Vehicle Laws - Lanes of Travel - Slower Traffic and Overtaking and Passing (MOVE GET OUT THE WAY Act)
If enacted, HB 957 would require amendments to the Maryland transportation laws to establish new rules governing how vehicles should navigate multiple lane roadways. It expands the current regulations to encompass all roadways, not merely highways or rural roads. This uniform approach aims to alleviate frustration among drivers due to slower vehicles obstructing faster moving traffic, potentially decreasing accident rates associated with lane changing and merging in congested areas.
House Bill 957, titled the MOVE GET OUT THE WAY Act, aims to enhance roadway safety by mandating that drivers traveling slower than the general speed of traffic use the right-hand lanes on all roadways, thereby preventing slower vehicles from impeding faster-moving traffic. The bill outlines that on roads with three or more lanes for traffic moving in the same direction, the far left lane is restricted for overtaking and passing only. These changes are designed to streamline traffic flow and enhance safety by reducing instances of slower vehicles causing congestion in faster lanes.
While the bill seeks to improve overall traffic flow and safety, there may be points of contention around its enforcement and the potential for fines associated with violations. Initially, there would be no citations for operating in a manner that does not comply with the new requirements; however, subsequent violations could incur fines escalating from $75 for a first offense to $250 for third offenses. This aspect may lead to debates over the fairness and effectiveness of such fines as punitive measures and whether they disproportionately affect lower-income drivers.
Overall, the MOVE GET OUT THE WAY Act represents a significant shift in traffic law that may be particularly beneficial in heavily trafficked urban areas. The lack of a citation for initial violations indicates a focus on education over punitive measures in the early implementation stages, underscoring a possible collaboration between the state and drivers to promote compliance with the new regulations.