CHARLESTON, WV (LOOTPRESS) – A bill in the West Virginia House of Delegates that would fine drivers for driving in the left lane is gaining traction as it was passed out of the House Committee on Technology and Infrastructure today.
House Bill 2222, introduced by Delegate Westfall (R-Jackson), was advanced out of the committee on a 14-9 vote with the recommendation that it be reported to the full House with the recommendation that it do pass.
The bill will first go to the House Judiciary Committee.
According to the bill, a vehicle shall be driven upon the right half of the roadway except when overtaking and passing another vehicle proceeding in the same direction, an obstruction exists that makes it necessary to drive to the left of the center of the highway, or when the right half of a roadway is closed to traffic while under construction or repair.
The bill does include other exceptions such as inclement weather making the right lane unsafe, paying a toll or exiting to the left, and when there is no traffic behind a vehicle in the left lane.
No amendments were proposed to the bill during the committee meeting, but some delegates on the committee did raise their concerns.
Delegates critical of the bill argued that although the bill is well-intended, they believe it does not do much to improve highway safety but instead is a bill to curb aggravation on the highway.
Those found in violation would have to pay a fine of up to $100, up to $200 for a second conviction, and up to $500 for a third conviction.
Under the current version of the bill, points would not be assessed against an individual’s driver’s license.
To view the bill in its entirety, please click here.
