Oklahoma
State Senate
Communications Division
State Capitol
Oklahoma City, OK 73105
For Immediate Release: April 22, 2009
Sen. Kenneth Corn
Senate Approves Measure to Prohibit Driving Slowly in Passing
Lanes
The state Senate on Wednesday voted in favor of
legislation to prohibit motorists from driving for extended periods
of time in the left lane. Sen. Kenneth
Corn, co-author of the measure, said the new law would result
in improved traffic flow, reducing the number of drivers who impede
traffic.
Under House Bill 1368, drivers must use the right-hand
lane unless passing.
“This prohibits a driver from parking in
the far left-hand lane and impeding traffic,” said Corn,
D-Poteau. “We want to add some teeth to the existing statutes
and allow Highway Patrol officers to issue tickets to drivers
who use passing lanes inappropriately.”
Corn said that it is a common misconception that
current law allows the Highway Patrol to issue tickets for driving
slowly in passing lanes.
“Under current law, the Department of Public
Safety has no authority to enforce it,” Corn said. “Reducing
roadway congestion is an important priority for both commerce
and public safety. There’s no question that this law will
ease congestion on our most crowded roadways, making travel safer
and more efficient.”
For more information contact:
Sen. Corn's Office - 405-521-5576