Loitering in the left lane may result in a $167 fine and three driver penalty points. According to The Vancouver Sun, the BC government’s new keep-right-except-to-pass legislation came into effect in June 2015.
Some drivers incorrectly think it’s okay to drive in the left lane as long as they are travelling at or close to the speed limit according to DriveSmartBC.
Police can ticket drivers who don’t use the left lane for either passing, allowing traffic to merge or preparing for a turn. The rules apply to highways with a speed limit of more than 80 km/hour.
“One of the top driver frustrations across the province was being prevented from passing because someone won’t leave the left lane,” according to Transportation Minister Todd Stone.
Studies show it is safer to pass vehicles on the left. Drivers monopolizing the left lane also increase the likelihood of crashes by impeding traffic.
For More Information
- Police Issuing Tickets for Loitering in The Left Lane, The Vancouver Sun
- Left Lane Blockers, DriveSmartBC
