Left lane squatting irritates fellow drivers. Is it illegal in Michigan?

Yahoo

2 days ago

Left lane squatters, people who cruise along in the left lane on freeways rather than overtaking and passing slower vehicles, could be ticketed, according to Michigan law.
Driving slow in the left lane creates a dangerous situation for faster drivers — and irritates everyone around them — causing traffic backups and crashes when other drivers try to maneuver around a slower vehicles, according to attorneys with the firm Michigan Auto Law.
Michigan law generally agrees with the legal firm's opinion. MCL Section 257.634 says that on roads with two or more lanes of traffic going in the same direction, the left lane may only be used to overtake and pass vehicles.
On freeways with three or more lanes of traffic in the same direction, the law adds, the left lane may be used for travel.
Additionally, Michigan law prohibits all travel in the left lane by drivers whose speed impedes the normal and reasonable movement of traffic.
Here's what to know about left lane travel in Michigan.
Can I cruise in the left lane in Michigan?
In some cases. On roads with two lanes of travel in one direction, the left lane should only be used for overtaking and passing.
On freeways with three or more lanes of traffic in the same direction, the left lane may be used for travel.
Is it Illegal to drive slow in the left lane?
Drivers whose speed impedes the normal and reasonable movement of traffic in either case are breaking Michigan left lane law.
Can trucks use the left lane?
The driver of trucks with a gross weight of more than 10,000 pounds, a truck tractor, or a combination of a vehicle and trailer or semitrailer must drive the vehicle only in either of the two lanes farthest to the right, Michigan law says.
In some cases, they may use the left lane "for a reasonable distance" when making a left turn or where a special hazard exists that requires the use of an alternative lane for safety reasons.
What's the penalty if caught misusing the left lane?
Misuse of the left lane is a civil infraction in Michigan.
Are U-turns legal in Michigan?
According to Michigan State Police, under state law, the maneuver may be completed as long as it's done in a safe manner, giving way to other traffic that have the right-of-way.
What to do if a driver is going the wrong way?
If you find yourself on the freeway with headlights in front of you, pull over to the shoulder and call 911 for assistance to be led off the freeway, Diane Cross, MDOT spokeswoman said.
Drivers should also keep their headlights on, if the wrong way driver sees headlights, they might realize they're going the wrong way.
Can I have tinted windows on my vehicle in Michigan?
According to Michigan law, Michigan does not have a specification for the darkness of the window application, but prohibits applications with a solar reflectivity greater than 35%.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Michigan left lane law limits use. Laws, penalties, exceptions
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