Just days until August 1 ‘left lane’ law will throw drivers in PRISON for ‘driving just one mph under the speed limit’
STARTING August 1, a new driving law will crack down on anyone driving even one mile per hour under the posted speed limit.
Under this “no dawdling” legislation, motorists caught cruising just under the limit in the left lane face hefty fees.
GettyLouisiana drivers will be ticketed for driving too slow in the left lane starting August 1 (stock image)[/caption]
Louisiana is rolling out the tough new left-lane rule, enforcing $150 fines that could go up to $350 for frequent offenders.
Persistently evading the rule may even lead to jail time, making the consequences especially serious for repeat violators.
Several states are bringing in stricter traffic rules starting August 1, with fines, tech enforcement, and new driver requirements.
Officials made clear that, according to the Louisiana law, the left lane is strictly for passing traffic, and lingering there at slower speeds disrupts flow and frustrates others on the road.
Dubbed the “clogged up” law by critics, it’s designed to minimize highway bottlenecks and reduce overtaking chaos on highways.
Supporters of the law say it encourages faster-moving vehicles to pass unhindered, reducing the risk of sudden lane changes or collisions.
Opponents, however, call the legislation overly harsh, questioning whether punishing someone for driving just a little under the limit is fair.
The measures apply expressly to highways with marked left lanes, not surface streets or local roads.
Some drivers warn on forums that enforcement could feel trivial — or even invasive — especially if used by overzealous cops.
Despite that, lawmakers insist the policy will promote smoother traffic flow and bolster overall highway safety.
Louisiana’s new rule joins a growing push in other states, like New York and South Carolina, where similar laws are gaining traction.
In New York, sitting in the left lane below normal traffic speed can warrant fines up to $150, license points, and insurance hikes.
South Carolina is also eyeing tougher penalties, proposing to lift fines from $25 all the way to $100 for slow driving in the passing lane.
Though the Louisiana measure is uniquely radical — jail time for going just 1 mph slow — the trend reflects increased legislative efforts to keep highways moving.
Driving laws taking effect August 1, 2025
Seven new traffic‑law measures taking effect on August 1, 2025:
North Dakota drivers face a new speeding fine structure: the greater of a $20 minimum or $5 per mph over the limit, with extra penalties for exceeding by 16+ mph, alongside an increase in highway speed limits to 80 mph
Florida now requires teenage drivers aged 15 and over to complete 50 hours of driver education, a four‑hour traffic-law and substance abuse course, vision/hearing tests, and parental consent before getting licensed
In Louisiana, a new “clogged‑up” law penalizes drivers traveling even 1 mph under the speed limit in left lanes, with fines starting at $150, increasing to $250‑$350, and up to 30 days in jail for repeat violations
North Carolina mandates ignition interlock devices for drivers convicted of DWI, so the vehicle won’t start if alcohol is detected by breath samples
Louisiana also implements a hands‑free law banning handheld phone use while driving—fines reach $250 in school or construction zones
Minnesota begins installing speed enforcement cameras in Minneapolis and Mendota Heights; repeat offenders face fines of $40 to $80, depending on speed over the limit
In Newport, Oregon, police may now tow vehicles that have a single unpaid parking ticket older than 45 days or four unresolved citations
North Dakota is increasing highway speed limits to 80 mph and adjusting its speeding fine system to a minimum of $20 or $5 per mph over the limit, with harsher penalties for major violations.
In Florida, teens must now complete 50 hours of driver education, a traffic-law and substance-abuse course, and pass vision and hearing tests with parental consent before hitting the road.
North Carolina is enforcing ignition interlock devices for drivers convicted of DWI to stop repeat drunk driving incidents.
Meanwhile, Minnesota is launching speed cameras in select cities.
And law enforcement in Newport, Oregon, will now tow vehicles for just one overdue parking ticket or four outstanding citations.
As these laws take effect in just a matter of days, drivers were urged to review their state’s driving laws to avoid any harsh penalties.
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