Everyone knows that if you speed, and an officer sees you, you’re in for it, but did you know that driving to slow can get you pulled over in Michigan? It’s true, and rightfully so.Driving too slowcan be just as, if not more, dangerous than driving too fast. It can cause a ton of confusion on the road and be responsible for all kinds of accidents, as many as 143 a year, not to mention backing up traffic. Although various lawmakers around the country have attempted to discourage slow drivers with minimum speed limits, slow-speed cameras, and fines for careless driving to no avail, the new “Left Lane Laws,” also called “Keep Right Laws,” are spreading hope for greater communal impact.
According toMichigan Legislature, “upon each roadway of sufficient width, the driver of a vehicle shall drive the vehicle upon the right half of the roadway.” The few exceptions to this law include “when overtaking and passing another vehicle proceeding in the same direction,” “when the right half of the road is closed to traffic while under construction or repair or when an obstruction exists,” “when a vehicle operated by a state agency or local authority or an agent of a state agency or local authority is engaged in work on the roadway,” or lastly if you are “upon a roadway divided into three marked lanes for traffic.” If a person chooses to ignore these rules and continues to drive under the speed limit, in the far left lane of any Michigan highway, they may be “responsible for a civil infraction” and could wind up with a ticket or even points on their license. Though these laws are a little more forgiving when it comes to dense traffic, and special circumstances, in most cases it’s better to just play it safe and stick to the right hand side.
Currently as many as 44 states have established these, and similar laws, in an effort to help drivers travel more efficiently on the road and prevent accidents. In fact, Indiana State Troopers have issued an astounding 4,688 warnings and over 300 citations for violations since their “Left Lane Law” was established in 2015. Of course, to make sure you stay right legally you need to make yourself aware of the specific laws in your area. For more information regarding Michigan traffic laws, or for general legal advice, seek help from the skilled attorneys at Harris Law by calling231.347.4444or fill out the free consultation form in the sidebar to schedule your free personal consultation.