Move over road hogs, it’s the law

NEWS — The provincial government took the first step toward cracking down on road hogs today (Monday) as it introduced legislation to make it easier for police to ticket drivers who don’t move over into the righthand lane.

“Drivers who won’t move over can impede traffic and contribute to crashes. This new rule makes it clear who should travel in the left lane, and when, promoting safety on our highways,” said Todd Stone, Transportation Minister and MLA for Kamloops-South Thompson.

The Rural Highway Safety and Speed Review found there was public concern with slow drivers travelling in the left lane on high-speed highways, leading to driver frustration and aggressive driving behaviours.

The Motor Vehicle Amendment Act, 2015 clarifies that drivers are to travel in the right lane, unless they are:
• overtaking and passing another vehicle,
• moving left to allow traffic to merge,
• preparing for a left hand turn,
• moving left to pass an official vehicle displaying a flashing light.

Drivers will be allowed to use the left-most lane if it is unsafe to use the right lane – for example, if the right lane hasn’t been ploughed or there is debris in the lane. As well, during periods of traffic congestion when the actual travel speed drops to 50 km/h or less, drivers can use all lanes.

In addition, the legislation will allow the ministry to define winter tires as those with a mountain/snowflake symbol or the M+S (mud and snow) symbol by regulation, and to more easily update the definition as tire technology changes. Updated requirements for studded tires and traction devices such as chains can also be defined in regulation.

In a move to create small parking spaces, another change will allow local governments to permit motorcycle parking within six meters of intersections with stop signs or signals, as long as drivers’ views are not impeded.