“Is that illegal?”
A Texas man got pulled over. He couldn’t believe the reason: he was driving in the left lane.
In a TikTok with over 1.5 million views as of this writing, content creator (@yoboycat956) documents the interaction with the sheriff during the traffic stop.
“How are you doing? Why are you pulling me over?” the driver asks.
The sheriff introduces himself and gets straight to business.
“The reason you’re being pulled over: You’ve been driving in the left lane for about five miles,” he says.
The driver replies nonchalantly, “Okay.” The sheriff reminds him that the left lane is only for passing.
In the full extended post, the driver pushes back, asking, “Is that illegal?”
“Yes. It’s in the signs. You pass four signs,” the sheriff explains.
“I didn’t even realize that. That’s a lame reason,” the driver admits.
A second law enforcement officer approaches the passenger side and asks if the man is local to the Bowser, Texas area.
“You’ll see it on the left side and you’ll see it on the left lane and sometimes on the right you’ll see it. It’ll be a white sign,” the officer says.
After further explanation, the cops let the driver off with just a warning.
“Remember, the left lane is only for passing. So once you pass a vehicle, you go to the right lane,” the sheriff concludes.
The left lane is typically thought of as the fast lane. But that isn’t just common practice; in most states it’s the law.
Many states, including Texas, have laws mandating that the left lane is for passing, not simply driving. “On multi-lane highways, the left lane is designated for passing only, not for cruising indefinitely at higher speeds,” per Liggett Law Group. A driver can also use the left lane to avoid an obstruction in the road, of course.
The prohibition against taking up residence in the left lane isn’t just about maintaining the flow of traffic. Motor1 has previously reported that driving in the left lane can lead to traffic jams, car accidents, and contribute to aggressive driving.
CarParts reports that it is illegal in every state besides South Dakota to drive in the left lane unless you’re passing or avoiding something. Penalties vary among the states.. Geico shares that in Georgia it’s considered to be a misdemeanor. Tennessee installed the “Slow Poke Law” which fines drivers $50 for driving slow in the left lane.
In the 49 states where the law exists, highways often have signs to remind drivers that the left lane is for passing only.
Viewers in the comments section were divided. Some believe the law is unnecessary. Others applauded the sheriff.
“Oh come on. Never heard this in my life,” one skeptic wrote.
“Slow day at the office,” another added.
A third wrote, “This is rare. The cops are correct, but I never see them enforce it.”
Many people shared their animosity towards people who camp out in the left lane.
“We hate left lane campers so this is valid,” one shared.
“Passing lane. Pass then move over! It is a Law. You’re impeding traffic,” a second agreed.
Another chimed in, “Excellent…. good job officer!!! Give left lane campers tickets.”
Motor1 has contacted @yoboycat956 via TikTok direct message and commented on the post. This post will be updated if he replies.
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