In the Grand Canyon state, it’s illegal to slow traffic down by traveling below the speed limit. However, it’s also illegal to “camp,” or use the left (or passing lane) as a travel lane. In most states, the law mandates drivers to travel in the right lane and use the left lane strictly as a passing lane.
If you travel in the left lane and slow other drivers down, Republican Rep. Teresa Martinez is coming after you with a new bill. She became inspired to propose the bill when she found herself caught in traffic caused by a bad driver.
“Traffic was backed up for miles and I’m like what is going on here? Just a slow driver,” she told 12 News. Her bill, HB 2235, would be a revision of state Statute 28-721, which requires drivers to “drive a vehicle on the right half of the roadway,” with a few exceptions.
Her revision would see drivers slowing traffic on the left slammed with a $500 fine.
She said the fine would keep campers from the left lane
“I can tell you that there are people who think twice about getting in the HOV lanes during those specific hours because of the fine,” she continued. “They just won’t want to pay the fine and I don’t blame them. I don’t want to pay the fine either, and this is what that’s supposed to do. Or at least try to do.”
Aside from a fine, Martinez said more signage would be added on all two-lane highways (except for I-17) to warn drivers of the fine if they traveled in the left lane.
“A big, big sign that says, ‘Slower traffic over to the right,’ I think would help notify people because we do have a lot of out-of-state drivers,” she said.
She noted she’s willing to negotiate the fine and speak to everyday drivers about it – but it has passed out of committee and is headed to the House.
Viewers have mixed feelings about the fine
When 12 News posted the story’s coverage on YouTube, commenters were eager to put in their two cents. One viewer nicknamed it a “snowbird fine,” while others said those against the fine are missing the point.
“This is NOT about the speed limit. If you are NOT passing anyone on the right, why not move over, regardless of speed? What sort of arrogant, entitled jerk thinks courtesy is a sacrifice? Give me one good reason to stay in the left lane when you are not passing anyone on the right. Justify it!” wrote a viewer.
Someone else had a good question for Martinez.
“So, if you’re going 20 over the limit in the left lane and the guy behind you wants to go 30 over, do you get a ticket for holding them up?” they asked.
Another helped clarify the other viewer’s question about speed.
“This is only applicable as long as the obstructive vehicle is going less than the posted limit,” they said. “Otherwise, it’s just a gift to law breakers who speed.”
