'Slow-Poke Bill' Speeds Through Georgia House

Left-lane “slow pokes,” watch out or get out of the way.

If legislation that was easily passed in the Georgia House Wednesday becomes law, it’ll be a misdemeanor not to move out of the left lane when a faster car is approaching from behind.

Rep. Bill Hitchens, author of House Bill 459, told the AJC, “Everybody knows this is the slow-poke bill.”

The bill was approved 162-9.

The bill reads, in part:

“No person shall drive a motor vehicle at such a slow speed as to impede the normal and reasonable movement of traffic, except when reduced speed is necessary for safe operation.”

Read the entire bill here

Hitchens, from Rincon, Ga., admitted enforcing the law would be difficult,  but likened the sentiment of it to the “good manners your mother should have taught you.”

He told the AJC that removing situations like a long back-up behind a slower car in the left lane could also diminish “the spark that ignites road rage.”

What Do You Think?

Should there be a law requiring left-lane drivers to get out of the way of faster vehicles? Tell us in the comments below.