Drivers should think twice about hogging the left lane on high-speed highways when new rules come into effect.
Legislation introduced Monday afternoon in Victoria will make it easier for police to ticket drivers who don't move over.
The rural highway safety and speed review found there was significant public concern with slow drivers travelling in the left lane on high-speed highways, leading to driver frustration and aggressive driving behaviours.
The Motor Vehicle Amendment Act, 2015 clarifies that drivers are to travel in the right lane, unless they are:
• Overtaking and passing another vehicle
• Moving left to allow traffic to merge
• Preparing for a left hand turn
• Moving left to pass an official vehicle displaying a flashing light.
Drivers will be permitted to use the left-most lane if it is unsafe to use the right lane — for example, if the right lane is not yet ploughed or there is debris in the lane. As well, during periods of traffic congestion when the actual travel speed drops to 50 km/h or less, drivers can use all lanes.
In addition, this legislation will allow the ministry to define winter tires as those with a mountain/snowflake symbol or the M+S (mud and snow) symbol by regulation, and to more easily update the definition as tire technology changes. Updated requirements for studded tires and traction devices such as chains can also be defined in regulation.
Another change will permit local governments to permit motorcycle parking within six meters of intersections with stop signs or signals, as long as drivers' views are not impeded. This will allow more efficient use of space that is not large enough for a car.
“Drivers who won't move over can impede traffic and contribute to crashes. This new rule makes it clear who should travel in the left lane, and when, promoting safety on our highways,” said Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Todd Stone in a news release.
