# What do you do about people blocking the passing lane? **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [February 15, 2011, 6:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-you-do-about-people-blocking-the-passing-lane/571476 "2011-02-15T18:20:01Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 10
**Author:** ![Telemark](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/telemark/32/372_2.png) [@Telemark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Telemark)\ **Post date:** [February 17, 2011, 2:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-you-do-about-people-blocking-the-passing-lane/571476/181 "2011-02-17T14:42:42Z")
> [@Diogenes\_the\_Cynic](#): > > That wasn’t the assertion I was responding to. The claim was made that it’s the law “in most states” that the “left lane is only for passing.” That is only the law in six states. Other stay right laws are irrelevant to that point, and since when is it against board rules to correct a factual assertion. And I amended the original assertion to be that in most states you can’t impede traffic in the left lane regardless if you are traveling the speed limit, which is true. Do you agree with that statement or not? If so, then move aside and let the discussion proceed at the speed that the participants want. ---
**Author:** ![Balthisar](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/balthisar/32/2825_2.png) [@Balthisar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Balthisar)\ **Post date:** [February 17, 2011, 3:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-you-do-about-people-blocking-the-passing-lane/571476/182 "2011-02-17T15:18:29Z")
Does anyone have a link to the number of states where the law indicates that you must respect the instructions on signs? For example, in Michigan, one must obey signs. So although we’re a state where the law doesn’t indicate that you must get out of the left lane, you do have to observe signs indicating that slower traffic must keep to the right. And we have such signs. ---
**Author:** ![snailboy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/97f17d/32.png) [@snailboy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/snailboy)\ **Post date:** [February 17, 2011, 3:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-you-do-about-people-blocking-the-passing-lane/571476/183 "2011-02-17T15:31:27Z")
> [@Czarcasm](#): > > Might I suggest(unless the OP wishes otherwise) that we stick to U.S. laws, just to keep the confusion at a minimum? I am the OP. Also, I wouldn’t mind if this thread was moved to the BBQ:Pit. I didn’t realize it was going to turn into such an emotional argument. > [@Diogenes\_the\_Cynic](#): > > That wasn’t the assertion I was responding to. The claim was made that it’s the law “in most states” that the “left lane is only for passing.” That is only the law in six states. Other stay right laws are irrelevant to that point, and since when is it against board rules to correct a factual assertion. I wish you’d quit saying this, if only because your cite actually lists ten states where it’s the law, two only allowing exceptions for merging traffic. I think one may have actually been DC too. Nevertheless, no matter how strict you are about it, there are more than six states that specifically say the left lane is for passing only. > [@Diogenes\_the\_Cynic](#): > > By the way, isn’t it against the rules to solicit advice on how to break the law? You don’t necessarily have to be speeding or trying to speed to be impeded by a left lane hugger. (Though yes, you can be impeded from doing something illegal.) I will admit though that I speed on the interstate (though by no more than 5 MPH usually) just like the majority of the people on it. Unlike my younger days though, I’m not one of the fastest people on it. There are just too many cops on I-20 to risk getting ticketed. ---
**Author:** ![snailboy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/97f17d/32.png) [@snailboy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/snailboy)\ **Post date:** [February 17, 2011, 3:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-you-do-about-people-blocking-the-passing-lane/571476/184 "2011-02-17T15:33:12Z")
> [@Balthisar](#): > > Does anyone have a link to the number of states where the law indicates that you must respect the instructions on signs? Are there really any states where the signs can be taken as a mere suggestion? ---
**Author:** ![Czarcasm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/czarcasm/32/4050_2.png) [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Post date:** [February 17, 2011, 3:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-you-do-about-people-blocking-the-passing-lane/571476/185 "2011-02-17T15:44:07Z")
> [@snailboy](#): > > Are there really any states where the signs can be taken as a mere suggestion? Here’s a hint-When you go to the Department of Motor Vehicles in your state to get your license, do they hand you a booklet of regulations, or a booklet of suggestions? ---
**Author:** ![Czarcasm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/czarcasm/32/4050_2.png) [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Post date:** [February 17, 2011, 3:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-you-do-about-people-blocking-the-passing-lane/571476/186 "2011-02-17T15:54:29Z")
> [@Diogenes\_the\_Cynic](#): > > By the way, isn’t it against the rules to solicit advice on how to break the law? Speaking of which, providing you are actually located in Minnesota, here is what your state says on the subject: [QUOTE=Minnesota] 169.18 DRIVING RULES. Subdivision 1. Keep to the right. Upon all roadways of sufficient width a vehicle shall be driven upon the right half of the roadway, except as follows: (1) when overtaking and passing another vehicle proceeding in the same direction under the rules governing such movement; (2) when the right half of a roadway is closed to traffic while under construction or repair; (3) upon a roadway divided into three marked lanes for traffic under the rules applicable thereon; (4) upon a roadway designated and signposted for one-way traffic as a one-way roadway; or (5) as necessary to comply with subdivision 11 when approaching an authorized emergency vehicle parked or stopped on the roadway. [/QUOTE] The law says that under normal driving circumstances you stay in the right lane unless passing. Period. ---
**Author:** ![Enright3](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/enright3/32/2897_2.png) [@Enright3](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Enright3)\ **Post date:** [February 17, 2011, 4:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-you-do-about-people-blocking-the-passing-lane/571476/187 "2011-02-17T16:11:07Z")
> [@campp](#): > > All states have differing laws on this. Here it is not illegal to drive in that lane, although you are supposed to move over if you are “slower” than other traffic, such as pulling a trailer or whatnot. > > If I’m doing the full speed limit, I’m a prick and do not move over. Get up earlier if it bugs you. Wow you’re right, I would be calling you names. Have you ever taken a defensive driving course? A) you should go with the flow of traffic. IOW if you are being passed on the right, you probably need to scoot over a lane. B) We share the road together; and it’s wrong for one individual to make themselves the authority to control traffic flow. IOW you’re doing more harm than good by making people conform to your speed. It’s not your job to keep other people from speeding, and you’re doing more harm than good by making them slow down and pass on the right. ---
**Author:** ![Diogenes\_the\_Cynic](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/e99b99/32.png) [@Diogenes\_the\_Cynic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Diogenes_the_Cynic)\ **Post date:** [February 17, 2011, 4:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-you-do-about-people-blocking-the-passing-lane/571476/188 "2011-02-17T16:33:31Z")
> [@Czarcasm](#): > > Speaking of which, providing you are actually located in Minnesota, here is what your state says on the subject: > > The law says that under normal driving circumstances you stay in the right lane unless passing. > Period. This is not enforced. It would actually be impossible to enforce since traffic on the freeways would stop dead if it was. ---
**Author:** ![Czarcasm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/czarcasm/32/4050_2.png) [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Post date:** [February 17, 2011, 4:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-you-do-about-people-blocking-the-passing-lane/571476/189 "2011-02-17T16:36:30Z")
> [@Diogenes\_the\_Cynic](#): > > This is not enforced. Surely your ethics are of a higher caliber than “It’s o.k. to do it if nobody is looking.”? The law in your state says to stay in the right lane unless you are passing-is this correct? ---
**Author:** ![Diogenes\_the\_Cynic](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/e99b99/32.png) [@Diogenes\_the\_Cynic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Diogenes_the_Cynic)\ **Post date:** [February 17, 2011, 4:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-you-do-about-people-blocking-the-passing-lane/571476/190 "2011-02-17T16:38:01Z")
No. I don’t think so. I’m pretty sure not. ---
**Author:** ![Czarcasm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/czarcasm/32/4050_2.png) [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Post date:** [February 17, 2011, 4:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-you-do-about-people-blocking-the-passing-lane/571476/191 "2011-02-17T16:39:13Z")
> [@Diogenes\_the\_Cynic](#): > > No. I don’t think so. I’m pretty sure not. Do you not reside in Minnesota? ---
**Author:** ![Enright3](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/enright3/32/2897_2.png) [@Enright3](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Enright3)\ **Post date:** [February 17, 2011, 4:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-you-do-about-people-blocking-the-passing-lane/571476/192 "2011-02-17T16:39:37Z")
> [@Diogenes\_the\_Cynic](#): > > I disagree. This is not a real thing. This is something people delusionally believe they’re entitled to, but you can’t be blocking traffic if you’re going the legal limit. [Exhibit A 🙂](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OoETMCosULQ) Summary: The highway that circles metro Atlanta is I-285. For some reason it has a 55 mph speed limit. Some students at Georgia State created a video where they went the speed limit on 285. By making yourself the self imposed king of traffic flow, you’re causing more harm than good. ---
**Author:** ![Diogenes\_the\_Cynic](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/e99b99/32.png) [@Diogenes\_the\_Cynic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Diogenes_the_Cynic)\ **Post date:** [February 17, 2011, 4:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-you-do-about-people-blocking-the-passing-lane/571476/193 "2011-02-17T16:42:07Z")
> [@Czarcasm](#): > > Do you not reside in Minnesota? Yes, and nobody drives that way. It would be impossible in the Twin Cities. ---
**Author:** ![Czarcasm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/czarcasm/32/4050_2.png) [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Post date:** [February 17, 2011, 4:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-you-do-about-people-blocking-the-passing-lane/571476/194 "2011-02-17T16:50:22Z")
> [@Diogenes\_the\_Cynic](#): > > Yes, and nobody drives that way. It would be impossible in the Twin Cities. Then answer the question: The law in your state says to stay in the right lane unless you are passing-is this correct? (Here’s a hint-see post #186, which posts the official answer) ---
**Author:** ![Bryan\_Ekers](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bryan_ekers/32/183_2.png) [@Bryan\_Ekers](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bryan_Ekers)\ **Post date:** [February 17, 2011, 4:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-you-do-about-people-blocking-the-passing-lane/571476/195 "2011-02-17T16:51:42Z")
If I may suggest a clarification of terminology: “Overtake” - to move ahead of another car travelling in the same direction, while both vehicles are in legal lanes. “Pass” - to move ahead of another car traveling in the same direction, by moving temporarily into a illegal (i.e. you would not normally drive there) lane. Typically, this involves moving to the left into the oncoming traffic lane if this can be done briefly, safely and legally. Less often, and typically specifically forbidden, is to move to the right into an illegal lane, i.e. the shoulder, to pass. I figure overtaking is fair game at any time. If there are two lanes, and he’s in one and you’re in the other, overtake him to your heart’s content. If you want to pass, though, only go into the oncoming lane if you can do so safely and legally, and only go to the shoulder in an emergency (i.e. he’s slammed on his brakes and going to the shoulder is the only way to avoid hitting him). I’ve passed on the right one time in my life, going to the shoulder to get around a guy who was moving under the limit on a single lane road. He honked at me. Fuck him, but I admit that despite my precautions, I shouldn’t really have done that. I’ve overtaken on the right, i.e. moved to the center or right lane of a multilane road to get ahead of a slower vehicle in the left lane, more times than I can count. I fail to see why this should be a problem. ---
**Author:** ![MeanOldLady](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/meanoldlady/32/10737_2.png) [@MeanOldLady](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MeanOldLady)\ **Post date:** [February 17, 2011, 4:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-you-do-about-people-blocking-the-passing-lane/571476/196 "2011-02-17T16:53:13Z")
> [@Diogenes\_the\_Cynic](#): > > By the way, isn’t it against the rules to solicit advice on how to break the law? I knew I shouldn’t have conceded that everyone who passes is necessarily speeding. ☹ > [@Diogenes\_the\_Cynic](#): > > Yes, and nobody drives that way. It would be impossible in the Twin Cities. 1. False. 2) MN roads are not exclusively confined to the Twin Cities. ---
**Author:** ![Diogenes\_the\_Cynic](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/e99b99/32.png) [@Diogenes\_the\_Cynic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Diogenes_the_Cynic)\ **Post date:** [February 17, 2011, 4:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-you-do-about-people-blocking-the-passing-lane/571476/197 "2011-02-17T16:54:05Z")
You didn’t provide a link for your cite, so I can’t say if it’s correct or not. I can that if there is such a statute, it’s absolutely not enforced. People in the left lane only get pulled over if they’re going really slow. Other than that, it’s just a regular driving lane. ---
**Author:** ![Diogenes\_the\_Cynic](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/e99b99/32.png) [@Diogenes\_the\_Cynic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Diogenes_the_Cynic)\ **Post date:** [February 17, 2011, 4:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-you-do-about-people-blocking-the-passing-lane/571476/198 "2011-02-17T16:55:22Z")
> [@MeanOldLady](#): > > 1. False. 2) MN roads are not exclusively confined to the Twin Cities. It’s true in the Twin Cities, and I doubt it’s enforced anywhere else either. I’ve lived in this state for 16 years (and not just in the Twin Cities) and never seen it enforced. ---
**Author:** ![MeanOldLady](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/meanoldlady/32/10737_2.png) [@MeanOldLady](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MeanOldLady)\ **Post date:** [February 17, 2011, 4:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-you-do-about-people-blocking-the-passing-lane/571476/199 "2011-02-17T16:57:01Z")
[Here](https://www.revisor.mn.gov/bin/getpub.php?pubtype=stat_chap_sec&year=2007§ion=169.18) you go. ---
**Author:** ![Czarcasm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/czarcasm/32/4050_2.png) [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Post date:** [February 17, 2011, 4:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-you-do-about-people-blocking-the-passing-lane/571476/200 "2011-02-17T16:59:19Z")
> [@Diogenes\_the\_Cynic](#): > > You didn’t provide a link for your cite, so I can’t say if it’s correct or not. I can that if there is such a statute, it’s absolutely not enforced. People in the left lane only get pulled over if they’re going really slow. Other than that, it’s just a regular driving lane. [Here is the link you requested](https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/?id=169.18). Now, putting aside your hyperbole about how everyone else does it, does or does not the law of your state say that you must use the right line unless you are passing another vehicle? [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-you-do-about-people-blocking-the-passing-lane/571476.md?page=9) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-you-do-about-people-blocking-the-passing-lane/571476.md?page=11)