Louisiana Drivers Face Stiffer Penalties for Blocking Left Lane

There’s not much more aggravating than trying to travel down the interstate and get trapped behind an obstinate driver who refuses to move over out of the left lane.  Well, now there’s one Louisiana legislator who’s trying to do something about it.

Alexandria Senator Jay Luneau has filed a bill for the upcoming session that is designed to impose stricter penalties on drivers who block the left lane.  Luneau says his proposal promotes highway safety and hopefully will reduce driver frustration.

“We’ve all encountered that at sometimes in our life where two people are driving side by side on a four-lane highway, and it causes a backlog of traffic, but more importantly it creates danger,” Luneau said.

 

This is a step in the right direction, but there are a couple issues that could prove difficult. The bill does eliminate the requirement that drivers must be at least 10 miles an hour under the speed limit to be in violation, but it should apply to any driver blocking the left lane, regardless of their speed. But Luneau’s legislation says tickets will only be issued if the driver is driving below the posted speed limit while not attempting to pass other vehicles.

Where is a State Trooper When You Need One?

Also, how many times is there a state trooper, or a deputy witnessing an infraction as it’s actually in commission?   If you’re stuck behind someone that refuses to move over, even with the new law, what recourse is there?

Luneau talked with state troopers before proposing the bill.  He said consensus from troopers is that the current law is difficult to enforce.

“In essence what they would have to do is have to run radar on both the vehicle and its just a very technical and difficult way to do it.”

 

A first time offense would draw $150 fine, while the fine jumps to $350 or 30 days in jail for a third offense.