NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — Two Tennessee lawmakers are seeking to expand the state’s “slowpoke” law. The current law makes it illegal to travel slowly in the left-hand lane of a six-lane divided highway, because it impedes the flow of traffic.
State Rep. John Mark Windle and Sen. Paul Bailey plan to bring a bill in the upcoming session which would expand it to four-lane divided highways. The $50 fine would remain the same. Windle said he believes the change would reduce traffic congestion and make Tennessee roads safer, especially where people commute through growing cities.
"There are so many electronic devices being used by automobile drivers right now," said Rep. Windle. "Not just handheld devices, but also devices that are touch screen in automobiles that many drivers who are distracted will stay in the left lane when there's traffic moving faster behind them."
A number of states have already passed similar legislation.
