Can you get a ticket in Georgia for driving under the speed limit? How slow is too slow?
You may not be used to hearing this, Georgia drivers, but some of y’all are going to have to speed up.
If not, you may violate the Slow Poke Law, passed in 2014. In fact, any driver “impeding traffic flow” is subject to penalties under this law.
The law, also known as House Bill 459, was conceived as a way to make traveling safer for Georgia drivers. It is a traffic regulation that aims to reduce congestion, prevent dangerous conditions like weaving between lanes, and decrease road rage.
The basics of the law
Officially enacted in 2014, the Slow Poke Law is meant to prohibit drivers from these behaviors explicitly, but it can curb other dangerous driving habits like tailgating and distracted driving.
Driving too slowly in the left lane, impeding the flow of traffic
Remaining in the leftmost lane when being overtaken by a faster vehicle from behind, even if driving at the speed limit
Blocking or slowing emergency vehicles
There are some specifics to the law, as well. To comply, you must understand the following:
The law applies to roads with two or more lanes that are moving in the same direction, not just highways or interstates.
If a driver understands they may be reasonably overtaken by a faster vehicle, they must move to the right lane.
The left lane is solely for traffic moving at a higher speed.
What are the penalties for violating the law?
According to the Peachstate Lawyer firm, the fines and punishments are pretty steep.
Fines of up to $1,000
Up to three points are added to your license
Likely higher insurance premiums
It’s also worth noting that while license suspension is not a direct result of violating the Slow Poke Law, accumulating 15 or more points within a 24-month period can result in losing your license.
Exceptions to the law
While the law is there to make driving safer on Georgia roads, there are some common-sense exceptions.
Adverse weather conditions or road obstructions that require you to remain in the left lane
Preparing to make a left turn or exit the highway
Complying with other traffic laws or following directions from a traffic control device
Traffic congestion which has made it necessary to drive in the left lane
Passing slower-moving traffic and were prepared to return to the right lane once it was safe to do so
There are also ways to contest an officer’s account of the situation, claiming it was either subjective or incorrect. Conditions that might influence this are the time of day, the general flow of traffic, actual speed or road conditions.
Given how potentially damaging the penalties are, it is often in a driver’s best interest to consult with a traffic attorney.
Have you ever received a ticket for driving too slowly? Sound off in the comments or find me on Instagram.
This story was originally published September 4, 2024 at 3:56 PM.
