I could not find a topic related to this, lots of topics on passing lanes or slow trucks, not specific to right side passing.
The issue is the legality of passing on the right.
Years ago, in the state I grew up in passing on the right was illegal on 2 lane interstates, however, I found out it was legal on ROW's where 3 lanes were in the same direction.
So like on a rural interstate, it was why you always saw signs that said "Stay to the right, except to pass".
But you never saw those signs when traversing the interstates in Chicago. They were 3 to 4 lanes wide and I was told urban interstates with that many lanes are not subject to right side passing laws.
This was many, many years ago.
Today, I see people pass on the right on 3 lane interstates with regularity. In the later states I have lived in, there were no signed notifications on passing behaviors.
I have passed on the right occasionally, and gotten horn blasts at times for doing so, but not becuase I was in a race weaving through traffic, but because the center and left lanes were obstructed, usually a truck in the middle and a cell phone talker on the left.
So what exactly is the law? Does it vary by state, by locale (urban or rural) or is it simply general road etiquette?
I know it can vary internationally. In Norway a friend rented a car and drove for many kilometers in the passing lane unaware that he had caused a 2km backup behind him. But no one passed him in the slow lane. Finally after he noticed the flashing of the high beams, he moved over and as they passed, every car honked their horn and waved to him, all in good cheer. No flipping of the bird, no road rage, just people thanking him for finally moving over.
So back to the US, we know that raging is very much a problem, but what exactly is the law?
Looks like it very dependant on local laws.
I believe CT is like you described, no passing on the right for 2 lanes.
No such thing in NY. To make things more interesting, I believe NY law has 2 terms, passing and overtaking without defining the difference.
I pass people in the right lane every day. On four lane surface expressways you can make up a crap ton of spaces by hanging in the right behind truckers approaching traffic lights. All the passenger vehicles dog pile in the left lane and have to wait for the accordion to unfold at green.
When I got my license in Massachusetts back in the dark ages, the law was that passing on the right was only allowed on "divided highways". However, the driver license manual stated that a double yellow line was to be treated exactly as a physical divider. I don't know if that ever got clarified in court, or if the law has changed since then.
Fortunately, in California it's legal. I suspect it is in most states. It solves more problems than it causes.
As to signage, there are different ways to get people to keep right. Saying "slow traffic keep right" isn't very persuasive to some 20-year-old mister big-swinging-dick. "Keep right except to pass" is better, but not very common. I tend to do the latter, even though I'm a fast driver. Hence, I pass on the right a lot.
Va. Code 46.2-841, "When overtaking vehicle may pass on right." (https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title46.2/chapter8/section46.2-841/)
QuoteA. The driver of a vehicle may overtake and pass to the right of another vehicle only:
1. When the overtaken vehicle is making or about to make a left turn, and its driver has given the required signal;
2. On a highway with unobstructed pavement, not occupied by parked vehicles, of sufficient width for two or more lines of moving vehicles in each direction;
3. On a one-way street or on any one-way roadway when the roadway is free from obstructions and of sufficient width for two or more lines of moving vehicles.
B. The driver of a vehicle may overtake and pass another vehicle on the right only under conditions permitting such movement in safety. Except where driving on paved shoulders is permitted by lawfully placed signs, no such movement shall be made by driving on the shoulder of the highway or off the pavement or main traveled portion of the roadway.
C. Notwithstanding subsections A and B, nothing in this section shall permit a driver of a motor vehicle to cross a solid line designating a bicycle lane to pass or attempt to pass another vehicle, except as provided in § 46.2-920.1, 46.2-1210, or 46.2-1212.1, as directed by a law-enforcement officer, or where the roadway is otherwise impassable due to weather conditions, an accident, or an emergency situation.
Code 1950, § 46-226; 1952, c. 666; 1958, c. 541, § 46.1-210; 1985, c. 481; 1989, c. 727; 2020, c. 1259.
In theory, passing on the right should always be lawful. Let's say the minimum speed is 40 mph on a highway with a 65 mph limit. Would anyone find it acceptable for a car to go 41 in the left lane, and then, by law, no one is allowed to pass them on the right?
Like nearly all laws, it's up to each state to define the law for their state regarding passing. I believe in most states its lawful to pass on the right, and the example above clarifies why it should be lawful.
I don't know if there's a true exception in urban areas, because an urban area can vary based on vague definitions. In most cases, either signage or the existence of left lane exits generally will make the matter moot, but again to go back to paragraph 1, just because there's an urban area shouldn't mean someone can decide to go 41 in the left lane and not allow anyone to pass them on the right.
Quote from: jeffandnicole on June 15, 2025, 06:22:10 PMIn theory, passing on the right should always be lawful. Let's say the minimum speed is 40 mph on a highway with a 65 mph limit. Would anyone find it acceptable for a car to go 41 in the left lane, and then, by law, no one is allowed to pass them on the right?
Like nearly all laws, it's up to each state to define the law for their state regarding passing. I believe in most states its lawful to pass on the right, and the example above clarifies why it should be lawful.
I don't know if there's a true exception in urban areas, because an urban area can vary based on vague definitions. In most cases, either signage or the existence of left lane exits generally will make the matter moot, but again to go back to paragraph 1, just because there's an urban area shouldn't mean someone can decide to go 41 in the left lane and not allow anyone to pass them on the right.
Laws as written don't have to be consistent or realistic though.
But at least for CT there is a catch: you may pass on the right
"when lines of vehicles traveling in the same direction in adjoining traffic lanes have come to a stop or have reduced their speed". Is 45 in 55 enough of a reduction?...
https://law.justia.com/codes/connecticut/title-14/chapter-248/section-14-233/
I have passed on the right in many states, some of in which I have heard it's illegal (e.g., MD). I have yet to be caught.
In Wisconsin, passing on the right is allowed if it is not on a shoulder. On 2-lane rural highways WisDOT even provides a right passing lane at certain intersections to pass a left turning vehicle.
Quote from: Rothman on June 15, 2025, 07:43:41 PMI have passed on the right in many states, some of in which I have heard it's illegal (e.g., MD). I have yet to be caught.
Heh. When I was younger, I drove a lot faster than I do now. I remember in the summer of 2006 I spent a month in Jersey (Trenton area) for a business trip but had to come home one weekend for a furniture delivery. Maryland drivers were, and still are, deathly afraid of the right lane. So I drove in it and was able to sustain 85–90 mph for almost the entire segment from the Delaware state line down to I-695.
Quote from: 1995hoo on June 15, 2025, 08:41:39 PMQuote from: Rothman on June 15, 2025, 07:43:41 PMI have passed on the right in many states, some of in which I have heard it's illegal (e.g., MD). I have yet to be caught.
Heh. When I was younger, I drove a lot faster than I do now. I remember in the summer of 2006 I spent a month in Jersey (Trenton area) for a business trip but had to come home one weekend for a furniture delivery. Maryland drivers were, and still are, deathly afraid of the right lane. So I drove in it and was able to sustain 85–90 mph for almost the entire segment from the Delaware state line down to I-695.
Ha! Great story.
Quote from: jeffandnicole on June 15, 2025, 06:22:10 PMIn theory, passing on the right should always be lawful. Let's say the minimum speed is 40 mph on a highway with a 65 mph limit. Would anyone find it acceptable for a car to go 41 in the left lane, and then, by law, no one is allowed to pass them on the right?
If they really didn't want passing on the right, then instead of outlawing it, they could outlaw "being passed on the right". Then the slow-poke would get the ticket.
Quote from: pderocco on June 16, 2025, 01:47:51 AMQuote from: jeffandnicole on June 15, 2025, 06:22:10 PMIn theory, passing on the right should always be lawful. Let's say the minimum speed is 40 mph on a highway with a 65 mph limit. Would anyone find it acceptable for a car to go 41 in the left lane, and then, by law, no one is allowed to pass them on the right?
If they really didn't want passing on the right, then instead of outlawing it, they could outlaw "being passed on the right". Then the slow-poke would get the ticket.
Did you ever see someone with NJ plates zigzagging in speed limit +10 traffic while pushing around 100 MPH?
Quote from: pderocco on June 16, 2025, 01:47:51 AMQuote from: jeffandnicole on June 15, 2025, 06:22:10 PMIn theory, passing on the right should always be lawful. Let's say the minimum speed is 40 mph on a highway with a 65 mph limit. Would anyone find it acceptable for a car to go 41 in the left lane, and then, by law, no one is allowed to pass them on the right?
If they really didn't want passing on the right, then instead of outlawing it, they could outlaw "being passed on the right". Then the slow-poke would get the ticket.
Well, that's why left lane hog laws exist.
I didn't realize until this thread that there were any states that actually prohibited passing on the right on a multi-lane highway. I thought that was just people misunderstanding the laws.
Yea, that 'rules of the road' sort of law makiing is the realm of the individual states.
Mike
Quote from: mgk920 on June 16, 2025, 12:14:42 PMYea, that 'rules of the road' sort of law makiing is the realm of the individual states.
It's just that I hadn't looked at any state vehicle codes that actually prohibited it, so I assumed nobody prohibited it.
So, when my friend was dawdling in the left lane a few years ago and then griping at all the people 'illegally' passing him on the right, and I told him that I was unaware of any state that prohibited passing on the right whereas the state we were driving through did indeed prohibit impeding the left lane—if that were today, then I'd have to concede that I know of
a couple of states only that prohibit passing on the right.
Quote from: kphoger on June 16, 2025, 09:59:59 AMI didn't realize until this thread that there were any states that actually prohibited passing on the right on a multi-lane highway. I thought that was just people misunderstanding the laws.
Yeah, I always thought that was just a Europe thing. Quite frankly, I can't see how such a prohibition could work in the US. It's interesting that MD was mentioned, given that at one point there was a driver who would drive in the left lane of the Capital Beltway with his cruise set to 55 to "enforce" the speed limit on everyone else. Too many people in this country either have a MFFY attitude or want to dictate what everyone else can do.
Nevada law seems fairly generous on the subject, including provisions for using a sufficiently-wide shoulder to pass ("NRS" = "Nevada Revised Statutes):
QuoteNRS 484B.210 When overtaking on right side allowed; additional penalty for violation committed in work zone or pedestrian safety zone.
1. The driver of a vehicle may overtake and pass upon the right of another vehicle only under the following conditions:
(a) When the driver of the vehicle overtaken is making or signaling to make a left turn.
(b) Upon a highway with unobstructed pavement which is not occupied by parked vehicles and which is of sufficient width for two or more lines of moving vehicles in each direction.
(c) Upon a highway with unobstructed pavement which is not marked as a traffic lane and which is not occupied by parked vehicles, if the vehicle that is overtaking and passing another vehicle:
(1) Except as otherwise provided in subsection 4, does not travel more than 200 feet in the section of pavement not marked as a traffic lane; or
(2) While being driven in the section of pavement not marked as a traffic lane, does not travel through an intersection or past any private way that is used to enter or exit the highway.
(d) Upon any highway on which traffic is restricted to one direction of movement, where the highway is free from obstructions and of sufficient width for two or more lines of moving vehicles.
Quote from: vdeane on June 16, 2025, 12:41:01 PMQuote from: kphoger on June 16, 2025, 09:59:59 AMI didn't realize until this thread that there were any states that actually prohibited passing on the right on a multi-lane highway. I thought that was just people misunderstanding the laws.
Yeah, I always thought that was just a Europe thing. Quite frankly, I can't see how such a prohibition could work in the US. It's interesting that MD was mentioned, given that at one point there was a driver who would drive in the left lane of the Capital Beltway with his cruise set to 55 to "enforce" the speed limit on everyone else. Too many people in this country either have a MFFY attitude or want to dictate what everyone else can do.
That's the now-deceased John Nestor (https://ghostsofdc.org/2019/04/23/what-is-nestoring/).
Here's a November 1984 Washington Post article that ran fairly shortly after his original letter to the editor that made him infamous. (https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/lifestyle/1984/11/21/john-nestor-strife-in-the-fast-lane/177dbb31-aeed-499e-8be4-9de519efd37a/)
Quote from: jeffandnicole on June 16, 2025, 08:49:34 AMQuote from: pderocco on June 16, 2025, 01:47:51 AMQuote from: jeffandnicole on June 15, 2025, 06:22:10 PMIn theory, passing on the right should always be lawful. Let's say the minimum speed is 40 mph on a highway with a 65 mph limit. Would anyone find it acceptable for a car to go 41 in the left lane, and then, by law, no one is allowed to pass them on the right?
If they really didn't want passing on the right, then instead of outlawing it, they could outlaw "being passed on the right". Then the slow-poke would get the ticket.
Well, that's why left lane hog laws exist.
The least enforced law ever
The UVC does allows passing on the right as long as there's sufficient room. No three lane minimum. So it's only those 'special' states where you have to check the vehicle code more closely.
Quote from: Uniform Vehicle Code, Millennium EditionChapter 11 — Rules of the Road
Article III — Driving on Right Side of Roadway — Overtaking and Passing — Use of Roadway
§ 11-304 — When passing on the right is permitted
(a) The driver of a vehicle may overtake and pass upon the right of another vehicle only under one or more of the following conditions:
1. When the vehicle overtaken is making or about to make a left turn;
2. Upon a roadway with unobstructed pavement of sufficient width for two or more lines of vehicles moving lawfully in the direction being traveled by the overtaking vehicle.
(b) The driver of a vehicle may overtake and pass another vehicle upon the right only under conditions permitting such movement in safety. Such movement shall not be made by driving off the roadway.
Quote from: vdeane on June 16, 2025, 12:41:01 PMQuote from: kphoger on June 16, 2025, 09:59:59 AMI didn't realize until this thread that there were any states that actually prohibited passing on the right on a multi-lane highway. I thought that was just people misunderstanding the laws.
Yeah, I always thought that was just a Europe thing. Quite frankly, I can't see how such a prohibition could work in the US. It's interesting that MD was mentioned, given that at one point there was a driver who would drive in the left lane of the Capital Beltway with his cruise set to 55 to "enforce" the speed limit on everyone else. Too many people in this country either have a MFFY attitude or want to dictate what everyone else can do.
MFFY was new acronym for me, had to look that one up.
Quote from: kphoger on June 16, 2025, 01:49:05 PMThe UVC does allows passing on the right as long as there's sufficient room. No three lane minimum. So it's only those 'special' states where you have to check the vehicle code more closely.
To be hypertechnical about it, there's no two-lane minimum either, at least not as that is written. You just need "sufficient width for two or more lines of vehicles moving lawfully in the direction being traveled by the overtaking vehicle." So, for example, while in some states it is legal to pass across the center of a residential street that has no center stripe, it could also be legal to pass on the right if such a street were wide enough to allow for it, say because it has a parking "lane" that's not set off by a white line. (Here's an example of a street that satisfies both of those conditions. (https://maps.app.goo.gl/wUwjecGLEEQPLeVs6) That guy in the Honda Civic is driving right in the middle, but if he kept to the right of center, you could fit four vehicles across where that pickup is parked. In Virginia, where that street is, it is legal to pass on the left on a street like this because no center stripe prohibits it.)
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on June 16, 2025, 02:06:23 PMQuote from: vdeane on June 16, 2025, 12:41:01 PMQuote from: kphoger on June 16, 2025, 09:59:59 AMI didn't realize until this thread that there were any states that actually prohibited passing on the right on a multi-lane highway. I thought that was just people misunderstanding the laws.
Yeah, I always thought that was just a Europe thing. Quite frankly, I can't see how such a prohibition could work in the US. It's interesting that MD was mentioned, given that at one point there was a driver who would drive in the left lane of the Capital Beltway with his cruise set to 55 to "enforce" the speed limit on everyone else. Too many people in this country either have a MFFY attitude or want to dictate what everyone else can do.
MFFY was new acronym for me, had to look that one up.
*takes Max's AARoads rank away*
Quote from: Rothman on June 16, 2025, 02:52:16 PMQuote from: Max Rockatansky on June 16, 2025, 02:06:23 PMQuote from: vdeane on June 16, 2025, 12:41:01 PMQuote from: kphoger on June 16, 2025, 09:59:59 AMI didn't realize until this thread that there were any states that actually prohibited passing on the right on a multi-lane highway. I thought that was just people misunderstanding the laws.
Yeah, I always thought that was just a Europe thing. Quite frankly, I can't see how such a prohibition could work in the US. It's interesting that MD was mentioned, given that at one point there was a driver who would drive in the left lane of the Capital Beltway with his cruise set to 55 to "enforce" the speed limit on everyone else. Too many people in this country either have a MFFY attitude or want to dictate what everyone else can do.
MFFY was new acronym for me, had to look that one up.
*takes Max's AARoads rank away*
Heh, at least you guys aren't as bad with the acronyms as the military world is.
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on June 16, 2025, 02:56:12 PMHeh, at least you guys aren't as bad with the acronyms as the military world is.
When my high school best friend joined the Air Force academy, he told me they (new recruits, at least) weren't allowed to use any acronyms but had to say everything's full name instead. He was amused that the word 'radar' (
radio
detection
and
ranging) was perfectly fine, though.
I suspect that what he was talking about only applied to testing situations, based on Cadet Standards and Duties 2.8.2.4.2.
Quote from: kphoger on June 16, 2025, 03:05:09 PMQuote from: Max Rockatansky on June 16, 2025, 02:56:12 PMHeh, at least you guys aren't as bad with the acronyms as the military world is.
When my high school best friend joined the Air Force academy, he told me they (new recruits, at least) weren't allowed to use any acronyms but had to say everything's full name instead. He was amused that the word 'radar' (radio detection and ranging) was perfectly fine, though.
I suspect that what he was talking about only applied to testing situations, based on Cadet Standards and Duties 2.8.2.4.2.
Retail is no better either. I do get amusement when the Operations folks want to use "POS" when all the normals use "register." POS often has very different meaning in the real world.
And yes before anyone asks, I do know a Point of Sale is different from a cash register.
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on June 16, 2025, 02:56:12 PMQuote from: Rothman on June 16, 2025, 02:52:16 PMQuote from: Max Rockatansky on June 16, 2025, 02:06:23 PMQuote from: vdeane on June 16, 2025, 12:41:01 PMQuote from: kphoger on June 16, 2025, 09:59:59 AMI didn't realize until this thread that there were any states that actually prohibited passing on the right on a multi-lane highway. I thought that was just people misunderstanding the laws.
Yeah, I always thought that was just a Europe thing. Quite frankly, I can't see how such a prohibition could work in the US. It's interesting that MD was mentioned, given that at one point there was a driver who would drive in the left lane of the Capital Beltway with his cruise set to 55 to "enforce" the speed limit on everyone else. Too many people in this country either have a MFFY attitude or want to dictate what everyone else can do.
MFFY was new acronym for me, had to look that one up.
*takes Max's AARoads rank away*
Heh, at least you guys aren't as bad with the acronyms as the military world is.
I'd say that's government generally, not just the military, and a lot of the acronym-obsessed government types don't seem to understand that their acronyms are really not anywhere nearly as important as they think they are.
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on June 16, 2025, 03:08:14 PMRetail is no better either. I do get amusement when the Operations folks want to use "POS" when all the normals use "register." POS often has very different meaning in the real world.
In the business I work in, everybody uses at least a few acronyms without knowing what they even stand for. This, coupled with talk-to-text, makes for some interesting accounts sometimes. A common one is spelling "MoCA filter" (Multimedia over Coaxial Alliance) as "mocha filter", which sounds like something used in brewing coffee rather than installing cable.
Quote from: 1995hoo on June 16, 2025, 03:20:36 PMQuote from: Max Rockatansky on June 16, 2025, 02:56:12 PMQuote from: Rothman on June 16, 2025, 02:52:16 PMQuote from: Max Rockatansky on June 16, 2025, 02:06:23 PMQuote from: vdeane on June 16, 2025, 12:41:01 PMQuote from: kphoger on June 16, 2025, 09:59:59 AMI didn't realize until this thread that there were any states that actually prohibited passing on the right on a multi-lane highway. I thought that was just people misunderstanding the laws.
Yeah, I always thought that was just a Europe thing. Quite frankly, I can't see how such a prohibition could work in the US. It's interesting that MD was mentioned, given that at one point there was a driver who would drive in the left lane of the Capital Beltway with his cruise set to 55 to "enforce" the speed limit on everyone else. Too many people in this country either have a MFFY attitude or want to dictate what everyone else can do.
MFFY was new acronym for me, had to look that one up.
*takes Max's AARoads rank away*
Heh, at least you guys aren't as bad with the acronyms as the military world is.
I'd say that's government generally, not just the military, and a lot of the acronym-obsessed government types don't seem to understand that their acronyms are really not anywhere nearly as important as they think they are.
Can we put a PHB at the RCUT during the next 3R project instead of an ICWS? :popcorn:
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on June 15, 2025, 05:09:26 PMI pass people in the right lane every day. On four lane surface expressways you can make up a crap ton of spaces by hanging in the right behind truckers approaching traffic lights. All the passenger vehicles dog pile in the left lane and have to wait for the accordion to unfold at green.
I pass on the right when I am on the freeway to avoid the blind spots of Trucks.
Passing on the left is now the law in Arkansas and is signed prominently with left side signage. But in the double nickel days, trucks in the state were actually encouraged to stay in the left lane to even out pavement wear (don't think it was ever law).
Quote from: Road Hog on June 18, 2025, 05:51:39 PMPassing on the left is now the law in Arkansas and is signed prominently with left side signage. But in the double nickel days, trucks in the state were actually encouraged to stay in the left lane to even out pavement wear (don't think it was ever law).
We have a bit of this in Nevada, on I-580/US 395 between Reno and Carson City. There's a segment that goes through Washoe Valley that's subject to high west-to-east downslope crosswinds. When winds are strong enough, vehicles over 9 feet in height are banned entirely from the freeway. With lesser but still significant wind conditions, southbound vehicles of height are instructed to stay in the left lane through the valley. Signage here:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/GkL1fxgeU65wa9pY7 (https://maps.app.goo.gl/GkL1fxgeU65wa9pY7)
The reason being that, if the truck or bus is hit by a gust of wind from the west, it will tend to veer into the center divider; if it were in the right lane it would veer into the left lane. Similar signage on the northbound side instructs those vehicles to remain in the right lane through the valley as those gusts will then push them toward the right shoulder.
Quote from: gonealookin on June 18, 2025, 07:55:46 PMWe have a bit of this in Nevada, on I-580/US 395 between Reno and Carson City. There's a segment that goes through Washoe Valley that's subject to high west-to-east downslope crosswinds. When winds are strong enough, vehicles over 9 feet in height are banned entirely from the freeway. With lesser but still significant wind conditions, southbound vehicles of height are instructed to stay in the left lane through the valley. Signage here:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/GkL1fxgeU65wa9pY7 (https://maps.app.goo.gl/GkL1fxgeU65wa9pY7)
The reason being that, if the truck or bus is hit by a gust of wind from the west, it will tend to veer into the center divider; if it were in the right lane it would veer into the left lane. Similar signage on the northbound side instructs those vehicles to remain in the right lane through the valley as those gusts will then push them toward the right shoulder.
You'd think the sign would simply set a very low speed limit, like 30 or 40.
Since CT has been mentioned, I will explain my understanding of the passing on right statues.
Sec. 14-233. Passing on right. The driver of a vehicle may overtake and pass upon the right of another vehicle only when conditions permit such movement in safety and under the following conditions:
(1) When the vehicle overtaken is making or has signified the intention to make a left turn;
(2) when lines of vehicles traveling in the same direction in adjoining traffic lanes have come to a stop or have reduced their speed;
(3) upon a one-way street free from obstructions and of sufficient width for two or more lines of moving vehicles;
(4) upon a limited access highway or parkway free from obstructions with three or more lanes provided for traffic in one direction.
Such movement shall not be made by driving off the pavement or main-traveled portion of the highway except where lane designations, signs, signals or markings provide for such movement. Violation of any provision of this section shall be an infraction.
(1) and (3) are common across every state. (2) implies that passing on the right is allowed at multi-lane intersection where you have more traffic in the left lane than in the right lane(s), so its OK to pass on the right to fill in the space. (4) is necessary because of Sec. 14-230.
Sec. 14-230. Driving in right-hand lane.
(a) Upon all highways, each vehicle, other than a vehicle described in subsection (c) of this section, shall be driven upon the right, except (1) when overtaking and passing another vehicle proceeding in the same direction, (2) when overtaking and passing pedestrians, parked or standing vehicles, animals, bicycles, electric bicycles, mopeds, scooters, electric foot scooters, vehicles moving at a slow speed, as defined in section 14-220, or obstructions on the right side of the highway, (3) when the right side of a highway is closed to traffic while under construction or repair, (4) on a highway divided into three or more marked lanes for traffic, or (5) on a highway designated and signposted for one-way traffic.
(b) Except as provided in subsection (c) of this section, any vehicle proceeding at less than the normal speed of traffic shall be driven in the right-hand lane available for traffic, or as close as practicable to the right-hand curb or edge of the highway, except when overtaking and passing another vehicle proceeding in the same direction or when preparing for a left turn at an intersection or into a private road or driveway.
(c) Any vehicle which exceeds the maximum width limitations specified in subdivision (1) of subsection (a) of section 14-262 and operates on an interstate highway with a special permit issued by the Commissioner of Transportation under the provisions of section 14-270, shall be driven in the extreme right lane of such highway, except (1) when such special permit authorizes operation in a traffic lane other than the extreme right lane, (2) when overtaking and passing parked vehicles, animals or obstructions on the right side of such highway, (3) when the right side of such highway is closed to traffic while under construction or repair, or (4) at such locations where access to or egress from such highway is provided on the left.
The bold subsections here imply that when there are three lanes or more, vehicles moving slower than the common speed of traffic must keep all the way right, or I guess right enough so that the lane they're in is moving at the speed they want to move at; and oversize loads must absolutely keep all the way right. As long as you're moving with the speed of traffic in the left lane, you don't have to leave it.
And then of course trucks can't use the extreme left lane when signposted.
Sec. 14-230a. Restricted use of left-hand lane on divided limited access highways. On any divided limited access highway which provides more than two lanes for traffic proceeding in the same direction, no operator of any motor vehicle with a commercial registration, motor bus, vehicle with trailer or school bus shall drive in the extreme left lane where the Office of the State Traffic Administration so designates, except on the direction of a police officer or except when access to or egress from such highway is provided on the left, in which latter case such operator shall drive in such left lane only for such period as is reasonably necessary to enter or leave such highway safely. Any person who violates any provision of this section shall have committed an infraction and shall be fined eighty-eight dollars.
I pass on the right only when it's obvious that the passing lane driver isn't doing what they should in that lane and there's no alternative. I notice it tends to be worse on the weekends.
One general comment: I distinguish between "passing on the right" and what the Brits sometimes call "undertaking." In my mind, "passing on the right" denotes that you move to the right in an affirmative attempt to pass someone. That's distinct, to me, from the situation where you're already in either the right lane, or you're in some lane somewhere to the right of someone else, you're going faster than someone who is driving in one of the lanes to your left, and you continue on past without changing lanes or otherwise doing anything to interact with the other driver.
An example might be on the Inner Loop of the Capital Beltway near my neighborhood (https://maps.app.goo.gl/kAPUrkvHvVxvwaLn8). The two far left lanes of the Beltway (where the Google car is in that image) are the thru lanes for southbound traffic on I-95 heading towards Fredericksburg and Richmond, so you routinely get some people going slower in those lanes than you might otherwise expect (both because drivers who would otherwise keep to the right have to move left for the flyover and because some drivers unfamiliar with the area tend to slow down due to the sheer number of road signs). Four lanes continue on the Beltway past the I-95 split. I'm almost always in one of the two lanes farthest to the right through there (normally I would be on the other side of the Toyota SUV you see to the right of the Google car), mainly because I normally enter the highway at the on-ramp a short distance east of that point. I normally try to keep my speed to 65 mph (it's a 55-mph zone). If someone in one of the two far left lanes that go to the I-95 flyover is doing 55 mph, I don't consider myself to be "passing on the right" because that person is pretty much irrelevant to my driving and I'm not affirmatively trying to "pass" that person.
Quote from: Road Hog on June 18, 2025, 05:51:39 PMPassing on the left is now the law in Arkansas
cite?
Quote from: edwaleni on June 15, 2025, 04:48:26 PMI have passed on the right occasionally, and gotten horn blasts at times for doing so
This has never happened to me, and passing on the right is not something I pay conscious attention to.
Then let me get this straight. If you have to pass in the right lane and it's on a highway with two lanes in each direction then the car on the left would be in the wrong because they are getting passed, not passing anyone. I use whatever lane has the longest gap between me and the car in front of me.
Quote from: Flint1979 on June 19, 2025, 06:41:17 PMThen let me get this straight. If you have to pass in the right lane and it's on a highway with two lanes in each direction then the car on the left would be in the wrong because they are getting passed, not passing anyone. I use whatever lane has the longest gap between me and the car in front of me.
I think the car on the left could only be considered "in the wrong" if their speed isn't being limited by a car in front of them, and the right lane is also empty. I'm a fast driver, and I generally don't sit in the left lane if there's no actual reason to. That said, my preference is still that people should be able to pass on either side.
People complain about LLBs around here a lot, but I find myself occasionally angry about some RLB as well. If there's a line of cars in the left lane, and the right lane is empty but for one car going the same speed, I'm pissed at that car for not getting into the left lane with everyone else, so that those of us who want to go faster can use the empty right lane to pass. That happens frequently, since a lot of slow drivers just don't want to drive in the right lane because they don't want to have to deal with slowing down for exiting vehicles or merging with entering vehicles.
Quote from: pderocco on June 19, 2025, 07:18:16 PMQuote from: Flint1979 on June 19, 2025, 06:41:17 PMThen let me get this straight. If you have to pass in the right lane and it's on a highway with two lanes in each direction then the car on the left would be in the wrong because they are getting passed, not passing anyone. I use whatever lane has the longest gap between me and the car in front of me.
I think the car on the left could only be considered "in the wrong" if their speed isn't being limited by a car in front of them, and the right lane is also empty. I'm a fast driver, and I generally don't sit in the left lane if there's no actual reason to. That said, my preference is still that people should be able to pass on either side.
People complain about LLBs around here a lot, but I find myself occasionally angry about some RLB as well. If there's a line of cars in the left lane, and the right lane is empty but for one car going the same speed, I'm pissed at that car for not getting into the left lane with everyone else, so that those of us who want to go faster can use the empty right lane to pass. That happens frequently, since a lot of slow drivers just don't want to drive in the right lane because they don't want to have to deal with slowing down for exiting vehicles or merging with entering vehicles.
One time on US-23 within the last year I was driving southbound and had my cruise set at 80, then here comes someone driving the same speed as a semi truck in the right lane refusing to pass the semi and get over and I was the second car behind the person doing this and I started getting pissed because this went on for at least 10 miles before I finally got fed up and noticed an opening on the shoulder that was long enough for me to get on the shoulder and pass the lead car so that is what I did there, the first car (the car in front of me) had no idea what I was doing and just stayed there when I went past that car. I was so pissed off that I drove 90 mph for about 10 miles until I finally slowed back down to 80. The car that was doing this was doing about 62 mph. I hate that freaking freeway between Flint and Toledo, it cuts off about 25 miles vs. taking I-75 all the way into Ohio and for almost the entire stretch is only four lanes (two in each direction) with at least 50,000 VPD.
Whenever anyone wants to drive faster than me I just hurry up and get passed whoever I'm passing and get over and let them pass me. I'd rather have them in front of me than on my ass and I know that I'll be able to maintain my speed since they'll be going faster than me. I think driving in the lane with the longest clearance in front of you is the best thing to do. I usually just work my way through traffic lol.
Quote from: Flint1979 on June 19, 2025, 06:41:17 PMThen let me get this straight. If you have to pass in the right lane and it's on a highway with two lanes in each direction then the car on the left would be in the wrong because they are getting passed, not passing anyone. I use whatever lane has the longest gap between me and the car in front of me.
It seems that
both the driver impeding the left lane
and also the driver passing in the right lane would be 'in the wrong'. So I guess, if you're the faster driver, then you're just supposed to impede the right lane as well...
Quote from: kphoger on June 20, 2025, 09:36:51 AMQuote from: Flint1979 on June 19, 2025, 06:41:17 PMThen let me get this straight. If you have to pass in the right lane and it's on a highway with two lanes in each direction then the car on the left would be in the wrong because they are getting passed, not passing anyone. I use whatever lane has the longest gap between me and the car in front of me.
It seems that both the driver impeding the left lane and also the driver passing in the right lane would be 'in the wrong'. So I guess, if you're the faster driver, then you're just supposed to impede the right lane as well...
And keep in mind that the right lane is often worn out by trucks..
Quote from: kalvado on June 20, 2025, 10:21:19 AMAnd keep in mind that the right lane is often worn out by trucks..
On highways where the right lane is terribly worn and rutted to the point where you just stick to the left lane (somewhat common in Mexico, for example), courtesy still dictates that you move into the right lane whenever a faster vehicle approaches from behind.
Quote from: kphoger on June 20, 2025, 10:34:53 AMQuote from: kalvado on June 20, 2025, 10:21:19 AMAnd keep in mind that the right lane is often worn out by trucks..
On highways where the right lane is terribly worn and rutted to the point where you just stick to the left lane (somewhat common in Mexico, for example), courtesy still dictates that you move into the right lane whenever a faster vehicle approaches from behind.
We had someone on this very forum complaining about being stuck for miles behind a such slow vehicle on an otherwise empty Interstate (which went into a serious rebuild a year or two later).
Quote from: kalvado on June 20, 2025, 11:38:18 AMWe had someone on this very forum complaining about being stuck for miles behind a such slow vehicle on an otherwise empty Interstate (which went into a serious rebuild a year or two later).
Not only do I expect that to be quite the minority opinion, but you also conveniently left out the part of his complaint about the left lane being full of cars. Not at all the same scenario I was describing.
Quote from: kphoger on June 20, 2025, 12:20:32 PMQuote from: kalvado on June 20, 2025, 11:38:18 AMWe had someone on this very forum complaining about being stuck for miles behind a such slow vehicle on an otherwise empty Interstate (which went into a serious rebuild a year or two later).
Not only do I expect that to be quite the minority opinion, but you also conveniently left out the part of his complaint about the left lane being full of cars. Not at all the same scenario I was describing.
yes, I did comment on another situation. Of course, not blocking the highway should come as a part of common courtesy (seemingly uncommon between many usernames here). Common sense should also be a part of it, and it is equally pretty uncommon though.
Quote from: Flint1979 on June 20, 2025, 12:07:38 AMOne time on US-23 within the last year I was driving southbound and had my cruise set at 80, then here comes someone driving the same speed as a semi truck in the right lane refusing to pass the semi and get over and I was the second car behind the person doing this and I started getting pissed because this went on for at least 10 miles before I finally got fed up and noticed an opening on the shoulder that was long enough for me to get on the shoulder and pass the lead car so that is what I did there, the first car (the car in front of me) had no idea what I was doing and just stayed there when I went past that car. I was so pissed off that I drove 90 mph for about 10 miles until I finally slowed back down to 80. The car that was doing this was doing about 62 mph. I hate that freaking freeway between Flint and Toledo, it cuts off about 25 miles vs. taking I-75 all the way into Ohio and for almost the entire stretch is only four lanes (two in each direction) with at least 50,000 VPD.
Good thing it didn't turn out that there was a cop right in front of the truck.
Quote from: kphoger on June 19, 2025, 12:04:36 PMQuote from: Road Hog on June 18, 2025, 05:51:39 PMPassing on the left is now the law in Arkansas
cite?
Arkansas Code Title 27. Transportation § 27-51-301. Vehicles to be driven on right side of roadway--Exceptionshttps://codes.findlaw.com/ar/title-27-transportation/ar-code-sect-27-51-301/
ALL COUNTIES | December 19, 2023
The Arkansas Department of Transportation (ARDOT) and law enforcement officials are reminding drivers to use the left lane for passing only.
In 2021, Act 1090 was passed into Arkansas State Law which outlines the conditions drivers must meet while traveling on multilane highways in the same direction.
Act 1090 was designed to prevent backups on roadways and, in turn, increase safety by limiting left-lane driving to passing only.
Except for situations when lanes are blocked, the law requires drivers to use the right lanes for travel, reserving the left-most lane for passing only.
"We want to remind drivers that it's illegal and dangerous to impede the flow of traffic by driving in the left lane," said Arkansas Highway Police Chief Jeff Holmes.
A recent report shows that 411 citations and 3,100 warnings for left-lane driving have been issued by state and local law enforcement since the law went into effect in 2021.
"Some people don't realize they are breaking the law when they continuously drive in the left lane and impede other vehicles from passing," ARDOT Director Lorie Tudor stated. "ARDOT and our law enforcement agencies are working to educate drivers and increase safety on our roadways."
To view the full text of Act 1090, click here.
https://arkleg.state.ar.us/Home/FTPDocument?path=%2FACTS%2F2021R%2FPublic%2FACT1090.pdf
Quote from: Road Hog on June 18, 2025, 05:51:39 PMPassing on the left is now the law in Arkansas
Quote from: kphoger on June 19, 2025, 12:04:36 PMcite?
Quote from: edwaleni on June 20, 2025, 04:02:44 PMArkansas Code Title 27. Transportation § 27-51-301. Vehicles to be driven on right side of roadway--Exceptions
https://codes.findlaw.com/ar/title-27-transportation/ar-code-sect-27-51-301/
ALL COUNTIES | December 19, 2023
The Arkansas Department of Transportation (ARDOT) and law enforcement officials are reminding drivers to use the left lane for passing only.
In 2021, Act 1090 was passed into Arkansas State Law which outlines the conditions drivers must meet while traveling on multilane highways in the same direction.
Act 1090 was designed to prevent backups on roadways and, in turn, increase safety by limiting left-lane driving to passing only.
Except for situations when lanes are blocked, the law requires drivers to use the right lanes for travel, reserving the left-most lane for passing only.
"We want to remind drivers that it's illegal and dangerous to impede the flow of traffic by driving in the left lane," said Arkansas Highway Police Chief Jeff Holmes.
A recent report shows that 411 citations and 3,100 warnings for left-lane driving have been issued by state and local law enforcement since the law went into effect in 2021.
"Some people don't realize they are breaking the law when they continuously drive in the left lane and impede other vehicles from passing," ARDOT Director Lorie Tudor stated. "ARDOT and our law enforcement agencies are working to educate drivers and increase safety on our roadways."
To view the full text of Act 1090, click here.
https://arkleg.state.ar.us/Home/FTPDocument?path=%2FACTS%2F2021R%2FPublic%2FACT1090.pdf
I don't see anything in there about passing on the right being illegal. Did I miss something?
Quote from: kphoger on June 20, 2025, 04:09:49 PMQuote from: Road Hog on June 18, 2025, 05:51:39 PMPassing on the left is now the law in Arkansas
Quote from: kphoger on June 19, 2025, 12:04:36 PMcite?
Quote from: edwaleni on June 20, 2025, 04:02:44 PMArkansas Code Title 27. Transportation § 27-51-301. Vehicles to be driven on right side of roadway--Exceptions
https://codes.findlaw.com/ar/title-27-transportation/ar-code-sect-27-51-301/
ALL COUNTIES | December 19, 2023
The Arkansas Department of Transportation (ARDOT) and law enforcement officials are reminding drivers to use the left lane for passing only.
In 2021, Act 1090 was passed into Arkansas State Law which outlines the conditions drivers must meet while traveling on multilane highways in the same direction.
Act 1090 was designed to prevent backups on roadways and, in turn, increase safety by limiting left-lane driving to passing only.
Except for situations when lanes are blocked, the law requires drivers to use the right lanes for travel, reserving the left-most lane for passing only.
"We want to remind drivers that it's illegal and dangerous to impede the flow of traffic by driving in the left lane," said Arkansas Highway Police Chief Jeff Holmes.
A recent report shows that 411 citations and 3,100 warnings for left-lane driving have been issued by state and local law enforcement since the law went into effect in 2021.
"Some people don't realize they are breaking the law when they continuously drive in the left lane and impede other vehicles from passing," ARDOT Director Lorie Tudor stated. "ARDOT and our law enforcement agencies are working to educate drivers and increase safety on our roadways."
To view the full text of Act 1090, click here.
https://arkleg.state.ar.us/Home/FTPDocument?path=%2FACTS%2F2021R%2FPublic%2FACT1090.pdf
I don't see anything in there about passing on the right being illegal. Did I miss something?
You didn't. That statute doesn't prohibit right lane passing in any way.
Depends how you define "passing". If someone is going too slow in say the 2nd or 3rd lane on a highway with 4 lanes on each side, I might get in the next right lane over just because it's faster. Then I might have to pass slower cars in that far right lane eventually, getting back in front of that original car. Did I technically "pass" that slow car in the 2nd lane, just in a more gradual way? It's just changing lanes twice.
Quote from: DriverDave on June 20, 2025, 05:45:58 PMI might get ... back in front of that original car. Did I technically "pass" that slow car
Yep.
Quote from: DriverDave on June 20, 2025, 05:45:58 PMIt's just changing lanes twice.
That is generally how passing works.
Quote from: pderocco on June 20, 2025, 03:34:56 PMQuote from: Flint1979 on June 20, 2025, 12:07:38 AMOne time on US-23 within the last year I was driving southbound and had my cruise set at 80, then here comes someone driving the same speed as a semi truck in the right lane refusing to pass the semi and get over and I was the second car behind the person doing this and I started getting pissed because this went on for at least 10 miles before I finally got fed up and noticed an opening on the shoulder that was long enough for me to get on the shoulder and pass the lead car so that is what I did there, the first car (the car in front of me) had no idea what I was doing and just stayed there when I went past that car. I was so pissed off that I drove 90 mph for about 10 miles until I finally slowed back down to 80. The car that was doing this was doing about 62 mph. I hate that freaking freeway between Flint and Toledo, it cuts off about 25 miles vs. taking I-75 all the way into Ohio and for almost the entire stretch is only four lanes (two in each direction) with at least 50,000 VPD.
Good thing it didn't turn out that there was a cop right in front of the truck.
It was alright I knew it wasn't a cop. It was some old black lady that's all I remember about the driver.
Quote from: kalvado on June 20, 2025, 10:21:19 AMAnd keep in mind that the right lane is often worn out by trucks..
1. The right lane is in poor condition from heavy truck traffic.
2.
3. Therefore, I can just stay in the left lane, and the faster driver can use the right lane instead.
There are several possibilities for filling in (2).
1. The right lane is in poor condition from heavy truck traffic.
2. My preferred driving speed is the standard by which all others' must be judged.
3. Therefore, I can just stay in the left lane, and the faster driver can use the right lane instead.
1. The right lane is in poor condition from heavy truck traffic.
2. My car's suspension and tires are more important than others'.
3. Therefore, I can just stay in the left lane, and the faster driver can use the right lane instead.
1. The right lane is in poor condition from heavy truck traffic.
2. I can drive however I want to avoid the slightest inconvenience.
3. Therefore, I can just stay in the left lane, and the faster driver can use the right lane instead.
I'm sure there are others you could think of.
Just to get this off my chest--
I really, really, REALLY HATE IT when drivers tailgate someone in the left lane while the right lane is wide open for passing. You can tell just from observing this bevahior that people who do this aren't really in that much of a hurry; they're just trying to prove their idea that the left lane is the "fast lane" and everyone going slower than they want should move to the right. Which--while that is often (but not always) a correct interpretation of KRETP laws (which aren't the governing rule EVERYWHERE, by the way)--doesn't help anything at all.
When I drive in the northeast, I don't see people doing the tailgating-instead-of-passing thing as often as I do near where I live, but I don't have any actual data on where drivers are better or worse about this.
Another thing I REALLY HATE is when I'm coming up behind someone in the left lane who's going below the speed limit, and right when I put on my right turn signal and start to change lanes to the right, they immediately change lanes to the right and block me from passing on the right. It's extremely rude and obnoxious. Just stay in your lane until I'm done passing you--is it really too much to ask? The Great Supreme Leader of Cars and Highways isn't going to come down and smite you for being in the left lane when you arguably should have been in the right one. Just chill for a few seconds and then take whichever lane you want.
Okay, I'm done ranting now, and honestly, just because this stuff is really ****ing annoying doesn't mean it warrants more attention than the actual, tangible problems in the world.
I want to know more about The Great Supreme Leader of Cars and Highways. Does anyone care to give me a historical brief?
Quote from: kphoger on June 21, 2025, 03:02:27 PMQuote from: kalvado on June 20, 2025, 10:21:19 AMAnd keep in mind that the right lane is often worn out by trucks..
1. The right lane is in poor condition from heavy truck traffic.
2.
3. Therefore, I can just stay in the left lane, and the faster driver can use the right lane instead.
There are several possibilities for filling in (2).
1. The right lane is in poor condition from heavy truck traffic.
2. My preferred driving speed is the standard by which all others' must be judged.
3. Therefore, I can just stay in the left lane, and the faster driver can use the right lane instead.
1. The right lane is in poor condition from heavy truck traffic.
2. My car's suspension and tires are more important than others'.
3. Therefore, I can just stay in the left lane, and the faster driver can use the right lane instead.
1. The right lane is in poor condition from heavy truck traffic.
2. I can drive however I want to avoid the slightest inconvenience.
3. Therefore, I can just stay in the left lane, and the faster driver can use the right lane instead.
I'm sure there are others you could think of.
People on this forum would gladly use this level of argument to justify inconvenience for others, or worse than simple inconvenience. For example people were arguing about keeping left lane open in a stretch of intense merges-exits, so that Speedy Gonzales can step on the throttle.
So.. any of those, and if you want to go even more above speed limit than that car - it's your problem.
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on June 21, 2025, 03:31:16 PMI want to know more about The Great Supreme Leader of Cars and Highways. Does anyone care to give me a historical brief?
Hah! I was trying not to use the common name of a
diety deity, since religion is pretty much off-limits here.
Quote from: Ned Weasel on June 21, 2025, 03:35:24 PMQuote from: Max Rockatansky on June 21, 2025, 03:31:16 PMI want to know more about The Great Supreme Leader of Cars and Highways. Does anyone care to give me a historical brief?
Hah! I was trying not to use the common name of a diety, since religion is pretty much off-limits here.
Completely untrue, we talk about Goat Jesus all the time.
Quote from: Ned Weasel on June 21, 2025, 03:35:24 PMQuote from: Max Rockatansky on June 21, 2025, 03:31:16 PMI want to know more about The Great Supreme Leader of Cars and Highways. Does anyone care to give me a historical brief?
Hah! I was trying not to use the common name of a diety, since religion is pretty much off-limits here.
A diety? So his name is Atkins? Or maybe Scarsdale?
:bigass:
Quote from: 1995hoo on June 21, 2025, 03:43:16 PMQuote from: Ned Weasel on June 21, 2025, 03:35:24 PMQuote from: Max Rockatansky on June 21, 2025, 03:31:16 PMI want to know more about The Great Supreme Leader of Cars and Highways. Does anyone care to give me a historical brief?
Hah! I was trying not to use the common name of a diety, since religion is pretty much off-limits here.
A diety? So his name is Atkins? Or maybe Scarsdale?
:bigass:
I find a steady diet of mountain roads is best for keeping me regular.
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on June 21, 2025, 03:44:51 PMQuote from: 1995hoo on June 21, 2025, 03:43:16 PMQuote from: Ned Weasel on June 21, 2025, 03:35:24 PMQuote from: Max Rockatansky on June 21, 2025, 03:31:16 PMI want to know more about The Great Supreme Leader of Cars and Highways. Does anyone care to give me a historical brief?
Hah! I was trying not to use the common name of a diety, since religion is pretty much off-limits here.
A diety? So his name is Atkins? Or maybe Scarsdale?
:bigass:
I find a steady diet of mountain roads is best for keeping me regular.
Now I'm wondering about mountain roads with some sort of fiber in their names.
Quote from: 1995hoo on June 21, 2025, 03:43:16 PMQuote from: Ned Weasel on June 21, 2025, 03:35:24 PMHah! I was trying not to use the common name of a diety, since religion is pretty much off-limits here.
A diety? So his name is Atkins? Or maybe Scarsdale?
:bigass:
Oh noes, that one slipped through before I noticed! D:
Quote from: kalvado on June 20, 2025, 10:21:19 AMAnd keep in mind that the right lane is often worn out by trucks..
Back in college our choir went on tour with 2 charter buses. One of the drivers radioed the other that the left lane was much smoother. So they were both in the left lane, until a cop came up behind, was blocked, and pulled one over.
Quote from: pderocco on June 20, 2025, 03:34:56 PMQuote from: Flint1979 on June 20, 2025, 12:07:38 AMOne time on US-23 within the last year I was driving southbound and had my cruise set at 80, then here comes someone driving the same speed as a semi truck in the right lane refusing to pass the semi and get over and I was the second car behind the person doing this and I started getting pissed because this went on for at least 10 miles before I finally got fed up and noticed an opening on the shoulder that was long enough for me to get on the shoulder and pass the lead car so that is what I did there, the first car (the car in front of me) had no idea what I was doing and just stayed there when I went past that car. I was so pissed off that I drove 90 mph for about 10 miles until I finally slowed back down to 80. The car that was doing this was doing about 62 mph. I hate that freaking freeway between Flint and Toledo, it cuts off about 25 miles vs. taking I-75 all the way into Ohio and for almost the entire stretch is only four lanes (two in each direction) with at least 50,000 VPD.
Good thing it didn't turn out that there was a cop right in front of the truck.
I'd think the person would notice another vehicle in front of the truck during that 10 mile span.