they weave in and out to get to the front of the line, even if it means cutting people off and making other drivers angry.

The story ends well. There was a speed trap about two miles up the highway and I saw the same red sedan on the side of the road.

I just wish people wouldn't drive so recklessly on the highway when there is moderate traffic. At night, the only risk they take is hitting a deer instead of putting others in danger. I am only opposed to their driving during the day.
Have you ever stop to think maybe if you would of moved over so the guy can pass you, he probably didn't have to speed up that fast to pass you, if you moved?

Have you think if you moved over, he didn't have to weave in and out of traffic, because of morons like you holding up the left lane?

The truck up front should of move over to the left lane, doing 60 and the truck in the other lane should be doing 59 right next to each other, and see how you feel about it behind them.

It's pricks like you cause lot of traffic weaving in and out because you see a faster car coming and you feel you are doing the speed limit so you don't have to move. (who thinks the own the road now?)

I can go on and on, but think about these the next time, you have a family emergency (which I hope doesn't happen) where you got to get someone you love quickly and two kids holding both lanes at the speed limit playing on the road, and your family is in a dying bed.

Good Luck to you in the future.

You lose your lic in Euro driving in the left lane, and someone wants to pass you.
 

syntax42

Junior Member
Those of you who cited Europe as an example: this is the US where we value safety first!

I would guess 99.99% of the drivers who are doing more than 10 over the speed limit do NOT have a life-or-death emergency. They are just speeding because they are late or have developed bad habits. For that one in ten thousand that actually has an emergency, there are emergency vehicles with proper markings and lights so they are allowed to speed on the highway.

I looked it up and it appears to be illegal for a vehicle to drive in the left lane unless passing another vehicle. I'll pay the ticket if I'm given one for driving in the left lane. I would rather feel safe, knowing traffic is moving at 65-70 mph than watch people fly by me at 80-90.

Maybe this is an example of civilians enforcing the law because the state is incompetent in this area.
 

syntax42

Junior Member
Have you ever stop to think maybe if you would of moved over so the guy can pass you, he probably didn't have to speed up that fast to pass you, if you moved?
Those people drive that fast even when they are not trying to pass someone.

Have you think if you moved over, he didn't have to weave in and out of traffic, because of morons like you holding up the left lane?
Am I reaching in their vehicles and steering them and pressing on their accelerator so they weave? No. They are the reason they weave and drive dangerously.

The truck up front should of move over to the left lane, doing 60 and the truck in the other lane should be doing 59 right next to each other, and see how you feel about it behind them.
It doesn't bother me. I'm not in such a hurry to get places that I would risk my life by driving 90.

It's pricks like you cause lot of traffic weaving in and out because you see a faster car coming and you feel you are doing the speed limit so you don't have to move. (who thinks the own the road now?)
Everyone owns the road. Everyone has to follow the rules of the road. Speeding does not grant you the right of way.

I can go on and on, but think about these the next time, you have a family emergency (which I hope doesn't happen) where you got to get someone you love quickly and two kids holding both lanes at the speed limit playing on the road, and your family is in a dying bed.
Its called "911." Emergency vehicles can get you there faster and safer than just plain speeding. A police officer can escort you if it comes down to that.

Good Luck to you in the future.

You lose your lic in Euro driving in the left lane, and someone wants to pass you.
This is NOT Europe. Their driving appears very dangerous and risky from our point of view.
 

OP85063

Member
Have you ever stop to think maybe if you would of moved over so the guy can pass you, he probably didn't have to speed up that fast to pass you, if you moved?
Those people drive that fast even when they are not trying to pass someone.

You were in the way, you should of moved out of the way, what gives you the right for police on the road, what qualification do you have to do so?

Have you think if you moved over, he didn't have to weave in and out of traffic, because of morons like you holding up the left lane?
Am I reaching in their vehicles and steering them and pressing on their accelerator so they weave? No. They are the reason they weave and drive dangerously.

No, but you are part of the problem, when you are not moving out of the way of a fast moving vehicle, when you are holding up the fast lane, they teach you that before you get your lic. Pay more attention or re-take the course. I'M SURE THEY ARE THE REASON, AND IT HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH YOU HOLDING UP THE LEFT LANE.

The truck up front should of move over to the left lane, doing 60 and the truck in the other lane should be doing 59 right next to each other, and see how you feel about it behind them.
It doesn't bother me. I'm not in such a hurry to get places that I would risk my life by driving 90.

It bother others and it's the LAW not to drive in the left lane expect to pass. You are doing the same by braking the LAW.

It's pricks like you cause lot of traffic weaving in and out because you see a faster car coming and you feel you are doing the speed limit so you don't have to move. (who thinks the own the road now?)
Everyone owns the road. Everyone has to follow the rules of the road. Speeding does not grant you the right of way.

I'm sure YOU were, when you hold up the fast lane. Oh yeah that's what the left name is call on the highway. FAST LANE. it's ILLEGAL

I can go on and on, but think about these the next time, you have a family emergency (which I hope doesn't happen) where you got to get someone you love quickly and two kids holding both lanes at the speed limit playing on the road, and your family is in a dying bed.
Its called "911." Emergency vehicles can get you there faster and safer than just plain speeding. A police officer can escort you if it comes down to that.

OKAY

Good Luck to you in the future.

You lose your lic in Euro driving in the left lane, and someone wants to pass you.
This is NOT Europe. Their driving appears very dangerous and risky from our point of view.
It should be, so we dont have people like you on the road

EDIT: This is a useless thread and should be deleted.
 

Ozark_Sophist

Senior Member
Also, I know in PA you are allow to flash your lights and tap the horn to signal that you want to pass. You might think this is rude but it is acceptable. If you ever drive in Europe this is done all over the place.
OP is not in PA. OP is not in Europe either.

In many states, flashing lights and/or honking horn is unlawful.
 

Ozark_Sophist

Senior Member
It should be, so we dont have people like you on the road

EDIT: This is a useless thread and should be deleted.
It is illegal in many states to flash your lights except in an emergency. It is unlawful in ALL states to violate the speed limit. Some states do have statutes requiring slower (than speed limit) traffic to move to the right but this limited geographically even within those states.

What you are encouraging is illegal. This thread is useful.
 

mwbarton

Member
Those of you who cited Europe as an example: this is the US where we value safety first!

I would guess 99.99% of the drivers who are doing more than 10 over the speed limit do NOT have a life-or-death emergency. They are just speeding because they are late or have developed bad habits. For that one in ten thousand that actually has an emergency, there are emergency vehicles with proper markings and lights so they are allowed to speed on the highway.

I looked it up and it appears to be illegal for a vehicle to drive in the left lane unless passing another vehicle. I'll pay the ticket if I'm given one for driving in the left lane. I would rather feel safe, knowing traffic is moving at 65-70 mph than watch people fly by me at 80-90.

Maybe this is an example of civilians enforcing the law because the state is incompetent in this area.
So you want to break the law to force others to obey it? Pot meet kettle.

In VA, failing to move right for a vehicle that signals intent to pass by honking or flashing lights falls under the aggressive driving statute. It's a misdemeanor punishable by up to a year in jail and/or up to a $2500 fine.

The only thing your actions do is cause more road rage. You force these people to drive even more aggressively and endanger other drivers. I don't know how you can feel safe when you know you are making aggressive drivers even madder, but how will you feel if an driver attempts to go around you and hits another vehicle in the process? Just because you are willing to risk your life to slow down other drivers doesn't mean everyone on the highway shares that desire.

IMO, it's not worth it...stay right and do the speed limit and let everyone else fight it out.
 

Ozark_Sophist

Senior Member
So you want to break the law to force others to obey it? Pot meet kettle.

In VA, failing to move right for a vehicle that signals intent to pass by honking or flashing lights falls under the aggressive driving statute. It's a misdemeanor punishable by up to a year in jail and/or up to a $2500 fine.

The only thing your actions do is cause more road rage. You force these people to drive even more aggressively and endanger other drivers. I don't know how you can feel safe when you know you are making aggressive drivers even madder, but how will you feel if an driver attempts to go around you and hits another vehicle in the process? Just because you are willing to risk your life to slow down other drivers doesn't mean everyone on the highway shares that desire.

IMO, it's not worth it...stay right and do the speed limit and let everyone else fight it out.
OP is in OHIO. :rolleyes:

In some states, honking and flashing is misdemeanor aggressive driving.
 

Zigner

Senior Member, Non-Attorney
mwbarton;1928628 You force these people to drive even more aggressively and endanger other drivers.[/QUOTE said:
That that wild, baseless conclusion made me laugh! :rolleyes:
 

Maestro64

Member
Those of you who cited Europe as an example: this is the US where we value safety first!

I would guess 99.99% of the drivers who are doing more than 10 over the speed limit do NOT have a life-or-death emergency. They are just speeding because they are late or have developed bad habits. For that one in ten thousand that actually has an emergency, there are emergency vehicles with proper markings and lights so they are allowed to speed on the highway.

I looked it up and it appears to be illegal for a vehicle to drive in the left lane unless passing another vehicle. I'll pay the ticket if I'm given one for driving in the left lane. I would rather feel safe, knowing traffic is moving at 65-70 mph than watch people fly by me at 80-90.

Maybe this is an example of civilians enforcing the law because the state is incompetent in this area.
First I cited Europe because the US highway system was based on the German Autobahn and the whole concept of a passing lane came from this original idea. The autobahn is the safest highway in the world and in some parts it has no speed limits. So why can they drive at 125 to 150 MPH on that road and the US can not seem to drive at 60 and not get in each others ways.

It is safer for couple of primary reasons, one it is designed properly, second it follows a standard set of rules, unlike the US which does have standards but every location implements them slightly different, and lastly their drivers are better (they spend six months in driving school before get a license) and follow the rules or run the risk of losing their license.

The sooner people realize speed limits have nothing to do with safety the better, it is first done because most people lack the real skills to drive. so the faster they go the more their poor skills show up. Second it is a great way to make money, it is a multi-billion $ industry in the US take it away and many towns will go bankrupt. Lastly is it the easiest and most visible thing police can do to show that they are trying to improve safety since bad driving is equated to speeding. Plus the police can sit and wait for speeders finding other infraction requires a lot more work.

Personally, if the police spent more time tagging tailgaters, lane switching, lane hogs and other activities that cause people to be overly defensive then driving the correct way we would have less of a problem on the highways.

The problem we have is not ever road in the country defines the left lane as passing, so in one state it illegal to hang in that lane and in another state it is ok. Same goes for merge lanes some places the merging lane yields and in other places they do not.

Lastly, hanging out in the passing lane is probable the least safe thing you can do, first the blind spot over your right shoulder is bigger than your left, second you imped traffic so again it causes people to do things which is outside the normal. No matter what speed you want to drive or can drive its always better to be in the right lane.
 
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OP85063

Member
It is illegal in many states to flash your lights except in an emergency. It is unlawful in ALL states to violate the speed limit. Some states do have statutes requiring slower (than speed limit) traffic to move to the right but this limited geographically even within those states.

What you are encouraging is illegal. This thread is useful.
Isn't it also the LAW not to drive in the left lane to unless to pass and then move over?

What exception does he have?

How is he going to come and post some BS here when he's also braking the law?

Don't you smell a hypocrite here. When you complaint when someone braking the law when you are doing the same thing?

What you are encouraging is illegal?
What he's doing is illegal and then comes and talk about what someone else is doing. I am just simply stating what are some consequence to his action.

If you are in the left lane, driving slow and someone wants to pass you, move over, even if he's speeding (braking the law), does not give him the right to stay in the left lane and not letting him pass. What that will provoke for the guy to speed around him and cut him off. he's going to blame the other driver 100%.. i'm sure of that.

Had he moved over, the speedsters will just be on his way somewhere, even wrap his car into a tree. Why risk it by not letting him pass makes the situation more dangerous if he have to weave around him.

Yes I do speed myself, and don't tell me no one here never speeds, we all do sometimes.


EDIT:

Maestro64 is right, these people in the US thinks the own the road. But they can't seems to get out of each other way at 60MPH. When the autobarn is one of the fastest highway to drive you car and the safest.

WHY?

Because people like him is not driving there.
 
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