The law's clear: You must let drivers pass

February 9, 2006 12:50 am

JUDGING BY responses to my recent column on the topic, there's precious little middle ground on the subject of left-lane huggers.

Readers on one side share contempt for drivers who hang in the left lane of divided highways.

On the other side are those who say some local roads are so crowded that the only way to make left turns is to get to the left and stay there--for miles.

The column generating the range of opinions stemmed from people I've noticed lately who block traffic on State Route 3 west of Fredericksburg.

Specifically, I focused on drivers who get into the left, westbound lane of State Route 3 near Central Park, and stay all the way to Wilderness Corner.

I'll share a wide selection of readers' opinions on the subject on Sunday.

But first, it's informative to get some clarification on the issue from the agency that enforces traffic law, the Virginia State Police.

Sgt. F.L. Tyler, a public information officer with the state police office in Culpeper, said the following section of state code applies to left-lane hangers:

"It shall be unlawful to fail to give way to overtaking traffic when driving a motor vehicle to the left and abreast of another motor vehicle on a divided highway."

It continues: "On audible or light signal, the driver of the overtaken vehicle shall move to the right to allow the overtaking vehicle to pass as soon as the overtaken vehicle can safely do so."

In other words, said Tyler, if you're in the left lane of a divided highway and going down the road, even with a vehicle to your right, the law requires that you give way and let a vehicle behind you pass.

Specifically, he said, if you're in that situation and a vehicle behind you signals its intention to pass, by either honking a horn or flashing its lights, you are required to move to the right as soon as it's safe, and allow the signaling vehicle to pass.

Failure to do so is a violation of the law, he said.

Tyler said that applies even if the vehicle trying to pass is speeding, following too closely or operating in any other reckless manner.

"Leave it up to police officers to deal with any violations they might be committing. We'll handle that," he said. "But the law still requires you to move to the right and let them pass."

He noted that the law and common sense both are served by getting out of the way of a driver who's anxious and intent on passing.

"To ride along in that left lane and keep an agitated driver blocked in behind you isn't in anyone's best interest," Tyler said.

He noted that failing to allow a blocked-in vehicle to pass could cause danger another way.

"A frustrated driver who can't get by on the left is likely to try to squeeze through to the right," said Tyler, whether there's enough room or not. "Because of that, a third vehicle could be put at risk."

In addition to the legal requirements and the dangers posed by problem passing situations, the state police spokesman said safe driving techniques make clear it's a bad idea for vehicles to travel alongside each other any longer than necessary.

"Instead, if you're the car in that left lane, you want to get back to the right and give yourself a safety zone," he said--an open lane to escape any dangers on the highway.

"If someone pulls out of a side road into your path, and you're side by side with another vehicle, where are you going?" he asked. An empty lane beside you provides an escape.

Tyler invited drivers who witness people exhibiting reckless driving in passing situations, or any others, to call either 911 or #77 from a cell phone to report it.

He also noted that motorists with questions about driving regulations and many other safety and vehicle issues can get them at the Virginia State Police official Web site, vsp.state.va.us.

A searchable listing of the state code is one of the topics you can access from that site.

To reach ROB HEDELT: 540/374-5415
Email: rhedelt@freelancestar.com