Slower traffic keep right: Drivers must allow faster traffic to pass in the left lane on divided highways
Many divided highways in Wisconsin have signs warning that slower traffic should keep right. That warning is backed by state law.
Any vehicle traveling “at less than the normal speed of traffic” must be driven in the right lane (or as close as practicable) except when overtaking or passing another vehicle, according to Wisconsin law. A citation for violating this law costs $213.10 with four demerit points assessed on the driver’s license.
“Even when you’re driving at the posted speed limit, you should not try to force faster drivers to slow down by blocking the left lane. This usually leads to more tailgating, road rage and other problems. It certainly doesn’t slow down other drivers for long,” says Wisconsin State Patrol Superintendent Stephen Fitzgerald. “We hope that drivers will leave enforcement of speed limits to our troopers and other law enforcement officers. If faster drivers want to risk a speeding ticket, you should move to the right lane and get out of their way.”
The State Patrol advises motorists to follow these guidelines to help maintain a safe flow of traffic on Interstate and other divided highways:
Many divided highways in Wisconsin have signs warning that slower traffic should keep right. That warning is backed by state law.
Any vehicle traveling “at less than the normal speed of traffic” must be driven in the right lane (or as close as practicable) except when overtaking or passing another vehicle, according to Wisconsin law. A citation for violating this law costs $213.10 with four demerit points assessed on the driver’s license.
“Even when you’re driving at the posted speed limit, you should not try to force faster drivers to slow down by blocking the left lane. This usually leads to more tailgating, road rage and other problems. It certainly doesn’t slow down other drivers for long,” says Wisconsin State Patrol Superintendent Stephen Fitzgerald. “We hope that drivers will leave enforcement of speed limits to our troopers and other law enforcement officers. If faster drivers want to risk a speeding ticket, you should move to the right lane and get out of their way.”
The State Patrol advises motorists to follow these guidelines to help maintain a safe flow of traffic on Interstate and other divided highways:
- If you’re not passing another vehicle, use the right lane as much as possible.
- If you’re in the right lane, allow other drivers to merge from the left lane into the right lane so that faster traffic can pass in the left lane. In addition, provide space for vehicles to merge into the right lane when they are entering a roadway from an on-ramp.
- If you’re in the left lane, don’t tailgate or try to make a slower vehicle ahead of you move to the right lane. Be patient and courteous.