Arizona lawmaker resurrects bill to add $500 fine for driving too slow in left lane on highways

An Arizona Republican state lawmaker has introduced House Bill 2235, which would impose a $500 penalty for people who slow down traffic in the left lanes of highways.

It would also put up signs informing those drivers to move right.

Driving in the left lane on any road and impeding traffic is already illegal. But Rep. Teresa Martinez of Casa Grande believes the bill could boost enforcement.

Martinez says the law is widely ignored, whether purposely or because people just aren't aware. And she said she is a witness every time she drives between Casa Grande and the Phoenix area.

"You have one car going 70 miles an hour who refuses to merge over to the right to let other cars pass him. And, I'll be honest with you, that is very frustrating and I think can lead to a lot of road rage," Martinez said.

An attempt to update legislation last year failed to gain enough traction to make it to the governor’s desk.

But Martinez says there's no reason the state can't put up signs in the 4-by-6 foot range with the very clear and specific message: Left Lane For Passing Only, Slow Traffic Keep Right.

Martinez said that may deal with those who are ignorant of the law. Still, she said, there are some motorists who may be doing it intentionally

"I don't know if it's people who feel that people drive too fast and are trying to teach other people a lesson,'' she said. Martinez said that's where the other provision of her legislation comes in: a smaller sign pointing out that $500 fine to capture the attention of those folks.

That, however, still leaves the question: Does any of this matter if there's no enforcement?

"That's something I'm going to have to address with DPS,'' Martinez said. "And I will address it with DPS.''