New Bill Targets Left-Lane Blockers with $500 Fines

Arizona lawmakers are taking measures to address a common annoyance for motorists traveling on two-way interstates. A new bill proposed by Republican Rep. Teresa Martinez aims to penalize drivers who linger in the left lane, which is primarily intended for overtaking other vehicles.

Many drivers have experienced the frustration of being caught behind slower vehicles in this lane. “It’s a passing lane. It’s not a travel lane. It slows everybody down,” expressed Corinna Gollubier, a frequent commuter.

Martinez, sharing her own experiences, noted, “Traffic was backed up for miles and I’m like what is going on here? Just a slow driver.” She pointed out that lingering in the left lane is illegal under Arizona law, and desires to see stricter enforcement of this rule.

Her bill, designated HB 2235, seeks to impose a $500 fine for violations of Arizona Revised Statute 28-721, which requires drivers to keep to the right side of the roadway unless overtaking another vehicle or when specific road conditions dictate otherwise. The intent is to enforce this law similarly to the High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lane regulations.

“I can tell you that there are people who think twice about getting in the HOV lanes because of the fine,” Martinez remarked. “They just don’t want to pay the fine, and I don’t blame them.” The bill is also set to include larger signage along roadways to help inform drivers about the law and the penalties associated with it.

Some drivers support the proposed fine, suggesting it could encourage adherence to traffic laws. “I do believe it’s good. I also believe they should have a warning at first,” commented Aron Lopez. Others, however, expressed concerns about the fine’s potential impact on the economy. Heather Shade stated, “I’m definitely against it because our economy is already struggling. We don’t need more costs.” Yet, there appears to be a consensus on the need for better educational outreach regarding the current law.

“There’s not enough signage, honestly,” Gollubier stated, echoing a sentiment shared by many. Martinez has indicated her willingness to listen to feedback on the proposed legislation, including the fine amount.

Currently, the bill has successfully passed out of committee and is slated for further consideration on the House floor, marking a significant step towards possible implementation.