B.C. crackdown on left-lane slow drivers now in effect

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      The B.C. Government is making good on its crackdown on slow drivers in the left lane on provincial highways.

      As of today (June 12), drivers caught in the left-most lane on multi-lane roads where the speed limit is 80 kilometres or greater risk a $167 fine and three demerit points if they get caught by police.

      The province says exceptions include passing another vehicle, moving left to allow traffic to merge, and preparing for a left-hand turn.

      In a release, Transportation Minister Todd Stone said, “One of the top driver frustrations across the province was being prevented from passing because someone won’t leave the left lane. We have strengthened the law to give police better tools to crack-down on left-lane hogs.”

      “Drivers who block the left lane increase the risk caused by aggressive drivers who will pass on the right or tailgate,” said Chief Neil Dubord, chair of the B.C. Association of Chiefs of Police–Traffic division. “This change provides clarity to police officers who will enforce the requirement for vehicles to travel in the right lane.”

      Another change now allows the ministry to to define winter tires, studded tires, and traction devices like chains in regulation.

      Todd Stone announced the regulations taking effect at the Leigh Road overpass in Langford, B.C.">
      Minister of Transportation Todd Stone announced the regulations taking effect at the Leigh Road overpass in Langford, B.C.
      Province of British Columbia

      Comments

      39 Comments

      silly laws

      Jun 12, 2015 at 1:55pm

      All this will do is encourage aggressive drivers to drive even faster in the "fast lane" so that they appear to be passing slower drivers. Heres an insane idea: enforce the speed limit!!!

      Ward Philips

      Jun 12, 2015 at 3:06pm

      what's the fine for doing yoga in the left lane

      Anonymous

      Jun 12, 2015 at 10:23pm

      this is fucking bullshit

      Mark Murphy

      Jun 12, 2015 at 11:14pm

      Meanwhile coastal communities are being choked by ferry economics. This portfolio is beyond the grasp of this Minister.

      Anonymous

      Jun 13, 2015 at 12:26am

      Oh I see now. Fine the driver who ISNT agressive because the driver who IS aggressive is likely to do something stupid.

      I just can't get my head around what speed this is all taking place at. If the right lane is proceeding AT the speed limit, then how do you actually get to use the other lane? Do you go into it and slow down? Or do you go into it and break another law by exceeding the speed limit?

      selfish hogs

      Jun 13, 2015 at 2:20am

      These comments say everything you need to know about driving in the lower mainland..."but how can you pass someone going the speed limit? Why shouldn't I drive in the left lane side by side with another car for miles and miles if we're both going the speed limit?"
      Here's an idea: If everyone who ever passed you seemed so aggressive, maybe just stay in the right lane and let the police worry about enforcing your precious speed limits.

      ex-Haney guy

      Jun 13, 2015 at 10:07am

      About time; why do you think all us bikers pass people-to get away from them. But this is superficial, the real news is the lack of the right to go to court and judge to fight tickets. Where are the lawyers regarding this new "tribunal"?

      Anonymous

      Jun 13, 2015 at 12:32pm

      This is a good thing.
      What is so damn difficult about keeping right except to pass? Really, I want to know?
      I'd like some of the nay sayers to pipe up and say why this is a bad thing. The people that posted negative above clearly don't get it.
      Try to comprehend what the law is trying to achieve, then post why you think it's a bad idea.
      Why would you be against this?

      windyspirit

      Jun 13, 2015 at 7:10pm

      What about all those semi trucks with their 'B' trains hogging the left lane for miles. BC should adopt Oregon and have the commercial vehicles at 10 (mph) less than cars and they have to STAY in the right slow lane. Take HWY #1 any day of the week and see them going faster than the speed limit.

      Tinfoiling

      Jun 13, 2015 at 9:08pm

      Having travelled to work on the freeway for over 20 years during rush hour you can always tell who isn't a 'regular', usually the person that won't move over. The vehicles will usually flow at a speed higher than what is normal just to keep a constant pattern and flow moving. It slows down when it rains, it speeds up with good road conditions. But then there is the person that has set their cruise control to exactly the speed limit and sticks in the right lane. They don't use their rear view mirror to see the line up behind them and they are rigidly looking forward. They don't know that you can go above the limit by 10 kmh and you won't get a ticket because the police are as interested as anyone to keep everyone moving along.
      The only time I can remember that everyone slowed down well below the speed limit was the morning of 9/11. It was surreal that morning.
      As for the aggressive driver, they will go as fast as the next lineup unless they get ticketed for speeding.
      The key to good driving seems to not only watch out for the other guy but be considerate in keeping traffic moving.
      My pet peeve - left hand turn lanes where someone take excessive room behind the vehicle. That usually shortens the left hand turning lane when busy and backs up that lane with people who can't get in the lane because of the excessive waiting room those in front have established.
      What is usually boils down to is not thinking about the other person and not using your rear view mirror.
      And please Mr. Gravel Truck Driver you don't have to operate your vehicle like a sports car.....
      From someone who drives 100 km a day and has driven for 49 years with only one accident.