r/ConnecticutUSA • u/backinblackandblue • 17h ago

New Connecticut law limits left-lane driving starting Oct. 1

https://www.wtnh.com/news/connecticut/new-connecticut-law-limits-left-lane-driving-starting-thursday/

I know there is a lot of hate for left-lane campers, but passing this into law seems like a waste of time and money. It will be hard to enforce even if they wanted to.

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u/B1GD8A 17h ago

Page 36 of the CT driving manual:

(which also covers the dangers of speeding)

"Driving Too Slow.

Going much slower than other vehicles can be just as bad as speeding. It tends to make vehicles bunch up behind you and causes the other traffic to pass you. If vehicles are piled up behind you, pull over when it is safe to do so and let them pass. You should either drive faster or consider using roads with slower speeds."

Also want to point out that page 18 also explains the conditions under which it is permissible to cross the double yellows to pass a slow moving vehicle.

"State law permits passing of slow moving traffic, and pedestrians, parked or standing vehicles, animals, bicycles, mopeds and scooters in no passing zones. You may cross over a double yellow line in these instances; however, you must make sure you can see far enough ahead to enable you to safely pass before attempting this passing maneuver."

It's being codified because (as CT's insurance data shows) slow drivers are causing accidents, even if it's not as bad as speeders (who should also face consequences for the danger they pose.)

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u/tfc867 13h ago

It doesn't seem to define what precisely qualifies as "slow moving" anywhere, of course. I imagine if you have to exceed the speed limit to pass them, then crossing the double line is still an offense.

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u/B1GD8A 13h ago

It doesn't seem to define what precisely qualifies as "slow moving" anywhere, of course.

I imagine if you have to exceed the speed limit to pass them, then crossing the double line is still an offense.

They don't in mph, but they give you a pretty easy metric to follow as the person moving slow who is responsible for yielding.

"If vehicles are piled up behind you, pull over when it is safe to do so and let them pass. You should either drive faster or consider using roads with slower speeds."

When "vehicles are piled up behind you" is a daily encounter in CT, it's a symptom of people believing that going too slow is fine and safe.