Bill Text: WV HB2222 | 2021 | Regular Session | Introduced
Bill Title: Prohibiting vehicles from driving slow in the left lane
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Republican 2-0)
Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2021-02-25 - To House Judiciary [HB2222 Detail]
Download: West_Virginia-2021-HB2222-Introduced.html
WEST virginia legislature
2021 regular session
Introduced
House Bill 2222
By Delegate Westfall
[Introduced February 10, 2021; Referred to the Committee on Technology and Infrastructure then the Judiciary]
A BILL to amend and reenact §17C-7-1 of the Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended, relating to prohibiting vehicles from driving slow in the left lane of a roadway or interstate highway for more than a mile and a half without completely passing another vehicle; and providing exceptions.
Be it enacted by the Legislature of West Virginia:
article 7. driving on right side of roadway, overtaking and passing, etc.
§17C-7-1. Driving on right side of roadway; exceptions; penalty.
(a) Upon all roadways of
sufficient width, a vehicle shall be driven upon the right half of the roadway,
except as follows under any of the following conditions:
(1) When overtaking and passing another vehicle proceeding in the same direction under the rules governing such movement.
(2) When an obstruction exists making it necessary to drive to the left of the center of the highway: Provided, That any person doing so shall yield the right-of-way to all vehicles traveling in the proper direction upon the unobstructed portion of the highway within such distance as to constitute an immediate hazard.
(2) (3) When the right half of a roadway is closed
to traffic while under construction or repair.
(3) (4) Upon a roadway divided into three marked
lanes for traffic under the rules applicable thereon. or
(4) (5) Upon a roadway designated and signposted
for one-way traffic.
(b) Upon all roadways, any vehicle proceeding at less than the normal speed of traffic at the time and place and under the conditions then existing shall be driven in the right-hand lane then available for traffic, or as close as practicable to the right-hand curb or edge of the roadway, except when overtaking and passing another vehicle proceeding in the same direction or when preparing for a left turn at an intersection or into a private road or driveway.
(c) Upon any roadway having four or more lanes for moving traffic and providing for two-way movement of traffic, no vehicle shall be driven to the left of the center line of the roadway, except when authorized by official traffic-control devices designating certain lanes to the left side of the center of the roadway for use by traffic not otherwise permitted to use such lanes, or except as permitted under subsection (a) of this section: Provided, That this section shall not be construed as prohibiting the crossing of the center line in making a left turn into or from an alley, private road, or driveway.
(d)(1) Upon any interstate highway, except as provided in subdivision (2) of this subsection, a vehicle may not remain in the leftmost lane for more than a mile and a half without completely passing another vehicle.
(2) A vehicle may travel in the leftmost lane under any of the following conditions:
(A) When traffic conditions or congestion make it necessary to operate a vehicle in the leftmost lane.
(B) When inclement weather, obstructions, or hazards make it necessary to operate a vehicle in the leftmost lane.
(C) When compliance with a law, rule, ordinance, or traffic control device makes it necessary to operate a vehicle in the leftmost lane.
(D) When paying a toll or user fee at a toll collection facility.
(E) If the vehicle is an authorized emergency vehicle operated in the course of duty.
(F) If the vehicle is operated or used in the course of highway maintenance or construction or is traveling through a construction zone.
(c) (e) Any person violating
the provisions of this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction
thereof, shall be fined not more than $100; upon a second conviction within one
year thereafter, shall be fined not more than $200; and upon a third or
subsequent conviction, shall be fined not more than $500.
NOTE: The purpose of this bill is to prohibit vehicles from driving slow in the left lane of a roadway or interstate highway for more than a mile and a half without completely passing another vehicle except under certain circumstances.
Strike-throughs indicate language that would be stricken from a heading or the present law and underscoring indicates new language that would be added.
