New Connecticut law seeks to crack down on 'left lane campers'
According to the Connecticut Department of Transportation, it is more than just an inconvenience that causes traffic, but also a safety issue which can block emergency vehicles, or lead to crashes.
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A new Connecticut state law passed in June will look to crack down on "left lane campers" - or drivers who go into the left lane of a highway and sit there, slowing down people behind them.
According to the Connecticut Department of Transportation, it is more than just an inconvenience that causes traffic, but also a safety issue which can block emergency vehicles, or lead to crashes.
When the new law goes into effect on Oct. 1, 2026, it will be illegal to drive in the far left lane of any highway with more than two lanes unless a car passing someone, entering or exiting the highway, following the directions of a police officer, or has no choice because of the traffic.
Emergency and construction vehicles on the job are also exempt.
Drivers who break the law are subject to a ticket and $88 fine, although the DOT says it does not actually expect officers to be out every day watching and enforcing this.
Instead, it says this new law is more of a tool, clarifying what is already on the books, and allowing them to increase their public education, which includes putting up new, permanent metal signs that will remind people exactly when they can and cannot be in the left lane.
"(It) may not seem like a big change for folks, but it's an important one here to get on the law and really hopefully change that driver behavior that we see here in Connecticut, keep that traffic flowing, and keep people safe," said Josh Morgan, the Director of Communications for the Connecticut Department of Transportation.
The new signs are expected to be ready for when the law goes into effect.
