Springfield - For two years the state's 'left lane law' has sought to increase safety on Illinois' highways and interstates by making it a moving violation for a driver to remain in the left lane of a multi-state highway and detain the traffic flow, said State Senator Dan Rutherford (R-Pontiac).

Rutherford reported that most often state law enforcement officials choose to issue warning citations to drivers in violation of the new law, as opposed to actually ticketing and fining the individual. He said that Illinois police are taking the law seriously, and trying to raise awareness about the dangers of driving slowly in the left lane, but are being reasonable about citing people who violate the law. Since January 1, 2004, Illinois State Police issued 170 citations statewide for the violation of the law, but have given out 2647 warnings.

Many Illinois drivers have been irritated by motorists who monopolize the left lane and hold up traffic. Senator Rutherford explained that slow drivers in the left lane aren't just an irritation, but can be a serious driving hazard leading to road rage, tailgating, increased congestion, and of course accidents, on roads where people are driving at high speeds.

"Slow vehicles in the left lane can pose a serious safety hazard.  In addition, drivers who unnecessarily occupy the left lane can detain traffic on the highways and hold up emergency service vehicles that get caught in the traffic downstream," said Rutherford. "The new law was intended to give law enforcement officials another tool they can use if they see a hazard occurring on interstates due to slow left lane use."

The law specifically prohibits detaining traffic in the left lane on interstates and highways, with logical exceptions:

• When passing another vehicle;
• When no other vehicle is directly behind the vehicle in the left lane;
• When traffic conditions and congestion make it impractical to drive in the right lane;
• When snow or other inclement weather conditions make it necessary to drive in the left lane;
• When obstructions or hazards exist in the right lane;
• When approaching an emergency vehicle or highway construction area;
• When exiting the highway from the left lane;
• When it is necessary to use I-PASS or to comply with an official traffic control device; or
• When changing lanes to avoid law enforcement vehicles, emergency vehicles, highway maintenance vehicles, and workers or personnel.

"The statistics indicate that state law enforcement is trying to raise public awareness about the safety concerns associated with slow left-lane drivers, but officers have been using common sense and discretion when handing out citations," Rutherford said.