CDOT: If you – re not passing in the left lane, budge over!
CDOT: IF YOU’RE NOT PASSING IN THE LEFT LANE, Stir OVER!
You might think it’s the most basic of road rules.
You might think it’s the most basic of road rules.
The left lane is for passing – the right lanes are for normal driving.
CDOT determined some people needed a reminder – so they’re making the rule clear on overhead signs on I-70.
Hundreds of people are weighing in on social media – many thanking CDOT and complaining that the rule isn’t coerced more often.
Trooper Josh Lewis with the Colorado State patrol says, «we receive a lot of complaints and a lot of people watching this as an issue.»
For that reason CDOT dreamed to remind people that interstate lanes aren’t created equal.
«A lot of times we talk to our customers about how to drive well in Colorado,» said Amy Ford, spokesperson for CDOT.
They aren`t just reminding people about driving well they have to also make sure they know to drive legally.
«In the state of Colorado on a highway if the speed limit is sixty five or more and there are two or more lanes the left lane is reserved as a passing only lane,» said trooper Lewis.
CSP says not everyone goes after that rule and they have last year’s receipts to prove it.
«The Colorado state patrol made over four thousand stops for left lane violations,» said trooper Lewis.
He says incorrect left lane driving can cause a domino effect that completes in something serious.
«It’s the people who get that road rage who go after too closely, who speed, they switch lanes quickly these are the types of violations that cause crashes,» said trooper Lewis.
Some drivers demonstrated their admiration for CDOT`s efforts on social media.
Ford said, «We had someone who noticed the sign in our public education campaign and was excited and said eventually!»
Others, questioned whether it’s okay to speed when you need to pass.
«There is nothing that gives you an exception to the speed limit law so even if you are making an active pass you’re not permitted to break another law in order to do so,» trooper Lewis said.
Troopers say if you vapid out just didn’t know the rules, it’s time to learn.
«Ignorance of the law is no excuse it has been a law for years,» added trooper Lewis.
Again, the left lane is for passing only, when the speed limit is at least sixty five miles an hour, and there are two or more lanes.
CSP did say enforcing this can be rough.
They have to see a driver violating the rule numerous times or doing it for several miles, before pulling them over.
