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As of June 12th, 2015 motorists in B.C. will need a good reason to travel in the left lane on highways throughout the province.
Beginning Friday, the new provincial regulations come into place and clarify the rules regarding travelling in the left lane. Drivers on multi-lane highways where the speed limit is more than 80 kilometres per hour must stay to the right unless they are: overtaking and passing another vehicle; moving left to allow traffic to merge; preparing for a left hand turn; or moving left to pass an official vehicle displaying a flashing light.
New rulese come into place Friday June 12th, 2015 (Photo Credit: BC Gov)
Police can ticket drivers who should not be travelling in the left-most lane $167, with three driver penalty points.
"During the Rural Highway Safety and Speed Review last year, I heard that one of the top driver frustrations across the province was being prevented from passing because someone won't leave the left lane. We have strengthened the law to give police better tools to crack-down on left-lane hogs," said Todd Stone, Ministry of Transportation.
When traffic is minimal and no one is approaching from behind, a driver can travel in the left-most lane. This allows drivers on four-lane highways in rural areas to keep a greater distance from the road sides where they might encounter wildlife. Drivers may use the left-most lane if it is unsafe to use the right lane - for example, if there is debris in the lane.
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