HB 2312 strengthened an existing law covering the restrictions on driving in the left lane. It’s now very clear that a vehicle cannot be driven in the left lane except when overtaking or passing another vehicle if the road is divided into four or more lanes. The law allows for driving in the left lane when traffic conditions or road configuration requires the use of the left lane to maintain safe traffic conditions.
This law has been in the news a lot. There are some pros and cons to it. Overall, I think it’s a good idea. I can’t stand people who just sit in the left lane when there is someone behind them who wants to go faster. It’s discourteous and leads to frustrated drivers. On the other hand, this gives law enforcement yet another reason to pull people over. I believe they still had this justification under the previous version of the law, but the new wording makes it easier for law enforcement to find reasonable suspicion of a traffic violation. I think that we should be looking to decrease the number of reasons law enforcement has to pull people over.
It appears that law enforcement will initially be just issuing warnings. It’s unclear how long this grace period is. Bottom line is … move over!!
This law went into effect and modified 47 O.S. § 11-309.
If you’ve been ticketed for driving in the left lane in Oklahoma,
Don’t panic!
Call Urbanic.
(405) 633-3420
Sources: