Two new traffic laws going into effect Aug. 1 that will affect all Minnesotans are the “hands-free” law and the “left lane slowpoke” law. 

 

Last week the Citizen-Tribune spoke to area residents about their thoughts on the hands-free law and how they see themselves being affected by it. This week residents were asked about their feelings on the slowpoke law.

 

Under the slowpoke law, drivers in the left lane who refuse to move over for vehicles traveling faster than themselves can receive a traffic citation. The law was put into place to promote better traffic flow throughout the state.

 

“I’ve been waiting for this one for years,” said Big Lake resident Scott Berthiaume, who used to commute to Fridley. “I’m hoping it helps with the flow of traffic and I think it will cut down on road rage incidents. When people are stuck behind someone who won’t move over, they cut to the right lane and then cut back in front of them.”

 

Berthiaume, who usually drives in the right hand lane, said he also sees drivers in both lanes going 60 with no one moving out of the way.

“As a professional driver and former over the road trucker, I can say it’s really frustrating to not be able to get around people in the left lane,” said Becker resident Terri Hughes. “You just learn to cope and be patient. But it’s really dangerous when people drive slow in that left passing lane when there’s only two lanes total. It’s a bit easier in big cities where you can choose a different lane if you need to, but it’s still a pain.”

 

Allen Groth, who’s been commuting to the Twin Cities from Clearwater for years, thinks the slowpoke law will help all the way around. He switches lanes while he’s driving, looking for the fastest route.

 

“State parks are for camping not the left hand lane,” he joked.

 

Nicole Kowski, who’s from Clear Lake, switches back and forth between lanes trying to be vigilant when she’s driving.

 

“It’s a good law and it’s about time,” she said. “Minnesotans are known for hogging the left lane. I’ve heard people say they slow down and “patrol” the left lane to try to keep people from speeding.”

 

The state patrol advises against this practice, stating drivers need to leave it up to them to enforce the laws.

 

“I try to stay in the fast lane because people aren’t as annoying,” said Clearwater resident Mariah Schwartz. “But I do get over if I need to, so the law won’t affect the way I drive.”

 

It’s already law in Minnesota for motorists to move over for faster vehicles, but fines weren’t allowed. Under the slowpoke law, drivers that don’t move over can be given a $125 fine. Emergency vehicles such as firetrucks and ambulances are exempt from the new law, as are drivers slowing down to take a left-side exit.

 

“In several other states this is commonplace as it impedes the normal flow of traffic and creates self-inflicted bottlenecks,” said Becker resident Charlie Schmidt. “As the metro area congestion worsens, this is just a step to try and stay ahead of it. I’m not a fan of more regulation, but that’s trumped by removing barriers to effective commerce and transportation.”

 

Monica Wesenberg of Santiago said that’s how she drives and how it’s always supposed to be.

 

“We have to ticket to get people to follow the laws,” she said. “Otherwise it can cause backups on the interstate and lead to accidents.”

Not all area residents are in favor of the new law.

 

“I think it’s a stupid law,” said Big Lake resident Linda Vollbrecht. “It’s annoying because they say you can go five mph over. I totally understand when you have a slowpoke in the left lane, they need to get over. But I hate it when people ride my bumper and I can’t move over. I’m not going to until I can do so safely.”

 

Speeding still isn’t allowed under the new law. Tickets will only be given if people in the left lane are slowed below the speed limit by a driver who won’t move over. The law also isn’t meant to encourage tailgating, which is dangerous and can also result in a citation.

 

“I think it’s a good law but it’s going to create road rage,” said Palmer resident Maureen Havert. “I think they need to spend more time enforcing the speed limit instead. People just drive way too fast.”