Is it OK to drive the speed limit in the left lane?
 

Is it OK to drive the speed limit in the left lane on a road such as Morse Blvd?

I took some flak for driving the speed limit in the left lane and was unable to respond because the moderator closed the thread so I'll respond here.

I fail to understand why I was criticized. The speed limit is the speed limit and the left lane may be used to pass someone in the right lane that is traveling below the speed limit. The left lane IS NOT for exceeding the speed limit whether for passing or ANY other reason. If I see some nut behind me trying to pass while I'm obeying the law by going the speed limit then too darn bad for them. Why should I move for them? If you want to break the law then that's your choice, I am not obligated to enable this type of illegal behavior and I may even be doing you a favor. The road rage that was described is YOUR road rage, not mine. I experience more of a road calm when I see a nut behind me. So my question is this, Do you speeders feel that you own the left lane and law biding drivers going the EXACT speed limit should stay out of you way?

When driving the speed limit (or at any speed for that matter) in the left lane, and approached by a faster moving vehicle from behind, in the same lane, I move to the right, if safe, to allow that motorist to go by. It is not my duty to slow anyone down.

Most four lanes advis slower vehicles to move to the right hand lane. On roads such as the florida turnpike the function of the left lanes is primarily to allow faster moving vehicles to pass. Those that pass and desire to resume to the nominal speed limit normally move to the right.

Vehicles on roads ssichas turnpike I-4, etc and travl at the speed limit in the left lane create a buildup of traffice cause some folks to take risky moves in order to bring away from the heavier traffic.

given that reality I personally would never stay in the left lane if my choice was to do the nominal speed limit.

Personal Best Regards:

Since you've already admitted that you do it to make others mad, why bother asking? If you stop doing it, you'll cease to get that "joy" that you get when others want to pass and can't.

Just by your post I can undersatnd why you may have been involved in a potential road rage incident....probably more than one. Take a look at your comments. I dont condone speeding but its not my job (or yours) to prevent it either. Didnt you ever hear of the phrase "stay right unless to pass" ?? For some reason I get the feeling you enjoy driviing in the left lane to try and prove a point. Why not just drive in the right lane and allow these "nuts" as you called them go on their way. You may not be looking for trouble but unless you change your tone and attitude, one day you may find more toruble than you can handle. Your much more likely to lose by inciting a road rage incident than trying to prevent one...and thats what you are "knowingly" doing.

Excellent post!!

That's not what I said Miss Crocked. You should read more carefully. I didn't say I do it to make people mad, I cannot make people do or feel anything, that would be some power if I could really do that. I said I do it because I go the speed limit and if some nut wants to pass me then he may but not with my help. Why not simply OBEY THE LAW.

Common courtesy. If someone wants to break the law, get out of the way and let them!

From the Florida Driver's Handbook:
Traffic Lanes
"Always drive on the right side of a two-lane highway except when passing. If the road has four or more lanes with two-way traffic, drive in the right lanes except when overtaking and passing."
Expressway Driving

Drive in the right lane and pass on the left. If there are three lanes, use the right lane for lower speed driving, the left for passing. If you stay in the right lane, watch for cars entering the expressway. Adjust your speed or move into the center lane so they can enter safely.

How can I incite a road rage incident if I'm going the speed limit? I stay in the left lane because I can and I like to stay on the inside of the roundabouts. As I said in the other thread, I used to be one of those nuts but I learned to calm down and enjoy life. I am not looking for trouble and if you think you can scare or threaten me then you are wrong. OBEY THE LAW!

JoeC1947. People who do this intentionally cause accidents. I don't care what conclusion your rational thinking has brought you to, left lane to pass, right lane at all other times. Unless you wear a badge and are paid to do so, it is not your job, position or right to try and enforce the law.

There are laws concerning roundabouts. You can't just drive in the inside lane because you like to.

"I have to admit, it brings me some joy to see some maniac behind me trying desperately to pass."
I think we all know why you do it.
The fact that you started a whole 'nother thread about it speaks volumes, also.

Some folks need to get a life!!!!

Prior discussions with my law enforcement friends/relatives indicate that at least in WI, IL, MI, KY GA,and OH you can be cited for impeding "existing" traffic flow if you are playing the slow poke left lane hog game. Driving is is not a right and your concern as a driver should be safety for all, not rules enforcement.:rant-rave:

Signs on the inter-states and many 4 lane highways instruct slower vehicles to "keep right".

To me it's all about safety, not road rage or to prove a point.