What's happening
This bill prohibits driving slowly in the passing lane unless overtaking, with exceptions, and imposes a fine up to $75 for violations.
Why it matters
Aims to improve highway safety and traffic flow. by discouraging drivers from lingering in the passing lane at slow speeds, which can cause congestion or risky overtaking maneuvers.
Provides clear exceptions. (e.g., emergencies, obstructions, following law enforcement or traffic control directions, hazardous conditions), recognizing situations where slow driving in the passing lane is necessary.
Introduces a specific penalty (up to $75). , clarifying enforcement and potentially deterring habitual slow driving in the passing lane, which can frustrate other drivers and contribute to aggressive driving behavior.
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Who cares
Headline styles
Fine Slow Drivers in Passing Lane
Plain English, a few words. Used as the page title.
Sponsors
No co-sponsors yet.
History
- Referred to transportation
- Referred to transportation
Full text
1 pageUnderlined is new[Struck] is removedOfficial text on nysenate.gov ↗
STATE OF NEW YORK
1571
2019-2020 Regular Sessions
IN SENATE
January 15, 2019
Introduced by Sen. FUNKE -- read twice and ordered printed, and when printed to be committed to the Committee on Transportation
AN ACT to amend the vehicle and traffic law, in relation to driving slowly in a passing lane
The People of the State of New York, represented in Senate and Assembly, do enact as follows:
Section 1. The vehicle and traffic law is amended by adding a new section 1132 to read as follows:
§ 1132. Driving in passing lane. (a) No motor vehicle shall drive in a passing lane if they are not overtaking or passing a vehicle pursuant to section eleven hundred twenty-two of this article, or if they are going ten miles or more under the designated speed limit, except as follows:
1. where required by any other section of law;
2. when an obstruction exists making it necessary to drive in a passing lane;
3. when approaching and passing an authorized emergency vehicle, hazard vehicle, or any other vehicle which is parked, stopped or standing on a highway;
4. when directed to by a traffic-control device, police officer or flag person; and
5. when any special hazard exists with respect to pedestrians, other traffic, weather or highway conditions.
(b) Any person who violates this section shall be subject to a fine of up to seventy-five dollars.
§ 2. This act shall take effect immediately.
EXPLANATION--Matter in italics (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
[ ] is old law to be omitted.
LBD07120-01-9
Reflowed for reading: line numbers and page breaks removed. Cite the official text.
Sponsor's memo
Title of bill
An act to amend the vehicle and traffic law, in relation to driving slowly in a passing lane
Purpose
This legislation would require a driver who is in the passing lane to move over or be fined up to $75 if they are not overtaking or passing a vehicle, or if they are going five miles or more under the designated speed limit
Summary of provisions
Section one adds a new section 1132 Section two contains the effective date
Justification
Most New Yorker's have experienced the frustration of traffic and in some cases traffic jams are caused by "slow pokes," or those who decide to drive below the speed limit and block traffic by being in lanes meant for passing. This bill would make it clear to drivers that the passing lane is meant to be used to overtake or pass a vehicle and in cases where this is not happening and a vehicle is going 5 miles per hour or more under the posted speed limit they would be subject to a fine of up to $75. Georgia and Tennessee have implemented similar policies in the hopes of preventing traffic jams and road rage incidents.
Legislative history
New Bill
Fiscal implications
None
Effective date
This act shall take effect immediately
Summaries, headlines and scores are AI-generated from the official bill text. How we score bills. Source: NYS Open Legislation.