# 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:** 11
**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, 5:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-you-do-about-people-blocking-the-passing-lane/571476/201 "2011-02-17T17:00:16Z")
Like I said. Not enforced. Do you see everybody on the 94 crosstown pulling over to the right lane during rush hour? No you don’t. This is a stupid point. ---
**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, 5:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-you-do-about-people-blocking-the-passing-lane/571476/202 "2011-02-17T17:01:19Z")
> [@Czarcasm](#): > > [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? It’s not enforced, so no, not really, there is no such requirement. ---
**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, 5:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-you-do-about-people-blocking-the-passing-lane/571476/203 "2011-02-17T17:04:19Z")
That’s kind of a counterproductive angle anyway, isn’t it? For those who want to complain that those in the left lane are going too slow, what’s the point of complaining if you’re going to argue that the second you overtake them you have to immediately pull over into the slow lane? Why bother passing at all? ---
**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, 5:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-you-do-about-people-blocking-the-passing-lane/571476/204 "2011-02-17T17:05:12Z")
Ha ha ha. Comedy gold. ---
**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, 5:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-you-do-about-people-blocking-the-passing-lane/571476/205 "2011-02-17T17:06:59Z")
By the way, I’d like to reiterate that I’m not one of the “impeders” that people are bitching about. I’m generally going as fast as traffic will allow me to go. I just don’t think I’m a 9/11 victim if I get behind somebody who’s only going 60 in a 55 zone. ---
**Author:** ![stpauler](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/9d8465/32.png) [@stpauler](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/stpauler)\ **Post date:** [February 17, 2011, 5:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-you-do-about-people-blocking-the-passing-lane/571476/206 "2011-02-17T17:15:35Z")
> [@Diogenes\_the\_Cynic](#): > > It’s not enforced, so no, not really, there is no such requirement. Please cite how you know that the law is not enforced. ---
**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, 5:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-you-do-about-people-blocking-the-passing-lane/571476/207 "2011-02-17T17:20:16Z")
> [@Diogenes\_the\_Cynic](#): > > It’s not enforced, so no, not really, there is no such requirement. For the last time-Is it the _law_ in your home state that you drive in the right lane unless passing? If your answer is anything but yes, please provide a link that shows that the Minnesota law 169.18 has been repealed. ---
**Author:** ![Nadir](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/nadir/32/7302_2.png) [@Nadir](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nadir)\ **Post date:** [February 17, 2011, 5:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-you-do-about-people-blocking-the-passing-lane/571476/208 "2011-02-17T17:30:43Z")
> [@Diogenes\_the\_Cynic](#): > > It’s not enforced, so no, not really, there is no such requirement. We’re not exactly enforcing immigration laws on the U.S. southern border, either. You got any problem with illegal immigration? (Let me save us some time: Now the topic gets hijacked to immigration reform.) Bwaaaa, ha ha!!! BTW, thank you czarcasm, for my 1st good chuckle of the day! ---
**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, 5:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-you-do-about-people-blocking-the-passing-lane/571476/209 "2011-02-17T17:33:53Z")
> [@stpauler](#): > > Please cite how you know that the law is not enforced. Personal observation of nobody following it, and of cops not enforcing it. ---
**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, 5:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-you-do-about-people-blocking-the-passing-lane/571476/210 "2011-02-17T17:35:01Z")
> [@Nadir](#): > > We’re not exactly enforcing immigration laws on the U.S. southern border, either. yes we are. ---
**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, 5:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-you-do-about-people-blocking-the-passing-lane/571476/211 "2011-02-17T17:37:05Z")
> [@Czarcasm](#): > > For the last time-Is it the _law_ in your home state that you drive in the right lane unless passing? If your answer is anything but yes, please provide a link that shows that the Minnesota law 169.18 has been repealed. Why don’t you just get to your point? Let’s say for the sake of argument the answer is yes. Ok, therefore what? ---
**Author:** ![Nadir](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/nadir/32/7302_2.png) [@Nadir](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nadir)\ **Post date:** [February 17, 2011, 5:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-you-do-about-people-blocking-the-passing-lane/571476/212 "2011-02-17T17:44:37Z")
> [@Diogenes\_the\_Cynic](#): > > yes we are. Yes - to about the same extent as the left lane rule in MN. 😛 So I take it you are all for illegal immigration, then? ---
**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, 5:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-you-do-about-people-blocking-the-passing-lane/571476/213 "2011-02-17T17:46:05Z")
We enforce immigration laws to greatest extent logistically possible. ---
**Author:** ![Nadir](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/nadir/32/7302_2.png) [@Nadir](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nadir)\ **Post date:** [February 17, 2011, 5:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-you-do-about-people-blocking-the-passing-lane/571476/214 "2011-02-17T17:47:16Z")
> [@Diogenes\_the\_Cynic](#): > > We enforce immigration laws to greatest extent logistically possible. Cite? ---
**Author:** ![Nadir](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/nadir/32/7302_2.png) [@Nadir](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nadir)\ **Post date:** [February 17, 2011, 5:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-you-do-about-people-blocking-the-passing-lane/571476/215 "2011-02-17T17:48:19Z")
Exactly what do you believe is the logistical possibility of finding and citing all the bonehead road hogs in MN? ---
**Author:** ![Nadir](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/nadir/32/7302_2.png) [@Nadir](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nadir)\ **Post date:** [February 17, 2011, 5:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-you-do-about-people-blocking-the-passing-lane/571476/216 "2011-02-17T17:52:24Z")
Please Dio, spare me any links to the Dept. of Homeland Defense, in case you are busily looking for material to support your latest ill-advised statement of purported facts. :rolleyes: ---
**Author:** ![VinylTurnip](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/b2d939/32.png) [@VinylTurnip](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/VinylTurnip)\ **Post date:** [February 17, 2011, 5:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-you-do-about-people-blocking-the-passing-lane/571476/217 "2011-02-17T17:53:00Z")
> [@Diogenes\_the\_Cynic](#): > > It’s not enforced, so no, not really, there is no such requirement. Heh. Took a lesson from **Rand Rover’s** “a requirement isn’t a requirement if I can get away with not doing it” thread, did you? Have you ever \*once \*surveyed the location of the exit door, before blindly slopping on paint and finding yourself in a rhetorical corner? ---
**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, 5:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-you-do-about-people-blocking-the-passing-lane/571476/218 "2011-02-17T17:54:42Z")
I don’t even really buy that it’s the law here. if it is, then it’s the most ignored law in the state. ---
**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, 5:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-you-do-about-people-blocking-the-passing-lane/571476/219 "2011-02-17T17:59:43Z")
> [@Diogenes\_the\_Cynic](#): > > Like I said. Not enforced. Do you see everybody on the 94 crosstown pulling over to the right lane during rush hour? No you don’t. This is a stupid point. Exception number 3 is for freeways that have at least 3 lanes going in one direction. Does the 94 crosstown have fewer than 3 lanes? I doubt it. Plus I specifically stated in my original post that I was referring to rural freeways with low traffic. The scenario changes a lot when I’m on my way to Dallas with cars spaced out on average several hundred feet versus being in Dallas with cars within a few feet of each other going various speeds between 0 and 20 MPH. > [@Diogenes\_the\_Cynic](#): > > That’s kind of a counterproductive angle anyway, isn’t it? For those who want to complain that those in the left lane are going too slow, what’s the point of complaining if you’re going to argue that the second you overtake them you have to immediately pull over into the slow lane? Why bother passing at all? I’m going to guess that this is referring to urban freeway driving because it’s pretty obvious in the situation I mentioned. ---
**Author:** ![Uncle\_Jocko](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/uncle_jocko/32/2932_2.png) [@Uncle\_Jocko](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Uncle_Jocko)\ **Post date:** [February 17, 2011, 6:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-you-do-about-people-blocking-the-passing-lane/571476/220 "2011-02-17T18:01:07Z")
Good Lord, did this go off the rails or what? Adding to the topic of the thread, I have two things. First, my wife insists on staying in the left lane almost all the time, whether she’s passing or not. “It’s smoother!” she cries. Whatever … drives me nuts. Second, I like to use my cruise control out here on the rural interstates. I set it for 5-7 miles over the speed limit, and off I go. I pass on the left, then get back in the right IF I’M NOT OVERTAKING SOMEBODY ELSE on the right. Oftentimes, I’m coming up on a line of vehicles in the right lane, with varying spacing in between them. As long as I’m advancing on them, I stay in the left lane, regardless of who’s riding my tail. If I see an adequate space to pull over to the right and let them pass, I’ll do it. It irritates me when somebody flashes their lights at me … I’m doing well over the speed limit, you know … but I don’t go all passive-aggressive on them. I move over when and if it’s safe in my opinion. If you don’t like that, tough. If I come up on somebody riding slowly in the left lane, I pass them on the right and not think twice about it. Life’s too short to get upset at other drivers, you know. Another thing most people don’t think about is how little difference it makes to speed, as far as making up time goes. A 5 mph difference, even 10 mph, only really saves you significant time if you’re traveling for a long distance. Over your shorter commutes … it doesn’t save you hardly any time at all. But I agree, it does feel like it’s costing you _ages_. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-you-do-about-people-blocking-the-passing-lane/571476.md?page=10) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-you-do-about-people-blocking-the-passing-lane/571476.md?page=12)