Colorado State Patrol Reminds Drivers: Left Lane Is for Passing on 65 MPH Highways

Description: Colorado State Patrol warns drivers that camping in the left lane on highways with speed limits of 65 mph or higher is illegal unless passing. Troopers say left-lane driving can disrupt traffic flow, increase aggressive driving and raise crash risks.

Don’t Camp in the Left Lane of Colorado Highways

Colorado requires drivers to ‘keep right’ unless passing on 65mph roadways

(COLO) – It’s a pet peeve for many drivers, but Colorado State Troopers want drivers to know that hanging out in the left lane is not just annoying to other motorists, but also potentially dangerous. Troopers also want to remind you that when you are traveling on multi-lane highways with a speed limit of 65 miles per hour or greater, it is also illegal. (Please note: this does not include the Express or HOV lane)

“Many people who regularly drive in the left lane don't even realize they're breaking the law,” stated Col. Matthew C. Packard, chief of the Colorado State Patrol. “More importantly, ‘left lane campers’ aren’t aware of their impact on traffic flow and how it can trigger aggressive driving.”

In an effort to unclog the highways, Colorado law (Colorado Revised Statutes Title 42. Vehicles and Traffic § 42-4-1013(1) designates the farthest left lane if there are two or more adjacent lanes of traffic moving in the same direction on highways with a speed limit of 65 or more as the “passing lane.” This means that any lane that is to the right of the passing lane moving in the same direction on one roadway is deemed a “nonpassing lane.”

It is important to note that this does not include highways with HOV or Express lanes, which are most commonly found on the left side. The passing lane is the furthest left, regular lane of traffic.

With the left lane designated for overtaking and passing slower traffic, driving more slowly in this lane often creates one or two problems. First, it can create a bottleneck, reducing the efficiency of the entire road system. When this occurs, the second scenario often arises: drivers become frustrated and engage in aggressive behaviors, such as tailgating or unsafe passing.

When a driver in a designated passing lane is impeding traffic, other motorists may try to pass on the right, placing them in the left lane driver’s blind spot. This increases the risk of a crash if the driver in the left lane attempts to merge into the right lane to exit or change lanes.

The right lanes also typically contain slower traffic, exit ramps and merging traffic, which all add to the risks of passing on that side.

“Two wrongs don’t make a right when you encounter a driver who is refusing to move out of the passing lane,” explained Col. Packard. “Have patience in this situation. When you behave out of frustration, you frequently create more problems.”

Reduce Risk and Increase Traffic Flow – Leave the Furthest Left Lane Open for Passing

•  After passing or allowing merging traffic to enter the highway, maintain the speed limit and return to a nonpassing lane.

•  Unless you are passing, turning left, or giving space to vehicles stopped in an emergency in a lane or shoulder, you should stay in the right lanes to allow for efficient traffic flow.

•  Drive predictably. Maintain a consistent speed with the flow of traffic and roadway conditions to avoid abrupt changes in speed or space between vehicles.

To clarify, if the multi-lane highway includes an Express or HOV lane, this would not be considered the passing lane. A passing lane would need to be a regular travel lane.

Troopers are taking a low-tolerance approach to the top fatal crash factors, including lane violations and speeding while launching a three-month campaign called “Stop Speeding.” This campaign wants every Colorado driver to break the myth that speeding is a “victimless crime” and encourages you to drive like a trooper is riding with you.

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