04/12/2023
***TRAFFIC LAW TUESDAY***
In 2014, Georgia passed the so-called "Slowpoke Law". Under this rule, if you are driving in the left lane of traffic and a car is coming up quickly behind you, you are legally obligated to move to the middle (if available) or right lane. Even if you are going the speed limit, you are still required to allow them to pass your vehicle.
Failure to move over can not only potentially cost you three points on your license, up to $1,000 in fines, and an increase in your insurance premiums, but it can also put you and other drivers in danger.
Speed-demons are everywhere, and trying to bottleneck or slow them down is more dangerous than letting them go and hoping a deputy is ahead waiting.
Moving over also helps first responders that may be in a pursuit or heading to an emergency.
We are continually asked why we don’t pull over Slowpokes. Slowpokes are usually out during rush hour times. If we attempted to pull them over we can cause even more of a bottleneck by trying to get them over one or two lanes and if they pull over in the left lane it is extremely dangerous for them and the deputies. Now don’t get us wrong, if you are seriously creeping in the left lane, we will pull you over.
Two rules of thumb to remember. #1 slower traffic stays to the right. #2 the far left lane is for PASSING ONLY! So pass then move back over to the right. Don’t camp out in the passing lane.
Keep yourself and others safe, and move over.
