6/30/04-Gov. Kathleen Blanco signed legislation June 24 allowing law enforcement officers to ticket drivers who hold up traffic by lingering in the left lane.
The new law, previously SB765, is intended to stop motorists from using the left-hand lanes of multilane highways if they are not passing other vehicles.
Rep. Roy Quezaire, the bill’s House sponsor, said the provision is aimed at stopping “rolling roadblocks.”
Motorists who travel in the left lane at the same speed or slower than vehicles in the right-hand lane could be fined as much as $175 and/or get up to 30 days in jail. Subsequent violations could result in a fine up to $500 and/or as much as 90 days in jail.
The new law applies specifically to roads outside of municipalities where the posted speed is at least 55 mph.
It will take effect Aug. 15. Until then, the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development will begin posting “Slower Traffic Keep Right” signs.

6/11/04-A bill that would ticket drivers who hold up traffic by lingering in the left lane has been sent to Gov. Kathleen Blanco.
The House gave final legislative approval June 10 to a proposal that would stop motorists from using the left-hand, passing lanes of multi-lane highways if they are not passing other vehicles.
Under SB765, motorists who travel in the left lane at the same speed or slower than the vehicle in the right-hand lane could be fined as much as $175, get up to 30 days in jail, or both. Subsequent violations could result in a fine up to $500, as much as 90 days in jail, or both.
It would apply specifically to roads outside of municipalities where the posted speed is at least 55 mph.
The final version of the bill would require the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development to post “Slower Traffic Keep Right” signs.
For bill status, call (225) 342-2456. In Louisiana, call 1-800-256-3793.

5/27/04-House and Senate lawmakers are working out their differences on a bill that would ticket drivers who hold up traffic by lingering in the left lane on many of the state’s multilane highways.
The bill, which passed the Senate May 11 and House May 19 with differing language, has been sent to a House-Senate conference committee.
SB765, Sen. Robert Adley, D-Benton, would specify that anyone who lags in the left lane could be fined as much as $175, get up to 30 days in jail, or both. Subsequent violations could result in a fine up to $500, as much as 90 days in jail, or both.
It would apply specifically to roads outside of municipalities where the posted speed is at least 55 mph.
The Senate version states that one vehicle passing another should stay in the left lane until the distance between it and the vehicle being passed exceeds five car lengths. The passing vehicle is then required to return to the right lane.
If a passing vehicle continues at the same speed as the vehicle in the right lane, “such action shall be considered a rolling roadblock,” Adley wrote.
The House added an amendment that would let a vehicle stay in the left lane if not impeding traffic or if the vehicle is traveling faster than the vehicles in the right lane.
House lawmakers also included a requirement that the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development post signs on multilane highways telling slower moving traffic to stay in the right lane.
Both chambers must agree on a final version of the bill to send it to Gov. Kathleen Blanco for approval.
For bill status, call (225) 342-2456. In Louisiana, call 1-800-256-3793.

5/18/04-The Senate unanimously approved a measure May 11 that would authorize stiffer fines for drivers who hold up traffic by lingering in the left lane on many of the state’s multilane highways.
It has been forwarded to the House for consideration.
SB765, sponsored by Sen. Robert Adley, D-Benton, specifies one vehicle passing another on a multilane highway should stay in the left lane until the distance between it and the vehicle being passed exceeds five car lengths. The passing vehicle is then required to return to the right lane.
If a passing vehicle continues at the same speed as the vehicle in the right lane, “such action shall be considered a rolling roadblock,” Adley wrote.
Those who lag in the left lane could be fined as much as $175, get up to 30 days in jail, or both if they are blocking the normal flow of traffic. Subsequent violations could result in a fine up to $500, as much as 90 days in jail, or both.
The bill would apply specifically to roads outside of municipalities where the posted speed is at least 55 mph.
For bill status, call (225) 342-2456. In Louisiana, call 1-800-256-3793.

5/7/04-Drivers who hold up traffic by lingering in the left lane on Louisiana’s multi-lane highways are the target of legislation approved by the Senate Committee on Transportation, Highways and Public Works May 6.
SB765, sponsored by Sen. Robert Adley, D-Benton, has been forwarded to the full Senate for consideration.
The bill specifies one vehicle passing another on a multi-lane highway should stay in the left lane until the distance between it and the vehicle being passed exceeds five car lengths. The passing vehicle is then required to return to the right lane.
If a passing vehicle continues at the same speed as the vehicle in the right lane, “such action shall be considered a rolling roadblock.”
Those who lag in the left lane could be fined as much as $175, get up to 30 days in jail, or both if they are blocking the normal flow of traffic. Subsequent violations could result in a fine up to $500, as much as 90 days in jail, or both.
The panel amended the bill to apply specifically to roads outside of municipalities where the posted speed is at least 55 mph.
For bill status, call (225) 342-2456. In Louisiana, call 1-800-256-3793.
A similar House bill – HB322 – is before the full House.