Quite a number of years ago, I warned everyone that as the times got harder and the revenue streams shrank, state and local legislation would continue to create bigger and better ways to dig into our wallets as a means to replace that lost revenue. And here's the latest example of what I was talking about then:
Driving the speed limit may not be good enough anymore on Indiana highways.
Starting July 1, speeders will get the right-of-way in the left lane, while those obeying the speed limit could face a $500 fine.
NWITimes.com reports Rep. Jud McMillin (R-Brookville) sponsored the new law to give slow drivers in the left lane incentive to get out of the way of faster drivers. The law, enacted by Gov. Mike Pence, gives police power to write tickets to drivers who fail to move over when another vehicle is overtaking them.
Opponents of the law called it "unjustifiable" and "unenforceable." Sen. Jim Tomes (R-Wadesville) pointed out an officer would likely give the ticket to the speeding driver anyway.
The law does not apply in poor weather, heavy traffic, when exiting to the left, paying a toll or pulling over for an emergency vehicle.
http://www.wthr.com/story/29156684/move-over-law-abiding-drivers-new-law-takes-effect-july-1 (http://www.wthr.com/story/29156684/move-over-law-abiding-drivers-new-law-takes-effect-july-1)
Now I've done more than my share of carping about those "blue hairs in a Buick" crawling in the left lanes or driving 5 under in a 45mph zone. And I hate those left hand Louies that drive the exact speed limit in the left hand lane, despite the fact the entire right lane is wide open and traffic free.
Or those jackwagons that do 60 mph side by side on the interstate.
But, instead of enforcing the laws on the books the legislature has now decided that ticketing people doing the speed limit or slightly above in the left hand lane, that fail to move over to the right as those speeding up behind them (in many cases well in excess of 10mph over the limit) can be ticketed and fined up to $500.00 per incident.
I've always yielded to faster traffic when I am in the left hand lane; moving to the right at the first opportunity to safely do so. I expect others to do the same when I am the faster traffic. . .
So I ask, what behaviors exactly does this law enable? :confused:
I always get over when I am in the left lane doing 59 mph. :yes: :biggrin: I let this guy pass and go out and troll for the cops that are collecting revenue for the state. :grin2: :trustme:
I agree that most traffic regulations are designed more as revenue generation or giving police probable cause for fishing expeditions.
I was reasonably certain that this type of regulation already existed, and in Indiana, so what it appears the legislature is making this law more potent.
http://jalopnik.com/5501615/left-lane-passing-laws-a-state-by-state-map
(http://i.kinja-img.com/gawker-media/image/upload/s--tRq2r4Ji--/c_fit,fl_progressive,q_80,w_636/18nadbdqx422hjpg.jpg)
I think the legislature went about it stupidly - like they have with most legislation coming out of this RW/Toilet Paper Party/Dumbarse legislature - but what do you expect when you elect stupid people to government just because they spout the stupid ideology you want your hear. :rolleyes: