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According to House Bill 80, a new law passed by state legislatures, as of July 1, 2018, “all motor vehicles will be prohibited to travel in the outermost left lane except under certain conditions.” People blocking the flow of traffic in the left lane may no longer only get a dirty look from other drivers, but also a fine. The law’s fine is set between $5 and $50.
The full law states, “AN ACT TO AMEND SECTION 63-3-603, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO PROHIBIT MOTOR VEHICLES FROM CONTINUALLY TRAVELING IN THE OUTERMOST LEFT LANE OF A HIGHWAY THAT ALLOWS FOR TWO OR MORE LANES TO TRAVEL IN THE SAME DIRECTION, EXCEPT UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.”
The law’s goal is to keep the left lane open for emergency and passing vehicles only. The bill does lists the reasons when left lane driving would be allowed, such as for passing, exiting, or if the right lane is in disrepair or under construction.
This topic has been debated by lawmakers for years, and the bill actually died in committee after passing the House during the last legislative session. The bill was later passed by the House on 2/7/18, passed by the Senate on 3/1/18, and approved by the Governor on 3/15/18. The law is now set to take effect July 1, 2018.
