GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF NORTH CAROLINA
SESSION 2015
S D
SENATE DRS35220-ML-9A (10/09)
Short Title: Use of Passing Lane/Increased Penalty. |
(Public) |
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Sponsors: |
Senator Tarte (Primary Sponsor). |
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Referred to: |
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A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT to expand the prohibition on operating a motor vehicle in a passing lane at less than the speed limit or when impeding the steady flow of traffic and to increase the monetary penalty for committing a violation of that prohibition.
The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts:
SECTION 1. G.S. 20‑146 reads as rewritten:
"§ 20‑146. Drive on right side of highway; exceptions.
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(b) Upon all highwayshighways, any
vehicle proceeding at less than the legal maximum speed limit or impeding
the steady flow of traffic shall be driven in the right‑hand lane
then available for thru traffic, or as close as practicable to the right‑hand
curb or edge of the highway, except when overtaking and passing another vehicle
proceeding in the same direction or when preparing for a left turn.a
lane other than the inside lane next to the centerline or median of a multi‑lane
highway, except when overtaking and passing another vehicle proceeding in the
same direction or when making a left turn. A person who violates this
subsection is guilty of an infraction punishable by a fine of two hundred
dollars ($200.00). For purposes of this subsection, a person is "impeding
the steady flow of traffic" if the person knows or reasonably should know
that he or she is being overtaken from the rear by a vehicle traveling at a
higher rate of speed.
…
(e) Notwithstanding any other provisions of
this section, when appropriate signs have been posted, it shall be unlawful for
any person to operate a motor vehicle over and upon the inside lane, next to
the median of any dual‑lane highway at a speed less than the posted speed
limit when the operation of said motor vehicle over and upon said inside lane
shall impede the steady flow of traffic except when preparing for a left turn. "Appropriate
signs" as used herein shall be construed as including "Slower Traffic
Keep Right" or designations of similar import."
SECTION 2. This act becomes effective December 1, 2015, and applies to offenses committed on or after that date.