New Legislation Aimed at Left-Lane Huggers

It's been the bane of many of those who use the interstate regularly, a driver cruising along in the left lane at his own pace oblivious to the pile up of those behind who want to go faster.

But in the near future it could mean a ticket for left-lane huggers who do not move over.

Pending legislation, HB 459, would make it a misdemeanor to drive in the left lane if another vehicle approaches from behind going faster.

The bill, introduced by Rep. Bill Hitchens, R-Rincon, has made it through a subcommittee last week and goes to the Motor Vehicles Committee for consideration.

HB 459 would make it illegal to drive in the left lane of a road, street or highway with two or more lanes except when no other vehicle is directly behind you.

There are a few other exceptions such as when there's some obstruction in the right lane, when making a left-hand turn, etc.

If the bill passes, the law goes into effect July 1, 2013. Click here to read the full bill.

But what about the rules of the road - isn't moving over to allow faster traffic to pass one of those basic laws that many of us learned when we took our first driving lessons? Do you think this law will keep slow pokes out of the fast lane?