New York Legislates Common Sense And Common Courtesy

When it comes to life’s irritants, this is a small matter. But it’s become enough of an issue that New York and other states are starting to crack down on drivers holding up the left lane.

We’ve all seen it. We’ve all cursed — silently or not — the driver who gets into the left lane and acts as though it were up to them to control the speed limit on the interstate. The days of the self-appointed traffic monitor are over.

Maryland’s law prohibits people moving at 10mph or more under the posted speed limit or less than the normal speed — from driving in the left lane. Washington D.C’s traffic gridlock due to lack-of-thinking drivers is well documented, and Maryland has been found to have the second-worst commute time in the nation. Only New York’s average commute is worse.

New York’s legislators got tired of the problems caused by inconsiderate drivers and modified their ‘rules of the road.”

Now, any driver which is going slower than the normal speed must drive in the right-hand lane — unless they are passing traffic moving in the same direction. That sounds simple enough. New York doesn’t pass traffic laws because everyone is a considerate and skilled driver.

The legislature passes laws because many vehicle operators are, well, idiots. While Albany was taking care of out-of-touch drivers who insist on driving in the left lane, they also passed a few other laws meant to help drivers remember to be courteous.

Turn Signals

The traffic law in New York requires a driver to use turn signals continuously not less than the final 100 feet before turning.

A driver can not slow down or stop in traffic without giving an appropriate signal to any drivers following.

Turn signals must be used to show an intention of turning, changing lanes or leaving a parking space.

Pass slower moving vehicles, only on the left, and don’t stop passing until the vehicle being passed is see in the rearview mirror.

Drive in one lane — only. Use turn signals when changing lanes.

Turning right on red is prohibited in towns with a population over one million — unless there is signage permitting it.

The laws are not rocket science. Any motorist behind the wheel for more than, say, five minutes, should understand the traffic laws are often based on nothing more than common courtesy — and common sense.

Failure to follow the rules of the road — repeatedly — could run into the thousands of dollars in fines. Get the wrong judge on the wrong day and a few days in jail could be in your future.