Nothing is more frustrating than following a car in the left lane that is traveling five miles per hour below the posted speed limit. Here are a few gentle reminders regarding Hoosier roadway etiquette and law.
By no means do I think of myself as a petty person. Now, I’m going to get on my soapbox for a little while. Every day, I travel to and from work by car on U.S. Route 41. Given all the construction that has been going on over the past few months, it may get extremely crowded very quickly in the evenings. But only when a car, semi-truck, or other vehicle is occupying the left lane does that congestion get worse. Let’s examine the dos and don’ts when it comes to Indiana roads.
How to Use the Left Lane on Indiana Highways
In order to make room for faster-moving or overtaking vehicles, slower cars should stay in the right lane. Furthermore, no car ought to be swerving between the two. The 2024 Indiana Driver’s Manual states that changing lanes is risky and can injure you or another person. Although I can appreciate that you might be rushing, your conduct raises the possibility of a catastrophic collision that could result in fatalities. This is a risky practice that I see a lot on U.S. Route 41.
Indiana Semi-Truck Laws
Semis that remain in the left lane for an extended period of time are another common sight I encounter when driving the tri-state. This is against the law in addition to being dangerous. The driving areas of semi-trucks on interstate highways are restricted under Indiana Code (IC) 9-21-8-12. Breaking that code is a Class C offense that carries a $500 maximum fine. The infraction is upgraded to a Class A infraction, which carries a $10,000 maximum penalty, if it causes physical harm, such as from a collision. Only under the following situations can semi-trucks use the far left lane:
- Passing a slower vehicle
- Entering or leaving a highway
- There is a special hazard that requires using an alternate lane for safety reasons
NOTE: Trucks may use the two rightmost lanes on highways with three or more lanes in each direction. View other information HERE.
Indiana s Move Over Law
The Move Over statute (IC 9-21-8-35) is another law that drivers in Indiana need to be aware of. According to this regulation, when a car approaches an emergency vehicle with its lights flashing, drivers must either change lanes, give the right of way, or move to the right and stop completely. Ambulances, fire department vehicles, police department vehicles, and other vehicles are all considered authorized emergency vehicles under this regulation. Heavy fines could follow noncompliance. Overall, just keep in mind to be careful, show consideration for other drivers, and avoid the left lane when Jake is attempting to get to work.
