Have you ever been driving along in the left lane on the highway making good time, only to be slowed by a driver who would not move to the right? If Georgia legislatures get their way new laws may be imposed that would require drivers in the left lane to yield to faster moving traffic. Of course this should all be within the posted speed limits on the road.

As reported in The Augusta Chronicle

The House voted 129-29 in just seven minutes to pass and send to the Senate a bill that would set a minimum fine of $75 for any motorist driving less than the speed limit in the left lane who refuses to pull to the right when a faster vehicle approaches.

Georgia law is already clear as to who has the right away in the left lane, however this bill will allow for more police enforcement as well as a means of tracking the number of offenses by impeding drivers. In this case a slow driver in the left lane can be dangerous. And unfortunately auto accident fatalities happen every week in Georgia. It appears this new law being considered will give more “teeth” to the enforcement.

40-6-40.
…(b) Upon all roadways, any vehicle proceeding at less than the normal speed of traffic at the time and place and under the conditions then existing shall be driven in the right-hand lane then available for traffic, or as close as practicable to the right-hand curb or edge of the roadway, except when overtaking and passing another vehicle proceeding in the same direction or when preparing for a left turn at an intersection or into a private road or driveway.

Georgia personal injury law can leave some questions unanswered, but it seems clear here who has the right a way. Additional Georgia law clarifies the matter further.

40-6-184.
(a)(1) No person shall drive a motor vehicle at such a slow speed as to impede the normal and reasonable movement of traffic, except when reduced speed is necessary for safe operation.
(2) On roads, streets, or highways with two or more lanes allowing for movement in the same direction, no person shall continue to operate a motor vehicle in the most left-hand lane at less than the maximum lawful speed limit once such person knows or should reasonably know that he is being overtaken in such lane from the rear by a motor vehicle traveling at a higher rate of speed, except when such motor vehicle is preparing for a left turn.

If you should have a question on this or any other Georgia personal injury law, please call our office.