Slow Poke Law Takes Effect

A Slow Poke Law went into effect in Tennessee on July 1.
It is designed to keep someone from “camping out” in the fast lane of a highway with three or more lanes.
The law says the fast lane – the one on the far left – is to be used only for overtaking and passing another vehicle.
Those found in violation of the new law are subject to paying a $50 fine.
Bill Summary
This bill prohibits a person from operating a vehicle in the passing lane on an interstate or multilane divided highway that has three or more lanes in each direction, except when overtaking or passing a vehicle that is in a non-passing lane. A violation will be a Class C misdemeanor punishable by a fine only of $50.00.
The Slow Poke Law will not apply:
(1) When the volume of traffic does not permit the vehicle to safely merge into a non-passing lane;
(2) When inclement weather or an official traffic control device makes it necessary to drive in the passing lane;
(3) When obstructions or hazards exist in a non-passing lane;
(4) When avoiding traffic moving onto the highway from an acceleration or merging lane;
(5) When highway design makes it necessary to drive in the passing lane to exit or turn left;
(6) To authorized emergency vehicles engaged in official duties; or
(7) To vehicles engaged in highway maintenance and construction operations.