16-07-2025
Drivers, beware: Delaware law bars driving in the left lane
We've all been there. You're driving down the road in the right lane. You see a chance to pass a fellow driver who's driving just a tad bit too slow, and you take it – only to be met with another slow commuter lingering a little too long in the left lane.
It doesn't matter if we're going back and forth to the office or taking a long-overdue road trip – somehow, we always manage to run into them.
But, for Delaware drivers, camping out in the left lane isn't just a common annoyance – it's against the law.
Signed last year by then-Gov. John Carney, the law prohibits First Staters from driving in the left lane on portions of specific highways, in hopes of reducing the rate of aggressive driving and speed-related hazards on the road.
Here's what Delaware drivers need to know.
New rules of the road: Tolls are increasing on Delaware highways in August. So are some DMV fees in October
What's Delaware's left lane law?
Under this new state law, drivers are barred from traveling down the left lane on portions of Route 1 and Interstate 495, along with other express or limited access roads.
The exceptions to this rule include:
When passing another vehicle moving in the same direction.
When entering, exiting or continuing down the roadway.
When in response to emergency situations.
When necessary due to traffic, obstructions or congestion.
When complying with other rules or regulations.
Vehicles with a gross weight rating of over 26,000 pounds can only travel in the right-hand lane, except under those same circumstances.
Any failure to abide by this rule of the road will result in some pretty hefty fines.
For the first offense, drivers must pay a fine of 'no less than $25 nor more than $75.'
Any occurrence that comes after will lead to a civil penalty between $57.50 to $95.
Olivia Montes covers state government and community impact for Delaware Online/The News Journal. If you have a tip or a story idea, reach out to her at omontes@
This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Delaware law prohibits left-lane driving. What to know
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