Traffic Courtesies that aren't Laws

In My Humble Opinion
101

I actually found the same map and am reading it differently.

From your link: “The states indicated in green dictate that the left lane should be used exclusively for passing or turning left”

There are 10 states in green. I wouldn’t call 10 of 50+ “most ALL”

For the 29 in yellow, you must only move from the left lane if you are driving slower than normal traffic. You can stay in the left lane for miles and miles and miles if you are moving faster than normal traffic. This is the “faster traffic to the left/slower traffic to the right” saying that I think we’ve all heard.

102

That is also what I would call “passing.”

103

In Virginia (gray/brown on the map), there is no restriction against using the left lane if you are not passing, but you are obliged to move to the right if the car behind you gives a visual or audible signal (this is generally understood to mean flashing lights or honking horn). However, most drivers are unaware of this and you still get people camped out in the left lane going 10-15 MPH slower than surrounding traffic.

104

Here in CA you can stay in the left lane all day as long as you arent driving slower than the lanes to your right. Or impeding traffic.

105

You dont actually have to be moving faster, just not slower. Only 10 states have the left lane for passing only, it is the exception, not the rule.

106

Right turn on red is an option. Is that sort of a courtesy? It’s not illegal to wait until the light turns green to go right!

107

It can be.

108

Is it illegal to wait until the light turns green? I don’t think so, not for any states that I can think of, anyway. I could see how it could be interfering with or obstructing the flow of traffic, but that’d be more than a bit of a stretch.

This thread is about traffic courtesies that aren’t laws.

It is extremely discourteous to those behind you to not turn right on red when you have the option.

109

School buses can’t turn right on red in this state (FL).

110

That’s probably the case for many states.

They also have to come to a complete stop and open their doors and listen at railroad crossings. I’d think it odd at best if passenger cars did that.

111

Yes, here in Ohio school busses can’t do a right on red. And tanker trucks hauling hazardous or flammable liquids. But municipal busses can turn right on red, and so can truckers hauling flammable solids or gasses. :dubious: