drunkenmonky
08-20-2004, 01:50 AM
http://www.houmatoday.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20040816/NEWS/408160327/1026/NEWS01
Driving slowly in left lane could be costly now: $175
By ALAN SAYRE
The Associated Press
NEW ORLEANS -- If it feels safer on multilane highways to drive slowly, then it is definitely time to pull over to the right.
Today, a new Louisiana law aimed at "rolling roadblocks" -- drivers who tie up traffic by not going fast enough in the left lane -- goes into effect, complete with a fine of up to $175 and 30 days in jail for first offenders.
The law was passed this year with proponents saying a cure was long overdue for slowpokes who insist in getting in the left passing lane and staying there.
The current law -- which some said was enough if it were only enforced -- deals with "impeding the flow of traffic," a citation that can be issued if a police officer sees someone driving so slow that other drivers must pass on the right.
Lt. William Davis, a state police spokesman, said there will be no warning or grace period under the law -- meaning that citations for "rolling roadblocks" could begin at 12:01 a.m. Sunday.
How does one get deemed a "rolling roadblock?"
The law applies to drivers who are in the left lane of a multilane highway -- outside municipal limits -- and are traveling at the same speed as the car beside them in the right lane, Davis said.
SPEED LIMIT MUST BE 55-PLUS
Included are interstates and four-lane U.S. and Louisiana highways. The posted speed limit must be at least 55 miles per hour.
Exemptions will be made for highways that are chronically congested at certain times of the day -- like during traditional rush hours.
Multilane rural highways, which sometimes have traffic lights, are also included. Davis said that after stopping at a traffic light, drivers obviously need to move to the right lane if they are part of the slower traffic.
Davis said videotape cameras being installed in all state police units -- and used by some local law enforcement agencies -- will make enforcement easier.
"Each case will be different," Davis said. "The officer will have to document what was seen. They will have to be able to present that in court."
The law dealing with "impeding the flow of traffic" will remain on the books.
"It’s an additional tool," Davis said.
Repeat tickets for additional "rolling roadblocks" carry fines of up to $500 and 90 days in jail.
Although signs telling slower drivers to keep to the right already are posted on many multilane highways, the law requires the state highway department to install them on all affected roads.
Driving slowly in left lane could be costly now: $175
By ALAN SAYRE
The Associated Press
NEW ORLEANS -- If it feels safer on multilane highways to drive slowly, then it is definitely time to pull over to the right.
Today, a new Louisiana law aimed at "rolling roadblocks" -- drivers who tie up traffic by not going fast enough in the left lane -- goes into effect, complete with a fine of up to $175 and 30 days in jail for first offenders.
The law was passed this year with proponents saying a cure was long overdue for slowpokes who insist in getting in the left passing lane and staying there.
The current law -- which some said was enough if it were only enforced -- deals with "impeding the flow of traffic," a citation that can be issued if a police officer sees someone driving so slow that other drivers must pass on the right.
Lt. William Davis, a state police spokesman, said there will be no warning or grace period under the law -- meaning that citations for "rolling roadblocks" could begin at 12:01 a.m. Sunday.
How does one get deemed a "rolling roadblock?"
The law applies to drivers who are in the left lane of a multilane highway -- outside municipal limits -- and are traveling at the same speed as the car beside them in the right lane, Davis said.
SPEED LIMIT MUST BE 55-PLUS
Included are interstates and four-lane U.S. and Louisiana highways. The posted speed limit must be at least 55 miles per hour.
Exemptions will be made for highways that are chronically congested at certain times of the day -- like during traditional rush hours.
Multilane rural highways, which sometimes have traffic lights, are also included. Davis said that after stopping at a traffic light, drivers obviously need to move to the right lane if they are part of the slower traffic.
Davis said videotape cameras being installed in all state police units -- and used by some local law enforcement agencies -- will make enforcement easier.
"Each case will be different," Davis said. "The officer will have to document what was seen. They will have to be able to present that in court."
The law dealing with "impeding the flow of traffic" will remain on the books.
"It’s an additional tool," Davis said.
Repeat tickets for additional "rolling roadblocks" carry fines of up to $500 and 90 days in jail.
Although signs telling slower drivers to keep to the right already are posted on many multilane highways, the law requires the state highway department to install them on all affected roads.