Question about driving in the "fast lane" on highways. (Nevada)

[MisterMister]

I have a question about the so called, "fast lane" on a multi-lane highway. I specified Nevada in the title because I know every state has it's own laws about this. I know some states designate the left lane as a passing lane only, and Nevada doesn't appear to have any laws on the books like that. What I was able to find is this.

NRS 484B.627 Duties of driver driving motor vehicle at speed so slow as to impede forward movement of traffic; prohibition against stopping vehicle on roadway so as to impede or block normal and reasonable movement of traffic; exception.

1. If any driver drives a motor vehicle at a speed so slow as to impede the forward movement of traffic proceeding immediately behind the driver, the driver shall:

(a) If the highway has one lane for traveling in each direction and the width of the paved portion permits, drive to the extreme right side of the highway and, if applicable, comply with the provisions of NRS 484B.630;

(b) If the highway has two or more clearly marked lanes for traffic traveling in the direction in which the driver is traveling, drive in the extreme right-hand lane except when necessary to pass other slowly moving vehicles; or

(c) If the highway is a controlled-access highway, use alternate routes whenever possible.

What I am wondering is if I could be cited for impeding traffic if I am driving the speed limit in the fast lane and cars behind me want to go faster. To be more clear, let's say I am traveling the speed limit, but faster than the cars in the lane to my right. If a single car or group of cars zip up to me going 10-20 MPH over the speed limit, would I be considered blocking the "normal and reasonable movement of traffic? 484B.627 does say that if my rate of speed impedes a vehicle behind me, I should move to the right, but it doesn't say anything about the speed limit. If the cars go around me on my right, would that be further proof that I am impeding traffic and could I be cited?

To sum it all up, I want to know if there is any reason I can be considered impeding traffic according to Nevada law if I am going the speed limit in the left lane. I am baffled that in some states a driver can be ticketed for holding up traffic even if the driver is doing the speed limit. If all the lanes are moving faster than the speed limit, that means you can be forced to break the speed limit in order to safely merge or simply drive on the highway. I always figured that the "fast lane" is for folks traveling up to the speed limit and the other lanes are for slower drivers according to how slow they are going. I would really appreciate a LE opinion on this issue.

Edited to add one more variable to the question- If the vehicle in back speeds before coming up to the front vehicle AND/OR tailgates the front vehicle after reaching them, which driver would be the priority to pull over? Does the rear vehicle breaking speed limit or other laws take precedence over the impeding traffic? This is assuming the front vehicle isn't causing a major traffic jam, just holding up a car or two.

[ChesCopPodz]

It's something I'd write. Especially if there's a long line of cars behind that one. If I can articulate to a judge that the car was indeed impeeding traffic unnecessarily, I'd write it. Or at least I'd stop the car for an educational chat.

Here in Colorado, multi-lane roads with speed limits 65mph or over have signs posted to stay right except to pass. Those are the roads the law specifically states one cannot drive in the left lane of unless they are passing someone.

[MisterMister]

We don't have those signs in Nevada, at least not on any of the roads I've traveled on. So, I appreciate your opinion here, but I still wonder what other LEOs will say from states that don't have laws like that on the roads. Thanks for the reply.

[Ispbear]

Think of the autobond, It doesn't have a speed limit but they strictly enforce the use of lane law. Someone in the left lane slowing down traffic creats a hazard by causing the other motorist to pass on the right and jocky around traffic. It's not your job to enforce the speed limit, keep to the right and let the local police enforce the speed limit. It keeps everyone safer that way.

[CPL1897]

It sounds as if you are trying to justify driving in the "fast lane" at the speed limit so folks arent able to speed. In Florida there are no "passing only" lanes that I am aware of. However, If I see a vehicle traveling the exact posted speed in the "fast lane" or "inside lane" and there is a line of cars behind them that vehicle is going to get my "unwanted" attention. The lane is for "faster" moving vehicles and there are posted signs all over stating "slower traffic keep right". When I am responding to a call etc. and theres that one car that refuses to move into tge slow lane preventing me from getting to the call faster it becomes a safety issue for the folks calling the police. There is a big misconception that we (LE) only use are lights when we respond to a medium/high priority call. Folks assume if our lights arent on we are just speeding for the fun of it.

As others have stated, its not YOUR job to make others obey the speed limit, its OURS.

Its simple, use common sense, be aware of your surroundings (including behind you) and move over if you are traveling slower than the vehicles behind you. It is safer for you and the "speeders" and I can't tell you how many "road rage" incidents start with someone intentionally driving "slow" in the fast lane.

[MisterMister]

I'm not looking for an approval to hold up traffic or enforce the speed limit passive aggressively, so please don't take my question the wrong way. I genuinely want to know if I were driving the speed limit in the left lane and I am still traveling faster than the cars on my right, if I am expected to slow down and move over instead of continuing to pass cars.

I just always figured that when these crazy drivers rush up to me at 20+ MPH over the limit and tailgate me, a cop who witnesses it would pull them over because their offenses seem way worse than me driving the speed limit. However, it sounds as though you guys think otherwise. Is speeding just not as big of a deal as I think it is? I see highway patrol with radar guns all the time, so I know it's enforced, but am I making too big of a deal about not wanting to go over the speed limit?

I am not trying to start trouble here, I really would just like to know how this works.

It's also a question of Nevada Law, which states a driver must not interrupt normal and reasonable movement of traffic. If it were one of you in a patrol car behind me, I would move over. But does normal and reasonable movement really mean I must move over for folks who are speeding way over the limit? I am only talking about when I am already passing cars on my right, in that case does the move over for faster cars supersede the speed limit law?

[CPL1897]

I don't think anyone is assuming your trying to "start trouble". I may have misunderstood your exact question.

Yes speed "violations" are a an issue and they always will be. Traffic enforcement prevents "high speed accidents" and generates revenue.

It honestly depends on how long you "linger" in the fast lane while traffic backs up behind you. If you are gradually passing the slower cars in a "reasonable" amount of time/distance than it should not be an issue. By reasonable I am talking about a 1/4-1/2 mile and a minute or two. If you are not going fast eneogh to pass in that amount of time then you should move over, let the faster traffic pass and then "attempt" to pass yourself. If you "linger" in the fast lane slowly passing others and causing people to be stuck behind you then it is impeding the flow of traffic.

If you iether pass or move over then you should be ok as far as being pulled over. What may "appear" to you as 20 over the speed limit may actually be only 5-10 over which most LEO's don't "automatically" stop or cite for.

I understand your question, but it really comes down to using common sense. If you can't pass in a short period of time when vehicles are waiting behind you then change lanes, let them pass and we will determine how fast they are going and take action if need be.

[MisterMister]

I don't think anyone is assuming your trying to "start trouble". I may have misunderstood your exact question.

Yes speed "violations" are a an issue and they always will be. Traffic enforcement prevents "high speed accidents" and generates revenue.

It honestly depends on how long you "linger" in the fast lane while traffic backs up behind you. If you are gradually passing the slower cars in a "reasonable" amount of time/distance than it should not be an issue. By reasonable I am talking about a 1/4-1/2 mile and a minute or two. If you are not going fast eneogh to pass in that amount of time then you should move over, let the faster traffic pass and then "attempt" to pass yourself. If you "linger" in the fast lane slowly passing others and causing people to be stuck behind you then it is impeding the flow of traffic.

If you iether pass or move over then you should be ok as far as being pulled over. What may "appear" to you as 20 over the speed limit may actually be only 5-10 over which most LEO's don't "automatically" stop or cite for.

I understand your question, but it really comes down to using common sense. If you can't pass in a short period of time when vehicles are waiting behind you then change lanes, let them pass and we will determine how fast they are going and take action if need be.

I understand what you're saying. It just seems disappointing that law abiding drivers who are driving the speed limit can be cited for anything simply because another driver wants to break the law. Nevada law clearly says a driver shall not block "normal and reasonable" movement and its wording "so slow" shown below, makes it seem like it only applies to someone driving under the speed limit.

If any driver drives a motor vehicle at a speed so slow as to impede the forward movement of traffic

To find out that there is an unlimited speed at which I still must move over for someone kind of implies that "normal and reasonable" speeds are whatever the drivers on the road decide to drive. If that's the case, it seems like nobody should get any tickets unless they are the fastest car on the road! I'd say that sounds about fair! It's just sad to see that a driver who is observing the speed limit takes precedence to pull over above the driver who is speeding, that is just irritating to me.

Obviously, I'm not a cop or a judge and I am interpreting the law in my own way. I still hope someone from Nevada will chime in and give an opinion on what they do in these particular situations. But I guess from now on if I want to drive the speed limit, I will stay out of the let lane.

[G35 Mass]

Let me put this on you a different way:

When you're walking in the mall, holding people up, do you intentionally keep walking slow, screwing with people?

No. No, you don't. Because someone would pound your face into the ground, and rightfully so.

But when you're in the relative safety of a car on the highway, it's people's (your) own little cage of safety. Essentially, it's being a little b*tch, because you only pull a**hole moves when you can't be confronted or dealt with by those you screw with.

The left lane is for passing and cops. GTFO... plain and simple.

[Switchback]

I don't do (and have never done) traffic. With that said, I think I should be allowed to shoot cars that fail to move right. If a desired response is not opbtained, I should then be allowed to shoot the people.

....just saying.
(In case you haven't guessed, it's a real pet-peave of mine.)

[MisterMister]

Let me put this on you a different way:

When you're walking in the mall, holding people up, do you intentionally keep walking slow, screwing with people?

No. No, you don't. Because someone would pound your face into the ground, and rightfully so.

But when you're in the relative safety of a car on the highway, it's people's (your) own little cage of safety. Essentially, it's being a little b*tch, because you only pull a**hole moves when you can't be confronted or dealt with by those you screw with.

The left lane is for passing and cops. GTFO... plain and simple.

Why do you have to be so rude? I am politely asking a question and you are escalating this into an aggressive discussion. I am being respectful here and I expect to be treated the same or I will just leave.

I don't do (and have never done) traffic. With that said, I think I should be allowed to shoot cars that fail to move right. If a desired response is not opbtained, I should then be allowed to shoot the people.

....just saying.
(In case you haven't guessed, it's a real pet-peave of mine.)

Okay, I know you don't really mean you think you should be allowed to shoot cars or the people in them! I am trying to be serious here. Plus, be careful, some of us might shoot back! Hahaha!


To G35 Mass and Switchback,
I'm assuming that you both speed at work and off duty and that's why you have such a strong feeling about this. I don't mean any disrespect here, but you both are very adamant about drivers going the speed limit in the left lane. Is it because you like to drive fast and it bothers you when someone is in your way? I would always move if you are in an emergency vehicle, so that's not relevant. It just seems like it's more a personal issue than a professional opinion you are providing here.


I have already said that I am not talking about a passive aggressive civilian enforcement of speed. Not talking about driving slow on purpose in the fast lane just to piss people off. I am talking about driving normally, and in the course of passing on the left another vehicle wants to go faster behind you. Comparing it to walking in a mall is not a good analogy because there are no speed limits, laws or lives in your hands walking in the mall. That analogy only applies to courtesy and I always thought the law comes before courtesy. Apparently not. If the vehicle didn't come from way back behind you, they usually will let you know they want to go faster by tailgating or flashing their high beams at you. I feel these drivers put others at risk when they do this and like I said before, I always hoped that a cop would see this sort of thing and pick them off me. it sounds like some of you will choose in favor of the speeder, and if that's what you do, then so be it.

CPL1897 had a professional and informative reply, thank you for that.

[Samuel]

IMO. Doesn't matter how fast you are going - SLOWER TRAFFIC KEEP RIGHT. If cars are passing you on the right, YOU ARE DRIVING TOO SLOWLY. If you are traveling about the same speed as the cars in the lane to your right, YOU SHOULD BE IN THAT LANE TOO. If you intentionally/knowingly "park it" in the left most lane (no one in front of you, room to switch lanes, cars stacking up behind you, or causing cars to pass you on the right), I don't care if you ARE going the speed limit - You're An A$$. If you want to drive speed limit, knowing that it would be "too slow" for the left lane, then do it one lane over to the right.

[MisterMister]

IMO. Doesn't matter how fast you are going - SLOWER TRAFFIC KEEP RIGHT. If cars are passing you on the right, YOU ARE DRIVING TOO SLOWLY. If you are traveling about the same speed as the cars in the lane to your right, YOU SHOULD BE IN THAT LANE TOO. If you intentionally/knowingly "park it" in the left most lane (no one in front of you, room to switch lanes, cars stacking up behind you, or causing cars to pass you on the right), I don't care if you ARE going the speed limit - You're An A$$. If you want to drive speed limit, knowing that it would be "too slow" for the left lane, then do it one lane over to the right.

But I am specifically talking about only one scenario. I am in the left lane but I am passing the cars on my right at a decent rate and there are not a LOT of cars behind me, maybe ONE or TWO. Usually these cars in the back follow too closely, and like I said, I'm surprised that doesn't take precedence over the one car slowing down a speeder (not on purpose, but just because I was already driving legally in that lane and they want to go too fast)

[Samuel]

If it's only one or two, IMO, even less reason Not to simply move over for a few moments and let them go by...

FWIW, I move over for faster traffic ALL THE TIME and usually, I've moved over way before they even reach me because I don't drive HUA - I'm paying attention...

[MisterMister]

I found a thread on another forum where a CA cop is explaining that the maximum speed limit trumps the impeding traffic laws. Seems folks tend not to agree with him, but they are all from other states. I am from CA and that's where I learned to drive. I am wondering if in CA this is totally different than the states you guys are form, and I am right about this in CA. If so, the NV law really isn't written in a way that differs a whole lot, except CA law specifically gives an exemption of driving the speed limit.

I can't post the link because I don't have enough posts to do so, but I thought it worth it to ask about CA.

I can post the code, though.

22400. (a) No person shall drive upon a highway at such a slow speed as to impede or block the normal and reasonable movement of traffic, unless the reduced speed is necessary for safe operation, because of a grade, or in compliance with law.

The last part "or in compliance with the law" is the part that shows I am right. I don't see how you can argue this for the CA law. NV law is written almost the same except for that last part. I would be willing to take my chance in court that a judge would agree with me, but I would still wonder if NHP would even write this ticket. None of you guys are from NV or CA, so you obviously enforce a different set of laws.