New law requires drivers to stay in the right lane, except when passing

Aug. 4—A new South Carolina law will require drivers to stay in the right lane unless they need to pass the vehicle in front of them.

Starting Aug. 15, the new law, Section 56-5-1885, "will require drivers to only use the far left-hand lane on controlled access highways while they are passing or overtaking another vehicle," according to a release from the South Carolina Department of Public Safety.

South Carolina law enforcement will issue warnings for the first 90 days after the effective date. After this period, violators will be fined up to $25, according to the release.

The new law states that the South Carolina Department of Transportation will place signs along interstate highways directing slower traffic to move to the right. The signs will be placed every 35 miles.

The Department of Transportation will also remind drivers of the new law by posting warnings on its overhead message boards.

There are eight exemptions in the law:

1. When no other vehicle is directly behind the vehicle in the left lane

2. When traffic conditions and congestion make it impractical to drive in the right lane

3. When snow and other inclement weather conditions make it safer to drive in the left lane

4. When obstructions or hazards exist in the right lane

5. When, because of highway design, a vehicle must be driven in the left lane when preparing to exit

6. To law enforcement vehicles, ambulances, or other emergency vehicles engaged in official duties and vehicles engaged in highway maintenance and construction operations

7. When a driver of a tractor-trailer commercial motor vehicle combination is unable to move into the right lane safely due to another vehicle overtaking or passing his vehicle to the right

8. When a driver of a vehicle requiring a commercial motor vehicle license to operate is unable to move into the right lane safely due to a highway grade or another vehicle overtaking or passing his vehicle on the right