Bill would ticket drivers who dawdle in the passing lanes of Kansas highways

TOPEKA | Left-lane loafers beware.

A bill pending in the Kansas Legislature would allow law enforcement to ticket motorists who linger too long in the passing lane on the highway. The measure would limit use of the left-most lane to passing and exiting, or when forced to by construction or an accident.

If the bill passes, violators would receive warnings until July 2010.

After that, law enforcement could issue $60 tickets. The rule would only apply to highways with two or more lanes going in the same direction. It would not apply to highways within city limits.

Several states, including Missouri, have similar laws.

The Kansas Highway Patrol believes the idea would promote more orderly traffic flow, said Maj. Mark Bruce, a spokesman for the patrol. He said the rule also could prevent road rage, which sometimes is sparked by a slower driver who won’t budge from the passing lane.

“From a general safety perspective it’s a good idea,” Bruce said.

Lawmakers — many of whom commute daily to Topeka — took an immediate shine to the bill when it got a hearing Wednesday.

“It’s about time,” said Rep. Marvin Kleeb, an Overland Park Republican. “I like this.”

The legislation, S.B. 145, already has passed the Senate and awaits a vote in the House Transportation Committee.