Drivers would be fined $250 for lingering in left lane under Arizona proposal

PHOENIX — Do you like driving in the left lane?

Sen. David Gowan, who said he’s been stuck behind some of those folks on highways, wants to deter you from doing that by hitting you in the wallet.

He is proposing a fixed $250 fine for motorists who violate current law against lingering in the left lane.

And if that doesn’t seem like much, consider the fact that fee is before all of the surcharges and assessment the state tacks on to each traffic ticket for everything from providing more money to police forensic labs, to helping fund emergency services, to providing funds for candidates who agree not to take private donations.

All totaled that could more than double the tab.

The Sierra Vista Republican said the penalty is merited.

“If you do a lot of traveling on the freeways, highways, which I know we all do, you’ll see a lot of congestion happening, especially these days,” Gowan told the Senate transportation committee.

“You’ll ultimately see wrecks and car crashes and such,’’ he said. “And sometimes that’s from people staying in the lane they shouldn’t be in.’’

It’s already the law on all roadways that anyone driving at “less than the normal speed of traffic’’ appropriate to the time, place and road conditions must drive in the right-hand lane or “as close as practicable to the right-hand curb or edge of the roadway.’’

The only exceptions are for passing someone else who is driving even slower or for preparing to make a left turn.

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“What this would do is put some teeth into that,’’ Gowan said.

Current law leaves the penalty pretty much up to the judge.

Sen. Theresa Hatathlie said she sees the problem when she drives to the Capitol from her home in Tuba City.

“That’s my pet peeve,’’ she said. “The fast lane should be the fast lane — providing you’re driving within the speed limit.’’

Gowan’s Senate Bill 1681 could have a broader effect than seeking to deter drivers from cruising along highways in the left lane, however.

The underlying law — the one on which Gowan hopes to put the $250 fine — makes it illegal to drive in the left lane other than to pass or make a turn “on all roadways.’’

But Gowan said it’s not his intent to apply his measure to roads other than freeways and other highways. He said he will study the scope further before he brings the issue to the full Senate.

Not everyone is in favor of the proposal.

“I, like everyone else, am irritated by people driving slowly in the left lane,’’ said Sen. David Farnsworth, a Mesa Republican. “However, I don’t think we should fine people for stupidity. I don’t like to increase fines and fees unless it is a very serious issue.’’

Sen. Anthony Kern, R-Glendale, also voted against the measure. He did not explain his opposition.