Tennessee drivers are now prohibited from using the fast lane for casual cruising.
The state’s new law named the “slow poke law” went into effect on July 1st. It expressly states that drivers are not permitted to travel in a passing lane on interstates or multi-lane highways except when passing other vehicles.
WKRN reported that officers have begun its full enforcement, and violators can face a misdemeanor charge and a fine of $50 if cited.
THP Lt. Don Boshears stated,
“We’ll enforce it just like we do every other state law. If you’re just out there riding in that lane and there’s nothing around you and there’s no reason for you to be there you can probably expect to get pulled over for that.”
The law maintains a few exceptions including: bad weather, road obstructions, official traffic control signs stating otherwise, or if the highway design makes it necessary to use the passing lane to exit or turn left.
The Tennessee Highway Patrol claims that the new law should improve safety by eliminating traffic backups, which often lead to crashes.