The Senate passed legislation this morning that would restrict driving in the left lane of multi-lane highways in West Virginia.
Senate Bill 441 would create multiple offense misdemeanors and fines for impeding traffic in the left lane with three exceptions — driving on a highway in disrepair, exiting the highway on the left side of the road, and when traffic congestion makes it necessary provided it doesn’t impede the normal and reasonable flow of traffic.
The Division of Highways would be responsible for erecting signs on four-lane highways entering the state to alert out-of-state drivers of the law.
More than 20 states have language in code stating it is against the law to impede traffic in the left lane.
The Judiciary Committee amended the bill to allow for a smaller first-time fine of $25 (down from $100), which is similar to West Virginia’s seat belt law. The legislation calls for an escalation in fines to $200 on second offense and $300 on third offense.
The bill now heads to the House of Delegates for consideration.
The Senate is adjourned until Monday, Feb. 12, at 11 a.m.
