4/19/05-An effort to keep drivers from lingering in the left lane has died.
SF977, sponsored by Senate Minority Leader Dick Day of Owatonna, remained in the Senate Transportation Committee past the April 5 deadline for bills to move forward.
The bill sought to reserve the left lane of all multilane roadways, including freeways and expressways, for drivers passing other vehicles.
It exempted drivers in the left lane to turn or exit, avoid emergency vehicles, road hazards or if they are directed by law enforcement.
The Minnesota Department of Transportation would have been responsible for posting signs to alert drivers to the restriction. The agency also would have been required to do radio ads to remind drivers about the dangers of aggressive driving and to stay in the right lane if not passing.
A similar bill – SF6 – met the same fate.

2/14/05-Senate Minority Leader Dick Day of Owatonna is pushing an effort to keep drivers from lingering in the left lane.
SF977, introduced Feb. 14, would reserve the left lane of all multilane roadways, including freeways and expressways, for drivers passing other vehicles.
The bill would exempt drivers in the left lane to turn or exit, avoid emergency vehicles, road hazards, or directed by law enforcement.
The Minnesota Department of Transportation would be responsible for posting signs to alert drivers to the restriction. The agency also would be required to do radio ads to remind drivers about the dangers of aggressive driving and to stay in the right lane if not passing.
The bill is in the Senate Transportation Committee. For Senate bill status, call (651) 296-2887.
A similar Senate bill – SF6 – is also in the Senate Transportation Committee. It doesn’t include a requirement to do public service announcements.