The differences in speed among vehicles on a road, not high speeds alone, are more likely to contribute to an accident… that’s the science behind the law. To put it another way, a vehicle traveling much more slowly than the other vehicles on a road, especially in the left lane, is more likely to be the cause a crash than a car traveling in the left lane at a high rate of speed but generally the same speed at which all the surrounding cars are traveling.
The slower car backs up vehicles behind it, causing people to brake and change lanes more frequently. Both are more dangerous maneuvers than simply driving straight ahead. Lane changes cause as many as 10 percent of highway crashes.
Below are the states that Interstate 75 passes through (north to south) and the specific “keep right” laws that govern driver behavior.
Michigan
Law: Michigan Vehicle Code § 257.634
Summary: Drivers are required to keep to the right lane under most circumstances unless overtaking another vehicle, facing construction, repair, or obstruction, or when state-operated vehicles are actively working on the roadway. On roads with three marked lanes, larger trucks and vehicles over 10,000 lbs. must use the two rightmost lanes, except when turning left or in the presence of a special hazard.
Fine: Base fines vary by county, plus court costs.
Ohio
Law: Ohio Revised Code § 4511.25
Summary: Drivers are required to drive in the right lane, except when passing another vehicle; when an obstruction exists in the right lane; when driving on a roadway with three or more marked traffic lanes; when driving on a roadway designated for one-way traffic; or when otherwise directed by a law enforcement officer or traffic control device.
Fine: up to $150 for a first offense
Kentucky
Law: Kentucky Revised Statutes § 189.300
Summary: Slower traffic should stay in the right lane. Drivers are required to travel on the right side of the road unless the left side is clear enough for you to safely pass another vehicle without disturbing others coming towards you or those you’re passing. Once you’ve passed, move back to the right lane as soon as you can, especially if you enter the oncoming lane, making sure to return before you’re within 200 feet of any oncoming vehicle. Don’t drive in the left lane of a highway with four or more lanes and a speed limit of 65 MPH or more unless you’re passing a slower vehicle, letting others merge, or if it’s not safe to use the right or center lanes.
Fine: $20 – $100
Tennessee
Law: Tennessee Code § 55-8-204
Summary: Motorists are required to drive in the right lane except when passing another vehicle; when the right lane is closed to traffic while under construction or repair; upon a roadway with three marked traffic lanes; or upon a roadway designated for one-way traffic. Slower traffic must always keep right.
Fine: Class C misdemeanor punishable by a $50 fine
Georgia
Summary: Upon roads, streets, or highways with two or more lanes allowing for movement in the same direction, no person shall continue to operate a motor vehicle in the passing lane once such person knows or should reasonably know that he or she is being overtaken in such lane from the rear by a motor vehicle traveling at a higher rate of speed. For purposes of this Code section, “passing lane” means the most left-hand lane other than a high occupancy vehicle lane.
Fine: A violation can lead to a fine of up to $1,000.
Florida
Law: Florida Statutes Title XXIII § 316.081
Summary: On a road, street, or highway having two or more lanes allowing movement in the same direction, a driver may not continue to operate a motor vehicle in the furthermost left-hand lane if the driver knows or reasonably should know that he or she is being overtaken in that lane from the rear by a motor vehicle traveling at a higher rate of speed.
Fine: minimum $121
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