6/16/05-Motorists in South Carolina can continue to poke along in the far left lane of multilane highways in the state, thanks to a veto from Gov. Mark Sanford.
With a 50-59 vote, the House failed to override Sanford’s veto of a law intended to combat aggressive driving on interstates in the state by prohibiting drivers from lingering in the left lane. The Senate tried to override the veto by voting 36-6, a margin well beyond the two-thirds majority required to override.
S307, passed in the final days of the session that ended earlier this month, called for reserving the left lane for passing only.
Sen. Harvey Peeler, R-Gaffney, the bill’s sponsor, said left-lane drivers force others to pass them on the right, causing accidents and frustration.
Sanford defended his veto and said, “I personally sympathize with the feelings that motivated this legislation,” but he vetoed it because of the severity of the penalties.
Drivers found in violation could have faced a $150 fine with two points added to their driver’s licenses.
“This is a strong consequence … in light of another bill recently delivered to me that would set the fine for failing to wear a seat belt at only $25,” Sanford wrote in his veto message.
The rule would not have applied when there were no other vehicles in the left lane. Also, drivers would have been exempt if they were in the left lane to turn or exit, or if traffic doesn’t allow them to merge back to the right.

3/10/05-The Senate on March 9 approved a bill intended to combat aggressive driving on interstates in the state. It has been forwarded to the House for further consideration.
S307, sponsored by Sen. Harvey Peeler, R-Gaffney, would prohibit drivers from lingering in the left lane of interstates. Instead, S307 would reserve the left lane for drivers passing other vehicles.
The bill allows the Highway Patrol to determine when to ticket left-lane drivers.
If signed into law, drivers who stay too long in the passing lane would be given a warning only for the first 90 days. After that, offenders would face fines ranging from $75 to $150. No points would be added to the driver’s license.
It would not apply when there are no other vehicles in the left lane. Also, drivers would be exempt if they are in the left lane to turn or exit or if traffic doesn’t allow them to merge back to the right.
For bill status, call (803) 734-2060.

3/9/05-The Senate Transportation Committee has approved a bill intended to combat aggressive driving on interstates in the state. It has been forwarded to the full Senate for consideration.
S307, sponsored by Sen. Harvey Peeler, R-Gaffney, would prohibit drivers from lingering in the left lane of interstates. Instead, the bill would reserve the left lane for drivers passing other vehicles.
The bill allows the Highway Patrol to determine when to ticket left-lane drivers.
If signed into law, drivers who stay too long in the passing lane would be given a warning – but only for the first 90 days. After that, offenders would face fines ranging from $75 to $150. No points would be added to the driver’s license.
It would not apply when there are no other vehicles in the left lane. Also, drivers would be exempt if they are in the left lane to turn or exit, or if traffic doesn’t allow them to merge back to the right.
For Senate bill status, call (803) 734-2060.