What’s more annoying than being stuck behind a slow driver on the highway? The left lane is reserved for passing in most states, yet there’s often a slow-moving vehicle hanging out in the left lane. This can cause aggressive drivers to make dangerous maneuvers to get around the slower vehicle. This is why there are "slow poke" laws that require slower traffic to keep to the right.
These left lane driving laws help keep us safe and can limit aggressive driving and road rage. While the laws are pretty much the same across the country, there are a few small differences depending on which state you’re driving in. Take a look at the left lane driving laws for each state below.
Left Lane Driving Laws in Alabama
It’s important to keep pace with traffic on the freeway. Slower vehicles must stay to the right and allow others to pass. Drivers in Alabama are only permitted to drive in the left lane when passing another vehicle. You may not drive in the left lane for more than 1.5 miles, unless traffic conditions require you to be in the left lane (e.g., construction, traffic congestion, tolls, exits, or three or more lanes are marked for travel).
Left Lane Driving Laws in Alaska
Slower vehicles in Alaska have to stay in the right lane. All drivers need to travel in the right lane except when passing, or when there are three or more lanes.
Left Lane Driving Laws in Arizona
Slow traffic must keep right. Arizona drivers may use the left lane for passing, but cannot travel in the left lane for an extended period of time unless there’s construction or more than two lanes.
Left Lane Driving Laws in Arkansas
Motorists in Arkansas must drive in the right lane except when passing. You may drive in the left lane when conditions require you to do so (e.g., construction, traffic congestion, exits, or three or more lanes are marked for travel). If you’re driving in the left lane, you must leave the lane in order to let faster vehicles safely pass. If you’re driving slower than the flow of traffic, you must move to the right lane so you’re not impeding the flow of traffic.
Left Lane Driving Laws in California
If there is not a sign designating lane use, keep to the right in California. Slower vehicles must stay in the right lane. You can use the left lane for passing or overtaking another vehicle, when you’re making a legal left turn, or when the roadway isn’t wide enough. If another vehicle signals that they intend to pass you, move over to the right lane when it’s safe to do so in order to let them pass.
Left Lane Driving Laws in Colorado
It’s illegal to drive in the left lane on Colorado roads when the speed limit is 65 mph or higher, unless you’re passing another vehicle, or when traffic is congested and you can’t safely merge right.
Left Lane Driving Laws in Connecticut
Drivers can use the left lane in Connecticut when passing and overtaking another vehicle. Slow vehicles must travel in the right lane or as close to the right-hand curb of the roadway as possible so they don’t impede the flow of traffic.
Left Lane Driving Laws in Delaware
Drivers can use the left lane in Delaware when passing and overtaking another vehicle unless traffic conditions require you to be in the left lane (e.g., construction, traffic congestion, exits, or three or more lanes are marked for travel). Slow-moving traffic must keep right.
Left Lane Driving Laws in Florida
In Florida, drivers in the left lane are required to yield to faster vehicles. You must travel in the right lane except to pass.
Left Lane Driving Laws in Georgia
You must keep with the flow of traffic in Georgia. Slower vehicles must travel in the right lane, but no one is allowed to drive so slowly that they impede traffic. You can drive in the left lane if you’re passing other vehicles. Keep right unless there’s an obstruction in the right lane or there are three or more lanes.
Left Lane Driving Laws in Hawaii
In Hawaii, stay in the right lane except to pass or overtake a slower vehicle. Slow vehicles need to stay in the right lane. If you’re being passed, give way to the right in favor of the overtaking vehicle.
In Honolulu, you may not travel more than 5 mph under the speed limit when traveling in the left lane.
Left Lane Driving Laws in Idaho
You must keep with the flow of traffic in Idaho. Slower vehicles must travel in the right lane, but no one is allowed to drive so slowly that they impede traffic. You can drive in the left lane if you’re passing other vehicles. Keep right unless there’s an obstruction in the right lane or there are three or more lanes.
Left Lane Driving Laws in Illinois
In Illinois, travel in the right lane unless traffic conditions require you to be in the left lane (e.g., construction, traffic congestion, exits, or three or more lanes are marked for travel). You can use the left lane to pass or overtake another vehicle.
Left Lane Driving Laws in Indiana
Drivers can use the left lane in Indiana when passing and overtaking another vehicle unless traffic conditions require you to be in the left lane (e.g., construction, traffic congestion, exits, or three or more lanes are marked for travel). Slow-moving traffic must keep right.
Left Lane Driving Laws in Iowa
Drivers can use the left lane in Iowa when passing and overtaking another vehicle unless traffic conditions require you to be in the left lane (e.g., construction, traffic congestion, exits, or three or more lanes are marked for travel). Slow-moving traffic must keep right.
Left Lane Driving Laws in Kansas
Drivers can use the left lane in Kansas when passing and overtaking another vehicle unless traffic conditions require you to be in the left lane (e.g., construction, traffic congestion, exits, or three or more lanes are marked for travel). Slow-moving traffic must keep right.
Left Lane Driving Laws in Kentucky
Drivers can use the left lane in Kentucky when passing and overtaking another vehicle. Slow vehicles must travel in the right lane or as close to the right-hand curb of the roadway as possible so they don’t impede the flow of traffic. If you use the left lane to pass, you must return to the right lane as soon as it’s safe to do so.
Left Lane Driving Laws in Louisiana
Drivers can use the left lane in Louisiana when passing and overtaking another vehicle. Slow vehicles must travel in the right lane or as close to the right-hand curb of the roadway as possible so they don’t impede the flow of traffic. Left lane traffic is required to yield to approaching traffic coming from behind on multi-lane highways.
Left Lane Driving Laws in Maine
Drivers can use the left lane in Maine when passing and overtaking another vehicle. Slow vehicles must travel in the right lane or as close to the right-hand curb of the roadway as possible so they don’t impede the flow of traffic. If you use the left lane to pass, you must return to the right lane as soon as it’s safe to do so. Drivers shall give way to the right in favor of the passing vehicle unless there’s a sign posted that permits passing on the right.
Left Lane Driving Laws in Maryland
Drivers can use the left lane in Maryland when passing and overtaking another vehicle unless traffic conditions require you to be in the left lane (e.g., construction, traffic congestion, exits, or three or more lanes are marked for travel). Anyone driving 10 mph or more below the maximum speed limit must travel in the right lane.
Left Lane Driving Laws in Massachusetts
You must travel in the right lane except to pass or make a legal left turn on Massachusetts roads.
Left Lane Driving Laws in Michigan
When driving in Michigan, travel in the right lane except when passing another vehicle. Drivers shall give way to the right in favor of the passing vehicle unless there’s a sign posted that permits passing on the right.
Left Lane Driving Laws in Minnesota
Drivers can use the left lane in Minnesota when passing and overtaking another vehicle unless traffic conditions require you to be in the left lane (e.g., construction, traffic congestion, exits, or three or more lanes are marked for travel). Slow-moving traffic must keep right.
Left Lane Driving Laws in Mississippi
Drivers can use the left lane in Mississippi when passing and overtaking another vehicle. Slow vehicles must travel in the right lane or as close to the right-hand curb of the roadway as possible so they don’t impede the flow of traffic. Drivers must give way to the right in favor of the passing vehicle.
Left Lane Driving Laws in Missouri
You must travel in the right lane except to pass or make a legal left turn on Missouri roads.
Left Lane Driving Laws in Montana
Drivers can use the left lane in Montana when passing and overtaking another vehicle as well as when traffic conditions require you to be in the left lane (e.g., construction, traffic congestion, exits, or three or more lanes are marked for travel). Slow-moving traffic must keep right. You may use the left lane to allow traffic entering the highway to merge when they’re traveling at a higher speed than the flow of traffic.
Left Lane Driving Laws in Nebraska
Drivers can use the left lane in Nebraska when passing and overtaking another vehicle as well as when traffic conditions require you to be in the left lane (e.g., construction, traffic congestion, exits, or three or more lanes are marked for travel). Slow-moving traffic must keep right. Drivers must give way to the right in favor of the passing vehicle.
Left Lane Driving Laws in Nevada
You must keep with the flow of traffic in Nevada. Slower vehicles must travel in the right lane, but no one is allowed to drive so slowly that they impede traffic. You can drive in the left lane if you’re passing other vehicles. Keep right unless there’s an obstruction in the right lane or there are three or more lanes.
Left Lane Driving Laws in New Hampshire
Drivers can use the left lane in New Hampshire when passing and overtaking another vehicle. Slow vehicles must travel in the right lane so they don’t impede the flow of traffic. Drivers must give way to the right in favor of the passing vehicle.
Left Lane Driving Laws in New Jersey
You must keep with the flow of traffic in New Jersey. Slower vehicles must travel in the right lane, but no one is allowed to drive so slowly that they impede traffic in normal conditions. You can drive in the left lane if you’re passing other vehicles. Keep right unless there’s an obstruction in the right lane or there are three or more lanes.
Left Lane Driving Laws in New Mexico
Drivers can use the left lane in New Mexico when passing and overtaking another vehicle unless traffic conditions require you to be in the left lane (e.g., construction, traffic congestion, exits, or three or more lanes are marked for travel). Slow-moving traffic must keep right. Drivers must give way to the right in favor of the passing vehicle.
Left Lane Driving Laws in New York
Drivers can use the left lane in New York when passing and overtaking another vehicle unless traffic conditions require you to be in the left lane (e.g., construction, traffic congestion, exits, or three or more lanes are marked for travel). Slow-moving traffic must keep right. Drivers must give way to the right in favor of the passing vehicle.
You can learn more about the laws in New York by taking our New York Online Pre-Licensing course.
Left Lane Driving Laws in North Carolina
Drivers can use the left lane in North Carolina when passing and overtaking another vehicle unless traffic conditions require you to be in the left lane (e.g., construction, traffic congestion, exits, or three or more lanes are marked for travel). Slow-moving traffic must keep right.
Left Lane Driving Laws in North Dakota
When driving in North Dakota, travel in the right lane except when passing another vehicle. Drivers shall give way to the right in favor of the passing vehicle unless there’s a sign posted that permits passing on the right.
Left Lane Driving Laws in Ohio
Drivers can use the left lane in Ohio when passing and overtaking another vehicle or when traffic conditions require you to be in the left lane (e.g., construction, traffic congestion, exits, tolls, or three or more lanes are marked for travel). Slow-moving traffic must keep right. Drivers must give way to the right in favor of the passing vehicle.
Left Lane Driving Laws in Oklahoma
Drivers can use the left lane in Oklahoma when passing and overtaking another vehicle or when traffic conditions require you to be in the left lane (e.g., construction, traffic congestion, exits, or three or more lanes are marked for travel). Slow-moving traffic must keep right. Drivers must give way to the right in favor of the passing vehicle.
Left Lane Driving Laws in Oregon
When driving in Oregon, travel in the right lane except when passing another vehicle. Drivers shall give way to the right in favor of the passing vehicle unless there’s a sign posted that permits passing on the right.
Left Lane Driving Laws in Pennsylvania
Drivers must stay to the right lane, but can use the left lane in Pennsylvania when passing and overtaking another vehicle, unless traffic conditions require you to be in the left lane. The left lane can also be used when traveling faster than flow of traffic.
Left Lane Driving Laws in Rhode Island
Drivers can use the left lane in Rhode Island when passing and overtaking another vehicle unless traffic conditions require you to be in the left lane (e.g., construction, traffic congestion, exits, or three or more lanes are marked for travel). Slow-moving traffic must keep right. Drivers must give way to the right in favor of the passing vehicle.
Left Lane Driving Laws in South Carolina
When driving in South Carolina, travel in the right lane except when passing another vehicle. Drivers shall give way to the right in favor of the passing vehicle unless there’s a sign posted that permits passing on the right. Slower traffic must keep right.
Left Lane Driving Laws in South Dakota
Drivers can use the left lane in South Dakota when passing and overtaking another vehicle or when it’s unsafe or impractical to drive in the right lane. Slow-moving traffic must keep right.
Left Lane Driving Laws in Tennessee
Drivers can use the left lane in Tennessee when passing and overtaking another vehicle or when traffic conditions require you to be in the left lane (e.g., construction, traffic congestion, exits, or three or more lanes are marked for travel). Slow-moving traffic must keep right. Drivers must give way to the right in favor of the passing vehicle unless there’s a sign posted that permits passing on the right.
Left Lane Driving Laws in Texas
Drivers can use the left lane in Texas when passing and overtaking another vehicle or when it’s unsafe or impractical to drive in the right lane. Slow-moving traffic must keep right.
Left Lane Driving Laws in Utah
Drivers can use the left lane in Utah when passing and overtaking another vehicle or when traffic conditions require you to be in the left lane (e.g., construction, traffic congestion, exits, or three or more lanes are marked for travel). Slow-moving traffic must keep right. Drivers must give way to the right in favor of the passing vehicle.
Left Lane Driving Laws in Vermont
When driving in Vermont, travel in the right lane except when passing another vehicle. Drivers shall give way to the right in favor of the passing vehicle unless there’s a sign posted that permits passing on the right.
Left Lane Driving Laws in Virginia
When driving in Virginia, travel in the right lane except when passing another vehicle. Drivers shall give way to the right in favor of the passing vehicle unless there’s a sign posted that permits passing on the right.
Left Lane Driving Laws in Washington
Drivers can use the left lane in Washington when passing and overtaking another vehicle or when traffic conditions require you to be in the left lane (e.g., construction, traffic congestion, exits, or three or more lanes are marked for travel). Slow-moving traffic must keep right. Drivers must give way to the right in favor of the passing vehicle unless there’s a sign permitting passing on the right.
Left Lane Driving Laws in West Virginia
Drivers can use the left lane in West Virginia when passing and overtaking another vehicle or when traffic conditions require you to be in the left lane (e.g., construction, traffic congestion, exits, or three or more lanes are marked for travel). Slow-moving traffic must keep right. You can get a ticket for impeding traffic by driving continuously in the left lane of a multi-lane roadway.
Left Lane Driving Laws in Wisconsin
You must travel in the right lane except to pass or make a legal left turn or U-turn on Wisconsin roads. Slow-moving traffic must keep right.
Left Lane Driving Laws in Wyoming
When driving in Wyoming, stay in the right lane except when passing another vehicle. It’s illegal to drive in the extreme left-hand lane of a controlled-access highway for a long enough period that it impedes the flow of other traffic following the speed limit. Drivers shall give way to the right in favor of the passing vehicle unless there’s a sign posted that permits passing on the right.
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