Numerous Slow Left Lane Drivers Fined $100 Under Virginia Law

Getting a ticket for speeding is nothing new, but now drivers are being fined for being slowpokes.

Thousands of drivers received fines for not driving fast enough in the left lane or similar offenses, according to Supreme Court of Virginia records obtained by WTOP. The $100 fine for driving too slowly in the left lane, not staying in the right lane when not passing and crossing a double yellow line are a few of the offenses that took effect July 1, 2017.

Through April 3, there were 1,951 citations for driving in the passing lanes while not passing. Of these, 1,264 paid the fine without going to court or were required to by a court decision, WTOP reported.

In addition there were 14,815 citations for going slower than the speed of traffic when passing or getting ready to make a left turn. Other offenses falling under this category include trucks illegally being in passing lanes and cars changing lanes in prohibited areas, crossing a double-yellow line and unsafe lane changes. 10,082 ended up being liable for the $100 fine.

These had technically been offenses before Virginia started handing out the $100 fines. Under the law, drivers should be in the left lane only when passing another vehicle. Virginia State Police First Sgt. Steven Mittendorff told NBC Washington drivers going slowly may simply not be paying attention. "If you are only paying attention to yourself and that small little area around your vehicle, you're just as dangerous as a drunk driver," he told the news station.

What do you think of the $100 fine for slowpoke left lane drivers? Let us know in the comments.

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Image via Patch editor Renee Schiavone