Martinez Proposes Bold Bill to Ditch Left Lane ‘Campers’ Once and For All

State Rep. Teresa Martinez addressed attendees at an Arizona Department of Transportation community meeting on August 15, 2024, to discuss proposed enhancements for State Route 347. During her speech, she unveiled House Bill 2235, aimed at curbing the issue of vehicles obstructing the passing lane.

Martinez, representing Casa Grande, expressed frustration over drivers who remain in the left lane for extended periods, contributing to traffic congestion. “One driver in the left lane going slower than the speed limit can back up traffic significantly,” she remarked. This long-standing issue has garnered attention and sparked her legislative response.

Currently, Arizona law mandates that drivers on two-lane highways stay right unless passing or when the right lane is closed. However, as Martinez noted, “This law is commonly ignored.” Her proposed amendment would require clear signage indicating that the left lane is exclusively for passing, alongside warnings about potential fines.

The bill proposes a $500 fine for offenders, a fee that surpasses penalties for violations in high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes. While acknowledging that the fine is steep, Martinez believes that a significant monetary consequence may deter violations, ultimately improving traffic flow. “People avoid getting caught in HOV lanes because of the financial hit,” she explained.

This is not the first initiative addressing the problem of slow drivers in the left lane. In 2023, former Pinal County Sheriff Mark Lamb released a public service announcement titled “Left Lane Campers Busted!” highlighting the dangers of lane hogging. In it, he criticized drivers for not understanding that the left lane should be reserved for passing.

“Drivers often argue they were going the speed limit,” Lamb stated in the video. “It’s not just about speed; it’s about lane usage.” His comments underscored the need for more targeted measures to combat this growing frustration among motorists.

As legislative discussions continue, the focus remains on finding effective solutions to enhance traffic safety and efficiency. With the introduction of House Bill 2235, Arizona lawmakers are taking deliberate steps to address a pervasive issue that affects daily commuters on the state’s busy highways.