Is It Illegal to Drive in the Left Lane?

When you’re focused on getting to your destination, you might not give much thought to the lane you’re in, but all lanes on a road or highway are not equal. The left lane is specifically designed to pass slower drivers or make left turns. It’s not just a recommendation either. In many states there are “keep right” laws and potential fines for misusing the left lane. Here we break down where it’s illegal to drive in the left lane and best practices for keeping traffic moving smoothly.

How to Use the Left Lane 

The point of many “keep right” laws is to maintain safety and keep the flow of traffic. When driving on a multi-lane roadway, be mindful of which lane you’re in. The far left lane should be reserved for passing another car, making a left turn, or in emergencies. Otherwise, drivers should keep right. 

“The left lane is for passing. It is not meant as a driving lane, and in some cases it is illegal for trucks to travel in the high-speed lane,” says Lauren Fix, an automotive expert and founder of Car Coach Reports. “Some states are stricter than others on left-lane drivers when no one is on the right lane. It not only holds up traffic and can cause a high-speed accident, it can earn you a traffic ticket.”

Cruising in the left lane can also cause road rage and aggressive driving behaviors. When using the left lane to pass, safely pass the slower vehicle and get back over as soon as there is room to do so.

"Small efforts in courtesy can yield big reductions in risk for everybody," says William Van Tassel, manager of AAA driver training programs.

Left Lane Laws by State

Alaska

You must keep right unless passing a vehicle or getting ready to make a left turn. If you’re going slower than the flow of traffic, keep right. The left lane is for drivers to pass to avoid unnecessary slowdowns, traffic, or accidents. Fines in Alaska for left-lane violations range from $75 to $150. 

Arizona

Drivers must keep right except under certain circumstances, including making a left turn or passing another car that’s going slower. If the right lane is under construction, you’re permitted to drive in the left lane. 

California

California laws specifically target slow drivers impeding the flow of traffic. Drivers who aren’t keeping up with the flow of traffic must keep right. Exceptions for using the left lane include passing another vehicle or making a left turn. If you don’t move over and are caught in the left lane going less than the speed of traffic, you could face a violation with a potential fine. 

Montana

Driving in the left lane is only permitted if passing another vehicle, the right lane is under construction, or you are making a left turn. Some other case-by-case scenarios where you might use the left lane include moving left to let traffic merge or if you’re traveling faster than the flow of traffic. Failure to comply could result in a fine. 

Nevada

State law dictates that drivers must keep right. Exceptions to this rule include passing another vehicle, making a left turn, and needing to use the left lane due to weather or other hazards. You can also drive in the left lane if the right side is closed or if the right side isn’t wide enough to drive safely. If you don’t follow one of these exceptions or are driving too slowly, you could face a $50 fine for your first offense. 

Utah 

You must stick to the right lane unless passing another vehicle, bicycle, or moped; making a left turn; or if there’s an obstruction or emergency. When driving in the left lane, you must yield and go to the right if overtaken by another vehicle. Additionally, you must not affect the flow of traffic while in the left lane. Lane violations and passing restrictions come with a fee of $130. 

Wyoming 

Drivers must keep to the right side of the roadway. Exceptions include passing another vehicle, if there’s an obstruction, or making a left turn. Additionally, drivers must not be in the left lane for an extended period of time if going too slow or impeding the flow of traffic. If found in violation of these laws, you could face a penalty and fine.