Idaho starts ticketing drivers for moving too slow in passing lane

Idaho police have ticketed two drivers in the last month for driving too slowly in the passing lane, The Idaho Press reported.

The news outlet reported that a new state law went into effect on July 1 that gives officers the prerogative to ticket motorists who aren’t going at least the speed limit in the passing lane. Offenders could face a $90 fine. 

As of July 27, police have ticketed two people under the law and issued warnings to three others. 

{mosads}

Idaho State Police Lt. Shawn Staley told The Idaho Press that slow traffic in the passing lane can pose a danger to other drivers, but added that it would have to be “fairly egregious” to warrant a ticket.

“It is a pet peeve for most motorists. We as officers are just like most people,” Staley said.

State Rep. Lance Clow (R) told the newspaper that he doesn’t believe state troopers will suddenly focus their efforts on slower drivers in the left-lane but said it provides them with an extra tool, if needed, to keep roads safer.