Connecticut House Bill HB05949

Connecticut 2019 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/23/19
• Refer: 1/23/19

Caption

An Act Concerning The Extreme Left Lane On State Highways.

Impact

If enacted, HB 5949 would impact traffic laws across the state by clearly delineating permissible behavior regarding left lane usage. It is anticipated that adopting these regulations could lead to safer driving conditions and potentially reduce congestion on highways. The bill would formalize enforceable rules that not only aid in maintaining traffic speed but also delineate the responsibilities of drivers in the leftmost lane, which is frequently intended for faster-moving vehicles. This could especially benefit regions with high traffic volumes, improving overall vehicular mobility.

Summary

House Bill 5949, titled 'An Act Concerning The Extreme Left Lane On State Highways', aims to amend Section 14-230a of the general statutes. The primary objective of this legislation is to prohibit motor vehicle operators from driving in the extreme left lane of any state highway, except in specific circumstances such as when directed by law enforcement, when access or exit from the highway is required on the left, or when overtaking another vehicle. This proposal aligns with efforts to improve traffic flow and enhance road safety by ensuring that the left lane is utilized primarily for passing rather than cruising at slower speeds.

Contention

Discussions surrounding HB 5949 may reflect differing opinions among stakeholders. Proponents of the bill could argue that creating stricter regulations for left lane usage will facilitate smoother traffic flow, decrease road rage incidents, and enhance safety for all drivers. Conversely, detractors may raise concerns about the practical enforcement of such a law, suggesting it could lead to undue burdens on law enforcement or misunderstandings among drivers regarding lane usage guidelines. Additionally, there may be concerns about whether the bill effectively addresses the underlying issues of highway congestion or simply shifts the responsibility to individual drivers.