“Move Over Slow Poke,” What Utah Law Says About Camping in the Left Lane

Driving down the freeway and finding yourself blocked in by a slow driver in the left lane can be frustrating. Blocking the left lane that is used for passing is against the law and you can be ticketed for it in Utah. 

When To Move Out of the Left Lane 

The law in Utah is written to keep the flow of traffic moving. It is an infraction to block traffic by staying in the left lane at a slower speed. Here’s what the law says: 

(3) On a highway having more than one lane in the same direction, the operator of a vehicle traveling in the left general purpose lane: 

(A) shall, upon being overtaken by another vehicle in the same lane, yield to the overtaking vehicle by moving safely to a lane to the right; and 

(B) may not impede the movement or free flow of traffic in the left general purpose lane. 

This is considered an infraction and can result in a ticket. 

What You Can Do in This Situation 

If you find yourself behind a vehicle camping out in the fast lane, you should never let your emotions get the best of you. Tailgating may get their attention, but in the case of an accident, the car behind is in the wrong. 

You can pass in the right lane if everything is clear. Being aware of the traffic around you is a must. A little patience will likely resolve the situation. 

Read More: 3 Weird Cases in Utah of People Impersonating Professionals

Even though you can be sighted for camping out in the left lane, the chances are low. Unless the behavior is egregious, highway patrol is generally looking for vehicles exceeding the speed limit.