[graciegirl]

Originally Posted by goodtimesintv

On a county road like 466 here, when both lanes are full of "continuous traffic" half the vehicles MUST drive in the left lane because two lanes of space are occupied--full!

When there is "continuous traffic" i.e. bumper to bumper in the right lane, when you pass them there is no space to merge yourself back into the right lane after passing!

A four-lane road like 466 with lots of left turns, stop lights, and cars turning right ONTO 466 from a dead stop and having to accelerate (such as from the gas stations at Southern Trace) is not the same as the interstate where there's a minimum speed, most are going the speed limit continuously, and nobody is slowing to almost a halt to turn onto another street.

Driving involves the driver making judgement calls all day long. This is a Michigan article, but the concept is the same, and this section below is how many of us were taught in other states:

"Church explained it like this: If there are two lanes in the same direction then the motorist is required to drive in the right lane.

But, he said, there are several exceptions: Motorists may drive in the left lane if passing, if there is a continuous flow of traffic, if turning left, or if on the freeway (i.e., the "expressway") and there are three or more lanes in one direction.

“This is primarily enforced on the expressway,” Church said. “In fact, I have never heard of an officer enforcing it anywhere else.”

“I do know of a few instances where officers did issue citations, but the magistrates seem to frown upon those tickets,” he said.

Also, Church added, the "substantially continuous lanes of traffic..." referred to in the law is undefined. It essentially means "bumper to bumper" traffic, but officers generally use a lot of discretion, he said."

Traffic talk: Is it legal to travel in the left lane? Is it illegal to pass on the right? Can you be cited? | MLive.com

You are right. In the high season here, 466 is very clogged in both lanes and all of this discussion is not relevant at all. I still say...remain calm, do not personalize driving behavior. Stay well away from bad drivers if you can. AND DON'T allow others driving behavior to get to you.