ARKANSAS (KFSM) — Move over left lane drivers, the Arkansas Department of Transportation announced that it will be installing new signs on Arkansas roadways.
The signs are meant to remind drivers of a state law that prevents vehicles from continuous travel in the left lane on a multi-lane roadway whenever it impedes the flow of other traffic.
“And although you are allowed to drive in the left lane to not impede the flow of traffic, so if somebody wants to go faster than you even if you are breaking the speed limit you are obligated to change lanes and allow them to pass you,” Danny Strassle said.
ArDOT crews are currently installing yellow “State Law” signs directly above all “Slower Traffic Keep Right” signs already in place on applicable multi-lane highways. Approximately 600 of the new “State Law” signs have been produced and crews are currently posting them.
Arkansas Code 27-51-301 states that motor vehicles shall not be operated continuously in the left lane of a multilane roadway whenever it impedes the flow of other traffic.
The law was passed by the 89th General Assembly in 2013.
It explains that impeding the flow of traffic by continuously driving in the left lane is a violation of Arkansas law. Slower traffic should keep right and allow passing vehicles use of the left lane.
Impeding traffic falls under Arkansas Law:
27-51-301. Vehicles to be driven on right side of roadway.(a) Upon all roadways of sufficient width, a vehicle shall be driven upon the right half of the roadway, except as follows:
(1) When overtaking and passing another vehicle proceeding in the same direction under the rules governing that movement;
(2) When the right half of a roadway is closed to traffic while under construction or repair;
(3) Upon a roadway divided into three (3) marked lanes for traffic under the rules applicable thereon; or
(4) Upon a roadway designated and signposted for one-way traffic.
(b) Motor vehicles shall not be operated continuously in the left lane of a multi-lane roadway whenever it impedes the flow of other traffic.
ArDot spokesman Danny Strassle said if you are wondering about which lane to drive in when there are three of them, the answer is all of them.
“The law is only applicable to four lane highways, in other words two lane interstates, lanes that go in each direction. On a three-lane section it is legal to pass on the right, so that`s why we don`t have those signs in those locations,” he said.
This and other travel information can be found at IDriveArkansas.com or ARDOT.gov.