Many states have laws requiring slower traffic to keep right. Sometimes this is reserved specifically for trucks, but not always. Some law enforcement officials have begun cracking down on those meandering in the fast lane, such as when one state trooper taught a slow driver what the left lane is actually for, which included a fine. Recently, Hawaiian officials made some changes to their left lane law by removing an exception which was considered problematic in terms of enforcement.

While the original law sought to keep trucks out of the left lane, it allowed big rigs to remain as long as they were matching the surrounding traffic flow. The law became active in 2024, but nearly half a year into its tenure, not one citation had been handed out. Now, that exception has been removed, along with some other changes. According to Rep. Diamond Garcia, as reported by KHON2.com, with regard to the exception, “It did not allow our law enforcement to actually enforce the law. So, three years in the making to finally add teeth to it to make it work.”

So now, those operating a commercial vehicle tipping the scales at more than 10,000 pounds or towing (either a vehicle or trailer) caught in the left lane will be subject to a $97 fine. And this is regardless of whether they’re keeping up with traffic. Hawaii isn’t the only one taking a stiffer stance, Colorado is another state cracking down on slow drivers hogging the left lane as well.

There is a science to optimal traffic flow and this can be easily disrupted when slower vehicles, like trucks, remain in the left lane. This becomes especially important in crowded areas. For example, Honolulu, Hawaii’s largest city, has experienced considerable traffic congestion, particularly on the H-1 Freeway. Data shows the average motorist in the islands capital loses up to 95 hours a year in traffic, a figure only slightly trailing Los Angeles, according to WildlifeHawaii.com.

When the left lane is reserved for passing, it not only reduces congestion, but it’s also safer. Vehicles wanting to travel faster but are impeded by trucks (or slow cars) in the fast lane, must resort to overtaking in the right lane. This potentially leads to weaving through traffic and alternating continually between lanes, which invites more opportunity for accidents.

In an interview with MotorWeek.org, seasoned long-haul trucker Bill Adams explained, “We’re dependent on our mirrors, and we have large blind spots on all sides of the tractor trailer.” And unfortunately, the blind spot is much greater on the right side than on the left. This is why you should avoid passing a semi truck on the right, as it may not be able to see you.