- Louisiana now punishes left-lane campers with fines or jail time.
- Repeat offenders risk up to 30 days in jail for continued violations.
- Law aims to cut down on unsafe passing and traffic backups.
The left lane is for overtaking – or at least that’s the idea. Despite that, we’ve all seen left-lane campers that seem to block up traffic all over the place. A new law now in effect in Louisiana might make it one of the best places to drive on the highway. Those who camp out in the left lane, even doing just one mph under the limit, could end up facing jail time.
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Starting on August 1, Act 24 (SB 11) is law in the Bayou state, and it calls for harsher penalties on left-lane campers. Those found driving below the legal speed limit will face a $150 fine for their first offense. Second-time offenders will pay $250.
More: Connecticut’s Left Lane Law Is Set To Crush Campers Next Year
Those who get caught three or more times within 12 months face a $350 fine or jail time. That’s right, the people clogging up the highway could end up behind bars for up to 30 days if they get caught doing it too much.
Support and Pushback
Sen. Jay Luneau, D-Alexandria, sponsored the bill and reportedly told lawmakers that “I think this is something that we all encounter on a weekly basis.” No doubt, slow drivers can cause additional safety issues on the roadway.
Frustrated motorists often try to pass on the right, which leads to more problems. At the same time, not everyone in the state agrees with this new law. “I don’t think we need a new reason to pull people over and give them traffic tickets,” Rep. Mike Bayham, R-Chalmette, said.
More Changes On The Road
This isn’t the only change Louisiana drivers need to keep in mind. A separate law now places significant financial responsibility on uninsured motorists, requiring them to personally cover the cost of any damages up to $100,000, even if they weren’t the one who caused the accident.
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The intent is to discourage drivers from taking to the road without insurance, while also protecting insured motorists from being left with the bill after a collision.
Those who are convicted of a hit and run will now face a mandatory minimum jail sentence. The legal limit for tint on a window falls from 40 percent light blockage to just 25 percent, according to The Express. That falls in line with neighboring states, Arkansas and Texas. The state also outlawed the use of phones in the car that aren’t in hands-free mode.
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