A bill wants tougher penalties for drivers who camp in the left lane of a multi-lane highway.
The left lane is designed for passing on highways, according to the Washington State Patrol; but many drivers still “camp out,” not letting other drivers get pass.
In 2015, state troopers stopped 13,909 left-lane violators.
In the brief for Senate Bill 5052, sponsors – including Washington State Senator Guy Palumbo – write that under new modifications the penalty could be as high as $181.
The current penalty is $48.
According to the proposed bill, it’s a traffic infraction to drive continuously in the left lane of a multi-lane roadway when it impedes the flow of other traffic.
If passed, vehicles must be driven in the right-hand lane on all roads that have two or more lanes for traffic traveling in the same direction, unless:
- The vehicle is overtaking and passing another vehicle driving in the same direction
- The vehicle is traveling at a speed greater than the traffic flow
- The vehicle is moving left to allow traffic to merge
- The vehicle is preparing for a left turn at an intersection, exit, or into a private road or driveway when a left turn is legally permitted.
KIRO 7 News first reported on the bill in late January. The bill is currently in the Senate committee.
It's probably not enough to make a change in driver behavior, but it's a move in the right direction, KIRO Radio traffic reporter Chris Sullivan said in late January.
Senator Michal Baumgartner said left-lane camping is “worse in Washington state than other states.”
“People will sit in the left lane … and they just won’t move,” he previously said. “You’re forced to pass on the right and then the person speeds up. Easy solution: Get over. If you’re not passing you should not be in the left lane,” Baumgartner said.
In March, troopers did a patrol emphases for left-lane campers.
"We all know there are people out there … that enjoy or like to go just a little bit under the speed limit. That's what those right lanes are for, primarily," Sgt. Paul Cagle said. "The left lane allows for folks the ability to move around slow-moving traffic."
"Congestion is an issue, but it's also from a safety standpoint," he said. "A number of our collisions involve aggressive driving. And there's that frustration we all get when we are stuck behind someone camped out in the left lane … and that may cause a motorist to take risks they may not take because of the frustration."
Cox Media Group
