Left-Lane Driving Laws by State: What You Should Know (2024)
Almost all states, except North Dakota, have left-lane driving laws, which make it illegal to drive in the left lane when not passing or turning. Violating the left lane law is punishable by fines of up to $1,000 and points on your record. We'll overview a list of the left lane passing only states and more below.
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Chris Abrams
Licensed Insurance Agent
Chris is the founder of Abrams Insurance Solutions and Marcan Insurance, which provide personal financial analysis and planning services for families and small businesses across the U.S. His companies represent nearly 100 of the top-rated insurance companies. Chris has been a licensed insurance agent since 2009 and has active insurance licenses in all 50 U.S. states and D.C. Chris works tireles...
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UPDATED: Jul 30, 2024
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Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about auto insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything auto insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by auto insurance experts.
UPDATED: Jul 30, 2024
It’s all about you. We want to help you make the right coverage choices.
Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident auto insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one auto insurance provider and cannot guarantee quotes from any single provider. Our partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from many different companies please enter your ZIP code on this page to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
On This Page
How many states have left lane laws? Most states have left-lane driving laws, where drivers must stay right unless passing or turning. However, penalties for left lane laws by state vary.
Drivers can be ticketed for driving slowly in the left lane for too long. For instance, the Wisconsin left lane law punishes this with a fine of up to $214 and four license points. Also, getting a ticket is one of many factors that affect auto insurance rates.
Read More: Auto Insurance Rates by State
If you need cheap auto insurance for a bad driving record, enter your ZIP code into our free quote comparison tool above to see rates from the best auto insurance companies.
States With Left-Lane Driving Laws
Is driving in the left lane illegal? State “keep right” laws or the left-lane law dictates proper use of the passing lane. In many states, left lanes on the interstates are designed for passing slower vehicles rather than solely using them to evade traffic congestion.
Driving is a pretty uniform practice across the United States, so most of us don't think twice before crossing new state lines. However, many states have their own traffic laws that pose legal penalties and physical dangers if not obeyed.Jeffrey Johnson Insurance Lawyer
So, what states have left lane laws? Though every state has some type of restriction regarding the left lane, these restrictions vary greatly. Hover over the map below to see your state’s left-lane driving laws:
As you can see, there are many states where the left lane is for passing only.
Unless in South Dakota, left-lane cruisers cannot hog the passing lane.
The left-lane law seems to be a trend in the nation’s Southern states, with Indiana and Georgia enacting their own slowpoke laws in 2015 and 2014 respectively. However, South Dakota is the only state without any restrictions for left-lane driving.
Learn More: South Dakota Auto Insurance
If you happen to be one of the “slowpokes,” perhaps it’s time to work on driving the minimum posted speed limit.
So, is it illegal to drive in the passing lane? Yes, all states except South Dakota have their own driving in left lane law with differing conditions. So generally, the left lane is for passing only, or turning.
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Penalties for Violating Left Lane Driving Ban
Now that you know the answer to, “Is it illegal to stay in the left lane?” you might be wondering what the consequences are for left-lane cruising. Each state has different penalties to enforce their new left lane law, listed here:
Penalties for Left-Lane Driving by State
| State | Penalties |
|---|---|
| Alabama | Fine of up to $200 |
| Alaska | Fine of up to $500 |
| Arizona | Fine of up to $50 |
| Arkansas | Fine of up to $195 |
| California | Fine of up to $238; one point added to DMV record |
| Colorado | Fine of up to $42 |
| Connecticut | Fine of up to $90; one point added to a driver's license |
| Delaware | Fine of up to $75 for first-time offenders, and up to $95 for subsequent offenders |
| District of Columbia | Fine of up to $100 |
| Florida | Fine of up to $75; three points added on a driver's license |
| Georgia | Fine of up to $1,000 |
| Hawaii | Not specified |
| Idaho | Fine of up to $90 |
| Illinois | Fine of up to $120 |
| Indiana | Fine of up to $500; points added on a driver's license |
| Iowa | Fine that varies by local ordinances |
| Kansas | Fine of up to $60 |
| Kentucky | Fine of up to $100 |
| Louisiana | Fine of up to $100; 30 days in jail |
| Maine | Fine of at least $275 |
| Maryland | Fine of up to $75 for first offense, $150 for the second offense, and $250 for subsequent offenses |
| Massachusetts | Fine of up to $100 |
| Michigan | Fine of an unspecified amount; two points added to a driver's record |
| Minnesota | Fine of up to $50 plus $75 in court costs |
| Mississippi | Fine of up to $50 |
| Missouri | Fine of up to $81 |
| Montana | Fine of an unspecified amount |
| Nebraska | Fine of an unspecified amount |
| Nevada | Fine of up to $50 for first offense, $100 for the second offense, and $150 for the third offense |
| New Hampshire | Fine of up to $50; points added to a driver's license |
| New Jersey | Fine of up to $141; two points added to a driver's record |
| New Mexico | Fine of an unspecified amount |
| New York | Fine of up to $75 |
| North Carolina | Fine of up to $25, though there's pending legislation to raise it to $100 |
| North Dakota | Fine of up to $20; points added to a driver's license |
| Ohio | Misdemeanor offense; two points added to a driver's record |
| Oklahoma | Fine of up to $235 |
| Oregon | Fine of up to $270 |
| Pennsylvania | Fine of up to $100 |
| Rhode Island | Fine of up to $85 |
| South Carolina | Fine of up to $100 |
| Tennessee | Fine of up to $50 |
| Texas | Fine of up to $200 |
| Utah | Fine of up to $130 |
| Vermont | Fine of up to $200 |
| Virginia | Fine of up to $100 |
| Washington | Fine of up to $136 |
| West Virginia | Fine of up to $100 for first offense, $200 for the second offense within a year, and $500 for subsequent offenses |
| Wisconsin | Fine of up to $214; four points added to a driver's license |
| Wyoming | Fine of up to $750; six months in jail |
As you can see, there are different penalties for violating the left lane laws by state. For instance, violating the Wisconsin left lane law could result in a fine of up to $214 and four points added to your license. Meanwhile, the left lane law in Florida sets a $75 maximum fine, and you could get three points on your license.
So, if you’re wondering, “Is it illegal to cruise in the left lane?” the answer is yes in most states, and you could incur fines and/or additional points on your license. In addition, since getting a ticket is one of the factors that affect auto insurance rates, you could see higher premiums if you’re caught left-lane driving.
Dangers of Left-Lane Driving
What are the dangers of left-lane driving? Many people don’t realize the dangers hanging out in the left lane can causes. Take a couple of minutes to learn why slower drivers should stay right, and the left lane should only be used for left-lane passing and turning.
Driving just 5 mph slower than everyone else on the highway increases the risk of another driver causing an accident while attempting to pass you. According to Nolo’s legal site, you can actually get a ticket for driving too slow and impeding traffic.
When left lanes are used only for passing, however, the risk of collision is decreased since drivers can pass multiple cars at once and quickly resume their place on the right-hand side. This not only makes the motorway a safer place for everyone involved but also decreases the frequency of drops in speed and disrupted traffic flow.
Learn More: Worst States for Traffic-Related Fatalities
For that reason, to answer the question, “Which lane is the slow lane on highways?”, it is always the right-hand lane. That is essentially what the right lane is used for — both for driving slowly and to exit the highway as well.
This rule is important for making the streets a safer place and likely a rule that the states with the best drivers are already following. It can reduce accidents and even reckless driving behavior, which often occurs when a driver is forced to change lanes rapidly due to people camping in the left lane.
More About Left-Lane Camping Restrictions
So, is it illegal to drive in the left lane? Most states do, and it’s your responsibility to understand and obey the left-lane driving laws in your home state and any state you plan to travel through. Highways and faster speeds always pose a greater risk of collision, but you can protect yourself and those around you by being a safe driver who abides by the law.
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Safe driving can also affect your auto insurance rates, with many providers offering car insurance discounts for safe drivers, including vanishing deductibles, driver’s ed discounts, and attending defensive driver courses.
Read More:
- How do vanishing or disappearing deductibles work?
- How to Get a Defensive Driver Auto Insurance Discount
- How to Get a Driver’s Ed Auto Insurance Discount
If you’re facing higher rates after violation a state’s new law about driving in the left lane, enter your ZIP code into our free quote comparison tool to find the right types of auto insurance coverage for you.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What states have left lane passing only?
So, where can you get pulled over for driving in the left lane too long? Left lane driving is prohibited in almost all states. In 49 states, drivers must stay in the right-hand lane with certain exceptions that vary by state.
For example, some states only allow left-lane driving for passing slower traffic or turning, while others may only restrict it if you’re traveling below the speed limit.
So, where can you drive in the left lane? The one exception is North Dakota, which has no restrictions against left lane driving.
Why is left lane camping illegal?
You might wonder, “Why is the left lane for passing only?” The left-lane law restricts the use of the left lane to turning or passing slower traffic. This law aims to improve safety on the roads and prevent accidents caused by slower drivers impeding traffic flow.
Are there any penalties for driving in the left lane?
Yes, drivers can get a police citation for driving too slow and impeding traffic flow. Violating the left-lane law can result in penalties and fines depending on the state.
What are the dangers of left-lane driving?
Left-lane driving can be dangerous when slower drivers impede the flow of traffic. It increases the risk of accidents, as faster drivers have to make sudden maneuvers to pass slower vehicles. Slower drivers should stay in the right-hand lane to maintain safety on the road.
Where is it against the law to drive in the left lane for too long?
A top question readers ask is, “Is it illegal to drive on the left lane in certain states?”
Almost all states have implemented laws restricting left lane usage, including Illinois, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Massachusetts, New Jersey, West Virginia, and Florida.
For example, the Florida left lane law only allows driving in the left lane if turning or passing, while the left lane law in Minnesota requires you to move over if blocking traffic. However, it’s important to be aware of the specific keep right laws by state if you’re traveling.
Learn More:
Can you stay in the left lane and get a ticket for it?
Yes, driving in the left lane and not passing or turning could result in a traffic citation. Slow drivers impeding traffic flow can be ticketed for violating the keep right law, while fast drivers may receive a ticket for reckless driving.
Can left lane driving result in increased auto insurance rates?
Yes, both drivers involved in left lane violations, i.e., the slower driver and the faster driver, could be ticketed, which may lead to higher auto insurance rates.
Is it illegal to drive in the left lane on a highway?
So, can you drive in the left lane on the highway? While some states only have restrictions for driving in the left lane on the interstate, some also prohibit it on highways too. For example, the Kentucky left lane law includes both interstates and highways, while the left lane law in Arizona includes highways, interstates, and multi-lane roads.
Drivers should choose the appropriate lane based on their speed. Faster drivers should use the left-most lane, while slower drivers should stay in the right-most lane. Impeding traffic flow can result in a ticket and license points.
Do points affect auto insurance rates? Yes, getting DMV license points added to your record can increase your rates by 20%-100%.
How should drivers behave on a three-lane highway?
You might also wonder, “Can you drive in the left lane on a highway if it’s three lanes?” On a three-lane highway, slower drivers should still keep to the right-most lane, just like on a two-lane highway. The left lane is typically reserved for passing or higher-speed traffic.
Do drivers have to let others merge?
Drivers already on the road are not required to let others merge, but it is generally considered courteous to allow merging as long as it’s done safely and without cutting off other vehicles.
Is camping in the left lane illegal even if I’m driving the speed limit?
Yes, in most cases, the left-lane law still applies if you’re driving the speed limit. Studies have found driving the speed limit when it causes other cars to switch lanes repeatedly is actually more dangerous than speeding, with some law enforcement officers giving tickets to those slowpoke drivers.
Read More:
What states is it illegal to pass on the right?
There are no states where it’s illegal to pass on the right.
Can you go above the speed limit in the left lane?
No, exceeding the speed limit is always illegal, even in the left lane. While the left lane is designed to pass slower vehicles, you can’t speed in it.
Some people make the humorous notion that the “left lane is for crime,” meaning many drivers who use the left lane do so to exceed the speed limit. However, it’s important to follow the speed limit to avoid the consequences and dangers of speeding.
So, how fast can you go in the left lane on the highway? You must follow all traffic laws when driving in the left lane, which includes driving the posted speed limit.
To find the best auto insurance companies for drivers with speeding tickets, enter your ZIP code into our free quote tool below to compare rates near you.
Is it illegal to drive in the left lane in Ohio?
It’s not illegal to drive in the left lane in Ohio, but there is a slower traffic keep right law in Ohio. You must keep right if you’re driving below the speed limit. Otherwise, you could get fined and face higher Ohio auto insurance rates.
Is it illegal to drive in the left lane in Virginia?
Are you allowed to drive in the left lane in VA? Virginia drivers may use the left lane if passing or turning, making it one of the many “keep right except to pass” states.
Is the left lane for passing only in Texas?
Yes, in Texas, drivers must move to the right lane if passing, blocking traffic, or turning. Failing to follow the “slower traffic keep right” law in Texas could result in a $200 fine.
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Enter your ZIP code below to view companies that have cheap auto insurance rates.
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Chris Abrams
Licensed Insurance Agent
Chris is the founder of Abrams Insurance Solutions and Marcan Insurance, which provide personal financial analysis and planning services for families and small businesses across the U.S. His companies represent nearly 100 of the top-rated insurance companies. Chris has been a licensed insurance agent since 2009 and has active insurance licenses in all 50 U.S. states and D.C. Chris works tireles...
Licensed Insurance Agent
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about auto insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything auto insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by auto insurance experts.
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