Is driving slow in left lane illegal in Ohio? Here's what the law says
Nothing brings drivers together quite like shared rage at some slowpoke who just won't leave the left lane. For Ohioans, not only are they infuriating, but they could also be breaking the law.
Much to the chagrin of those Ohioan loiterers, the left lane on multi-lane roads like the I-270 outerbelt can — for the most part — only be used for passing, according to Ohio Revised Code § 4511.25
Exceptions apply if you're avoiding an obstruction, preparing to turn left, or if you need to be in the left lane to follow your planned route.
Ohio also has a "slow speed" law, per Ohio Revised Code § 4511.22, which prohibits driving at "an unreasonably slow speed" that affects normal traffic flow, unless it is necessary for safety or compliance with the law.
A first-time violation of either law is a minor misdemeanor. Repeat offenders are susceptible to steeper penalties, like fourth- or third-degree misdemeanors.
No, you are not legally allowed to exceed the posted speed limit, even in the left lane passing a slower vehicle.
Dozens of other states have similar laws that require slower drivers to stay out of the left lane.
Though all 50 states have some form of "Keep Right" law, what they actually mandate differs from state to state.
Michigan's law is somewhat similar to Ohio's, encouraging right-lane travel except when passing or avoiding an obstruction. The penalty for violating this law is slightly more lax, however, with an offender responsible only for a civil infraction.
Some states take it a step further than Ohio. Indiana law, for example, says if a driver is being overtaken from behind by another vehicle, they must move out of the left lane. A person who violates this law commits a Class C infraction.
Reporter Emma Wozniak can be reached at ewozniak@dispatch.com, or @emma_wozniak_ on X, formerly known as Twitter.
This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Is driving slow in the left lane illegal in Ohio? Learn the state law
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