Legislation for leadfoots got a hearing today in the Kansas Legislature.
The bill would allow police to ticket motorists who linger too long in the passing lane on the highway. The measure would limit use of the left-most lane to passing and exiting, or when forced to by construction or an accident.
If the bill passes, violators would receive warnings until July 2010. Then, police could issue $60 tickets. The rule would only apply to highways with two or more lanes going in the same direction. It wouldn’t apply to highways within city limits.
Several states, including Missouri, have similar laws.
The Kansas Highway Patrol believes the idea would promote more orderly traffic flow, according to Maj. Mark Bruce. He said it could also prevent road rage, sometimes sparked by a slower driver who won’t budge from the passing lane.
“From a general safety perspective it’s a good idea,” Bruce said.
Lawmakers — many of whom commute daily from home to Topeka — took an immediate shine to the bill when it got a hearing Wednesday.
“It’s about time,” said Rep. Marvin Kleeb, an Overland Park Republican. “I like this.”
The legislation, SB 145, has already passed the Senate and awaits a vote in the House Transportation Committee.
I generally speak out against these kinds of laws
but I support this. Left lane drivers are dangerous.
They also need to restrict trucks to the right lane. There are some states that do that and their highways are much safer.