Rep. Canario: Left Lane's for Passing

STATE HOUSE — Rep. Dennis M. Canario (D-Dist. 71, Portsmouth, Little Compton, Tiverton) says it's just common courtesy. The left lane on the highway is meant to be used for passing, He has introduced legislation (2017-H 5398) that would fine drivers for using the far-left lane on three lane highways when not passing another vehicle.

“This bill is about highway safety first and foremost," he said. "When the left lane of the highway is backed up due to drivers using it for non-passing means, it leads to aggressive driving and weaving between lanes with is dangerous for everyone on the road. Hopefully this legislation will make people remember what we are all taught in driver’s education classes, the left-hand lane is meant for passing.”

Violators could be fined $85 if they are caught driving in the far-left lane without passing cars in the other lanes. Canario also plans to contact the state Department of Transportation about using highway signs to better educate drivers on common courtesy practices concerning use of the left lane on the state’s highways.