Please, the left lane is for passing...

[PennyArcade]

I go LondonToronto quite often, and more often than I wish (which is NEVER), I see cars in the left lane going the same speed and the middle lane. This slightly annoys me, but when they don't merge with the middle lane when there is a safe oppurtunity to do so, it is just improper. Either go faster or merge.

What REALLY annoys me are when people are going slow in the left lane, even when the right lane is completely free. When I say free, I really mean free; about 500m gap between cars. There is NO reason for you to be in the left lane. NONE. Even if you are going 160km/h, you have an obligation to change to the right lane when there is such a large gap.

Either the people don't know this rule, or they are just bastards. To the drivers who don't know this rule, please follow this etiquitte because it is the way that most drivers use the highway. To bastards who choose to ignore this rule, I hope you like being tailgated.

So, in summary:

- Left lane is for passing and is considered the fastest lane in a highway (barring traffic)
- If you are in the left lane and there is a car coming from behind that is faster, there are a few scenarios:
1a. If there is no one ahead of you for a considerable distance, go faster.
1b. If there is no one ahead of you for a considerable distance, merge with the right lane whenever it is safe to do so, allow the car to pass, then go back to the left lane to pass.
2. If you are following a car in front of you, do nothing and stay the same speed.
- If the right lane is free of cars for a considerable distance, ALWAYS use the right lane.
- I don't endorse passing a slow car in the left lane by using a lane to the right (though I have done so after realizing the slow car is not changing lanes).

There are exceptions to the above rules. If people can post some good ones, I would like to read them.

[gman]

Either the people don't know this rule, or they are just bastards.
They are bastards.

[sweetnlow]

This could be my biggest pet peeve. :mad: Unless they are using a phone/putting on makeup simultaneously while in the passing lane.

I used to think they were just being inconsiderate on purpose, though recently, I have seen some people who seem terrified to get out of the passing lane, so they grip the steering wheel tighter, gradually SLOW DOWN and look straight ahead...perhaps to avoid the sight of me giving them a nasty look as I am forced to pass them on the left.

[mau108]

I drove to london and back today, i noticed this too and you know who it is more, those pesky americans. Eiter NY or Michigan plates :mad:.

If im doing less then 130 im usually in the right lane, more then that, the left lanes mine (and for those who are going to come here and say omg you drive 30 over the limit, STFU you know you do too)

[sti571]

Show me where in the Highway Traffic Act it says this. I'll drive in the left lane at 100 and you can tailgate me all you want, I'm in no hurry and you're the one breaking the law by driving over the limit lol

[gman]

Show me where in the Highway Traffic Act it says this. I'll drive in the left lane at 100 and you can tailgate me all you want, I'm in no hurry and you're the one breaking the law by driving over the limit lol

As you wish,

http://www.e-laws.gov.on.ca/DBLaws/Statutes/English/90h08_e.htm#BK213

Vehicles or equestrians overtaken

(2) Every person in charge of a vehicle or on horseback on a highway who is overtaken by a vehicle or equestrian travelling at a greater speed shall turn out to the right and allow the overtaking vehicle or equestrian to pass. R.S.O. 1990, c. H.8, s. 148 (2).

Yes, you can get a ticket for that. My friend did. He was stopped by OPP in 401 because he was driving on the left lane for over 20km and the highway was not busy.

Don't forget to do the same thing when you ride a horse. ;)

Sometime, I really wonder how people gets their driving licence.

[BBQPorkBun]

Show me where in the Highway Traffic Act it says this. I'll drive in the left lane at 100 and you can tailgate me all you want, I'm in no hurry and you're the one breaking the law by driving over the limit lol

You do have an obligation to keep right, and its also just curtious

[sPiKyAZN]

Show me where in the Highway Traffic Act it says this. I'll drive in the left lane at 100 and you can tailgate me all you want, I'm in no hurry and you're the one breaking the law by driving over the limit lol

please be sure to lock your doors when you see men in baseball bats come at your car.

[gman]

please be sure to lock your doors when you see men in baseball bats come at your car.

Unless this man with baseball bat is Steve Austin, it is hard to get to his door when he is driving at precisely 100km/h.

[Azxster]

I just highbeam until they move or until I get bored and overtake to the right (which is illegal)

[ES_Revenge]

Show me where in the Highway Traffic Act it says this. I'll drive in the left lane at 100 and you can tailgate me all you want, I'm in no hurry and you're the one breaking the law by driving over the limit lol

LOL ignorance at it's finest :rolleyes: You can indeed be ticketed for impeding traffic, regardless of the speed limit.

I remember back many years ago some guy got a ticket for going 1km/h over the speed limit on the 402. Yes 1km/h. It was just around the time when the ON law changed to make it so you could be ticketed for even 1km/h over. Anyway to prove a point this guy got his buddy and they both went exactly 100km/h in both lanes of the 402--thus making it impossible for anyone to pass. They were both ticketed for impeding the flow of traffic. I mean his point not relevant to this thread but they were still pulled over and charged for it.

This (people not getting out of the way in the left lane) is also one of my peeves about driving on the highway. The problem is, in Canada and the US as well I assume, it's pretty pointless as no one cares and people are as ignorant as the person above... Things people would get ticketed for often in places like Europe, have no penalty at all over here. Well they do but it's just never enforced. Things like blocking the passing lane, passing on the right (though with idiots blocking the left lane what else can you do, lol), etc. are not enforced by police at all.

PennyArcade's run down looks good to me--that's how people should be driving. You're in the left lane to pass, not drive.

Another thing I hate is slow passers staying in the left lane indefinitely because they are going like 5km/h faster than people in the middle lane. Like they think they should just pass 50 more cars before giving up the lane :mad: If you're passing a group of slower cars at a relatively slow passing rate that's fine too, but if another car comes passing at a faster rate (going faster than you) then please get the hell out of the lane for the few seconds it will take for that person to go by. Then you can go back over and resume your slow passing.

Truth be told I'm caught up in the same situation many times--me going 120 and many cars in the other lanes going 100-110. But when I'm in the left lane passing said cars and I see a car coming up on me at 140??? I do exactly what I said--get the hell out of the lane and let the person go. Being an idiot and staying there only makes you one of the many causes of traffic, as well as an idiot.

The truth is that all of this is a waste though, the morons on the road will never change. Nothing makes them. Driver education barely teaches anything, enforcement does nothing but give out speeding tickets, and everyone continues on their blissfully ignorant way completely oblivious to everyone else on the road :rolleyes: Unless the entire system of driver licensing and motor vehicles and enforcement gets changed significantly, none of this will change :(

[gheart008]

Show me where in the Highway Traffic Act it says this. I'll drive in the left lane at 100 and you can tailgate me all you want, I'm in no hurry and you're the one breaking the law by driving over the limit lol

sigh, I really have no idea how you got your license, but I really hope you stay off the roads. It's people like you who piss people off on the roads since you don't know the rules.

As you wish,

http://www.e-laws.gov.on.ca/DBLaws/Statutes/English/90h08_e.htm#BK213



Yes, you can get a ticket for that. My friend did. He was stopped by OPP in 401 because he was driving on the left lane for over 20km and the highway was not busy.

Don't forget to do the same thing when you ride a horse. ;)

Sometime, I really wonder how people gets their driving licence.

OWNED!

[chriswalsh]

Show me where in the Highway Traffic Act it says this. I'll drive in the left lane at 100 and you can tailgate me all you want, I'm in no hurry and you're the one breaking the law by driving over the limit lol

That is the way people drive in Michigan... the flow of traffic is often opposite on the i94 as its supposed to be (inside lane slowest, outter lane quickest). Its ridiculous (but fun) to have to swing to the outter lane to pass two idiots driving 70 in the inner two lanes.

Ticks me off to no end when people do it if im in a hurry though.

[mau108]

Show me where in the Highway Traffic Act it says this. I'll drive in the left lane at 100 and you can tailgate me all you want, I'm in no hurry and you're the one breaking the law by driving over the limit lol

jack asses like you i cut off....

I was one doing 140 down 400 in the far left lane, i see a car moving into the same lane im in a few meters down, and the ***** is driving at 100, i slam my brakes (not hard but enough for some serious pad wear lol) and cruise thinking she made a mistake and was gonna move back in to the middle lane, I was wrong, a km went by and this ***** is still in the same lane and im tailing her, there were no cars in the middle lane so i pull into that lane and speed up and look at her, she looks at me and goes slow down.

I was like, ***** are you my mom? I stuck my middle finger up and just cut her off, i saw her blink her high beams at me and and a few seconds later i couldnt see her in my tail ;)

well thats my story of road rage at its best, I usually dont pull the middle finger or yell or anything, but this one ***** really pissed the hell out of me, she pulled into the left lane to slow me down, being a dumb ****, did she not figure out that if i hit her from the rear she could have found her self in the middle of 400 with traffic going the opposite way (she would probably be dead from impact of other cars).

Another pet peeve is those that dont do sholder check ups, ill leave that story for another day.

[alkaseltzer01]

Show me where in the Highway Traffic Act it says this. I'll drive in the left lane at 100 and you can tailgate me all you want, I'm in no hurry and you're the one breaking the law by driving over the limit lol


How many other things are you doing that's wrong that you think is right?

[Bazooka Joe]

This is precisely why we must have speed limits in North America. Because people don't have a clue how to drive. In Germany everyone knows the rules of the road and follows them, which is why they can safely remove speed limits on national highways. Although our roads are many times wider than theirs (average autobahn road is 2-3 lanes in either direction) it's the sheer incompetence of our drivers that precludes us from removing our speed limits.

This is one of my major pet peeves as well. The worst is being on a 2 lane road, coming up on two people driving right beside one another, and there being kilometers in front of them with no one else there. Happens a lot on provincial highways.

[DragonZealot]

http://www.e-laws.gov.on.ca/DBLaws/Statutes/English/90h08_e.htm#BK213



Apparently the police does not think that this is a big problem or they have other priority so charges are seldom laid against those drivers cruising on the left lane.

I read from the Star that people got charged on HTA 147.1 will not be convicted if the defendant declere that he was travelling at speed limit. May be this is why police are not interested on laying the charge.

The law said you should travel on the right lane if you are below the "normal speed" of the traffic. The judge must think that the "normal speed" should be the speed limit of the road.


Yes, you can get a ticket for that. My friend did. He was stopped by OPP in 401 because he was driving on the left lane for over 20km and the highway was not busy.


He must be charged 20 over speed limit not HTA 147.1. Its is easlier to convict him this way.

[Sylvestre]

Show me where in the Highway Traffic Act it says this. I'll drive in the left lane at 100 and you can tailgate me all you want, I'm in no hurry and you're the one breaking the law by driving over the limit lol

sheesh. how did you get your licence? :confused:
People like YOU make the roads dangerous

[Narci]

Show me where in the Highway Traffic Act it says this. I'll drive in the left lane at 100 and you can tailgate me all you want, I'm in no hurry and you're the one breaking the law by driving over the limit lol

Also, MTO has messages on above signs that say 'slower traffic to the right' or 'left lane for passing'

[profguy]

I go LondonToronto quite often, and more often than I wish (which is NEVER), I see cars in the left lane going the same speed and the middle lane. This slightly annoys me, but when they don't merge with the middle lane when there is a safe oppurtunity to do so, it is just improper. Either go faster or merge.

What REALLY annoys me are when people are going slow in the left lane, even when the right lane is completely free. When I say free, I really mean free; about 500m gap between cars. There is NO reason for you to be in the left lane. NONE. Even if you are going 160km/h, you have an obligation to change to the right lane when there is such a large gap.

Either the people don't know this rule, or they are just bastards. To the drivers who don't know this rule, please follow this etiquitte because it is the way that most drivers use the highway. To bastards who choose to ignore this rule, I hope you like being tailgated.

So, in summary:

- Left lane is for passing and is considered the fastest lane in a highway (barring traffic)
- If you are in the left lane and there is a car coming from behind that is faster, there are a few scenarios:
1a. If there is no one ahead of you for a considerable distance, go faster.
1b. If there is no one ahead of you for a considerable distance, merge with the right lane whenever it is safe to do so, allow the car to pass, then go back to the left lane to pass.
2. If you are following a car in front of you, do nothing and stay the same speed.
- If the right lane is free of cars for a considerable distance, ALWAYS use the right lane.
- I don't endorse passing a slow car in the left lane by using a lane to the right (though I have done so after realizing the slow car is not changing lanes).

There are exceptions to the above rules. If people can post some good ones, I would like to read them.


While i agree in pricipipal and use the left to pass myself. This rule is nonsense... because that means there is no spead limit in the left lane...ie you go as fast as you like in the left lane if no one is behind you while the rest of us crow into the 1 or 2 right lanes to leave the left free?

Why do you pass if everyoen is going 100 -120 in the right lane and the limit say is 100 ... does the law say you are at the limit and then why would anyone go into the left land and break the law by speeding.


The only reason for left lane for passing is so you can speed thinking it is ok and the rest of us that obey the law get stuck bumper to bumper?

If i'm wrong ...let me know ...because I go fast too but one land for passing alone ridiculous ... jus tlook at the 401 and imagine of that was the case.

[mart242]

Here's what the problem is: Everyone thinks that they are the best driver. No one wants to admit that they suck at driving.

Here's what they should do: mandatory driving school that consists not only of boring usual stuff but some "control" driving: skid pad, ice patch, snowy / rainy track. If you can't handle your car when it skids, I'm sorry but you should not be driving. It's easy and you can take a one day class during winter that will teach you all of that: you'll be a better driver after.

[Narci]

While i agree in pricipipal and use the left to pass myself. This rule is nonsense... because that means there is no spead limit in the left lane...ie you go as fast as you like in the left lane if no one is behind you while the rest of us crow into the 1 or 2 right lanes to leave the left free?

Why do you pass if everyoen is going 100 -120 in the right lane and the limit say is 100 ... does the law say you are at the limit and then why would anyone go into the left land and break the law by speeding.


The only reason for left lane for passing is so you can speed thinking it is ok and the rest of us that obey the law get stuck bumper to bumper?

If i'm wrong ...let me know ...because I go fast too but one land for passing alone ridiculous ... jus tlook at the 401 and imagine of that was the case.

In a perfect world that would make sense, everyone would be driving speed limit. This 'rule' is probably used to lessen the amount of road rage out there. Lessen the amount of accidents. Think of this 'rule' as a loophole for those who speed, a lesser of 2 evils.

[gman]

While i agree in pricipipal and use the left to pass myself. This rule is nonsense... because that means there is no spead limit in the left lane...ie you go as fast as you like in the left lane if no one is behind you while the rest of us crow into the 1 or 2 right lanes to leave the left free?

Why do you pass if everyoen is going 100 -120 in the right lane and the limit say is 100 ... does the law say you are at the limit and then why would anyone go into the left land and break the law by speeding.


The only reason for left lane for passing is so you can speed thinking it is ok and the rest of us that obey the law get stuck bumper to bumper?

If i'm wrong ...let me know ...because I go fast too but one land for passing alone ridiculous ... jus tlook at the 401 and imagine of that was the case.

Left lane is for passing and not for speed. It should be left open most of the time. Even if you are fast, you should keep on changing lane. That is pass, switch right, switch left, pass, switch right, ....

That is what I do in 401 although not in Toronto core when it is jam packed most of the time.

[neospice]

Yeah I agree, biggest pet peeve. A lot of drivers here are just selfish and think they own the road, that no one else is driving with them. In Europe or Japan, drivers know what they're doing and know the laws and as a result aren't as many accidents (except Italy maybe). I blame the huge influx of immigrants who aren't used to driving cars back in their homeland and as a result don't know basic driving laws and etiquette.

[teknoluv]

Yes, staying at 100 kph on the left lane (which in MOST cases mean slower than the cars in the middle and/or right lanes) and *thinking* it's okay (not against the law) is stupid; HOWEVER, *thinking* that you are entitled to speed at 130+ kph on the left lane is equally so (if not more stupid ... or stupider). I have actually seen more dangerous merging into the right lane just because there is a speeding car coming from behind.

[new_vr]

Show me where in the Highway Traffic Act it says this. I'll drive in the left lane at 100 and you can tailgate me all you want, I'm in no hurry and you're the one breaking the law by driving over the limit lol
So...you want to be a jerk. In turn, some other idiot decides to go into the right hand lane to pass. If other people are less then attentive, this can create a dangerous situation. Two wrongs don't make a right, but they can cause an accident

[NDman]

Sometime, I really wonder how people gets their driving licence.
A new article today. The tradition and driving habbits of a lot of Torontonian drivers have been pretty bad...

http://www.thestar.com/NASApp/cs/ContentServer?pagename=thestar/Layout/Article_Type1&c=Article&cid=1158531020089&call_pageid=968332188492&col=968793972154&t=TS_Home

[Narci]

Yeah I agree, biggest pet peeve. A lot of drivers here are just selfish and think they own the road, that no one else is driving with them. In Europe or Japan, drivers know what they're doing and know the laws and as a result aren't as many accidents (except Italy maybe). I blame the huge influx of immigrants who aren't used to driving cars back in their homeland and as a result don't know basic driving laws and etiquette.

I think the problem stems from too much hand holding fromt he government. What i mean is to many laws, too many restrictions. People don't need to think when they drive as well shoddy training methods. Everyone and thier dog can get a driver's license these days.

[teknoluv]

I blame the huge influx of immigrants who aren't used to driving cars back in their homeland and as a result don't know basic driving laws and etiquette.
I don't think you will have a-n-y even half decent evidence to back it up. A more educated guess would be the lack of mandatory driving lessons, stemming from the archaic laws that allow just anybody with 4 years of driving experience to "accompany" a learning driver. Terrible, when you have a "mentor" who don't even know the basics. Damn it.

[enko]

I just highbeam until they move or until I get bored and overtake to the right (which is illegal)

Actually I remember looking in the HTA for that specifically about 2 years ago. I don't think it's illegal at all.

Not safe? Maybe, most drivers don't expect to be passed on the right. But I don't think it's an actual HTA violation, you should check up on it since my memory is not to be trusted 100% :)

[Bazooka Joe]

Actually I remember looking in the HTA for that specifically about 2 years ago. I don't think it's illegal at all.

Not safe? Maybe, most drivers don't expect to be passed on the right. But I don't think it's an actual HTA violation, you should check up on it since my memory is not to be trusted 100% :)

Or you could just read post #6.

[otaque]

I'm sure some of you have seen this.
This is what happens when all lanes go the speed limit -
google video link (http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-5366552067462745475)

[enko]

Or you could just read post #6.

And so could you. It says nothing about overtaking a vehicle by using the right lane.

[profguy]

Left lane is for passing and not for speed. It should be left open most of the time. Even if you are fast, you should keep on changing lane. That is pass, switch right, switch left, pass, switch right, ....

That is what I do in 401 although not in Toronto core when it is jam packed most of the time.

sound like you mean the left lane for speeding. Are there not laws for speed limits? when do they apply in your senario?

I go 110 say and the posted limit is 100 and you blow pass me in the left becasue you need to pass? we are already going 110. so what is there to pass?

what is the limit in the left lane then .. especially if no one is behind you? don't people in the left lane get tickets? i got one myself one at 130.

[googoo]

" I go 110 say and the posted limit is 100 and you blow pass me in the left becasue you need to pass? we are already going 110. so what is there to pass?"

That's assuming people feel that the speed your going is fast enough for them. I guess if they are trying to pass you they feel you aren't going fast enough.

B

[PennyArcade]

And so could you. It says nothing about overtaking a vehicle by using the right lane.

It does appear that you are legally allowed to pass on the right:

Passing to right of vehicle

150. (1) The driver of a motor vehicle may overtake and pass to the right of another vehicle only where the movement can be made in safety and,

(a) the vehicle overtaken is making or about to make a left turn or its driver has signalled his or her intention to make a left turn;

(b) is made on a highway with unobstructed pavement of sufficient width for two or more lines of vehicles in each direction; or

(c) is made on a highway designated for the use of one-way traffic only. R.S.O. 1990, c. H.8, s. 150 (1).

Specifically point b

[Bazooka Joe]

And so could you. It says nothing about overtaking a vehicle by using the right lane.

From the link posted in post #6 (you don't even have to scroll):


Passing vehicle going in same direction

(8) No person in charge of a vehicle shall pass or attempt to pass another vehicle going in the same direction on a highway unless the roadway,

(a) in front of and to the left of the vehicle to be passed is safely free from approaching traffic; and

(b) to the left of the vehicle passing or attempting to pass is safely free from overtaking traffic. R.S.O. 1990, c. H.8, s. 148 (8).

Edit: The exception being as pointed out above when the vehicle is turning left.

[Andro]

sound like you mean the left lane for speeding. Are there not laws for speed limits? when do they apply in your senario?

I go 110 say and the posted limit is 100 and you blow pass me in the left becasue you need to pass? we are already going 110. so what is there to pass?

what is the limit in the left lane then .. especially if no one is behind you? don't people in the left lane get tickets? i got one myself one at 130.

if you go 129km/h in 100 zone most of the times you'll be okey........and yeah 110 is pretty slow in 100 zone if it's straight highway zone...

[enko]

Looks like my memory worked well this time.

I don't feel the need to check the laws in that link myself - I can trust myself. I leave it up to the reader to do as an exersize. I don't trust what other people say on the internet, I see no reason why anyone should trust what I say.



Sure, you're doing 110 in the left lane. You're breaking the law. Are you high and mighty? Why shouldn't the person behind you be allowed to break the law as well and do 120?

And just incase you say 120 is "more illegal" then 110...

A person who drives some 1991 beater with a plastic bag for a gas cap and half a front bumper and questionable brakes drives 100kph legally in the right lane.

A BMW M3 is doing 110 in the left lane. Sure, he's breaking the law and the beater isn't; however, the person who's "legal" wouldn't be my choice for catching a ride in, and in my opinion is much more dangerous.

[DragonZealot]

From the link posted in post #6 (you don't even have to scroll):


Passing vehicle going in same direction

(8) No person in charge of a vehicle shall pass or attempt to pass another vehicle going in the same direction on a highway unless the roadway,

(a) in front of and to the left of the vehicle to be passed is safely free from approaching traffic; and

(b) to the left of the vehicle passing or attempting to pass is safely free from overtaking traffic. R.S.O. 1990, c. H.8, s. 148 (8).

Edit: The exception being as pointed out above when the vehicle is turning left.

You read the law but you did not read the whole law. It is not unlawful to pass on the right lane. Otherwise how would you drive in the city when the car to your left slows down??

Read HTA 150.1.b:

150. (1) The driver of a motor vehicle may overtake and pass to the right of another vehicle only where the movement can be made in safety and,

(a) the vehicle overtaken is making or about to make a left turn or its driver has signalled his or her intention to make a left turn;

(b) is made on a highway with unobstructed pavement of sufficient width for two or more lines of vehicles in each direction; or

(c) is made on a highway designated for the use of one-way traffic only. R.S.O. 1990, c. H.8, s. 150 (1).

[Bazooka Joe]

You read the law but you did not read the whole law. It is not unlawful to pass on the right lane. Otherwise how would you drive in the city when the car to your left slows down??

Read HTA 150.1.b:

150. (1) The driver of a motor vehicle may overtake and pass to the right of another vehicle only where the movement can be made in safety and,

(a) the vehicle overtaken is making or about to make a left turn or its driver has signalled his or her intention to make a left turn;

(b) is made on a highway with unobstructed pavement of sufficient width for two or more lines of vehicles in each direction; or

(c) is made on a highway designated for the use of one-way traffic only. R.S.O. 1990, c. H.8, s. 150 (1).

Looks like I was mistaken. Naturally I didn't read the whole law, I doubt anyone did. There's a lot there to read.

Edit: Kept reading and answered my own question. :D

[plucky duck]

I'm not passing on the right hand lane, I'm just driving really fast and staying in the right lane. :lol:

[Anessa]

But Americans on their interstate are generally pretty good about staying in the right and using left lane for passing. It was pretty smooth when I was there last month.

[ar_ken]

It's the few bad apples of the bunch that ruins it for all the other drivers. Those people really need to go back and learn driving again.

[gman]

sound like you mean the left lane for speeding. Are there not laws for speed limits? when do they apply in your senario?

I go 110 say and the posted limit is 100 and you blow pass me in the left becasue you need to pass? we are already going 110. so what is there to pass?

what is the limit in the left lane then .. especially if no one is behind you? don't people in the left lane get tickets? i got one myself one at 130.

If you are caught when you were making a pass, then yes, it is speeding.

You can get a ticket for speeding and you can get a ticket staying on the left lane forever. BTW, it is easier to spot a car which stays on the left forever than proving a car was speeding at a pass assuming no radar is involved.

The law says:

Vehicles or equestrians overtaken

(2) Every person in charge of a vehicle or on horseback on a highway who is overtaken by a vehicle or equestrian travelling at a greater speed shall turn out to the right and allow the overtaking vehicle or equestrian to pass. R.S.O. 1990, c. H.8, s. 148 (2).

So, both should get a ticket if the law is enforced.

[gman]

He must be charged 20 over speed limit not HTA 147.1. Its is easlier to convict him this way.

I was talking about he was driving a distance of 20km on the left and never changed lane. I was not talking about speed (km/h).

[ShadowVlican]

I'm sure some of you have seen this.
This is what happens when all lanes go the speed limit -
google video link (http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-5366552067462745475)
wow nice :lol:

probably there would be a huge drop in traffic jams and/or accidents if EVERYONE followed the speed limit

as the cars came towards the bridge in that google video, i thought to myself, that's how future highways with computer driven cars would be like... a perfect highway..

[Gloaming]

This is why I love US interstates. The passing lanes are always empty and the transport trucks will abort passing each other if they see a car coming up from behind. (Unlike Ontario/Quebec transports that continue to pass each other with their cruise control on)

[D-3vil]

I go LondonToronto quite often, and more often than I wish (which is NEVER), I see cars in the left lane going the same speed and the middle lane. This slightly annoys me, but when they don't merge with the middle lane when there is a safe oppurtunity to do so, it is just improper. Either go faster or merge.

What REALLY annoys me are when people are going slow in the left lane, even when the right lane is completely free. When I say free, I really mean free; about 500m gap between cars. There is NO reason for you to be in the left lane. NONE. Even if you are going 160km/h, you have an obligation to change to the right lane when there is such a large gap.

Either the people don't know this rule, or they are just bastards. To the drivers who don't know this rule, please follow this etiquitte because it is the way that most drivers use the highway. To bastards who choose to ignore this rule, I hope you like being tailgated.

So, in summary:

- Left lane is for passing and is considered the fastest lane in a highway (barring traffic)
- If you are in the left lane and there is a car coming from behind that is faster, there are a few scenarios:
1a. If there is no one ahead of you for a considerable distance, go faster.
1b. If there is no one ahead of you for a considerable distance, merge with the right lane whenever it is safe to do so, allow the car to pass, then go back to the left lane to pass.
2. If you are following a car in front of you, do nothing and stay the same speed.
- If the right lane is free of cars for a considerable distance, ALWAYS use the right lane.
- I don't endorse passing a slow car in the left lane by using a lane to the right (though I have done so after realizing the slow car is not changing lanes).

There are exceptions to the above rules. If people can post some good ones, I would like to read them.

While I agree that slower vehicles should keep to the right, your decision to tailgate them is by no means smart. It is also a ticketable offense (one that is enforced more often than your pet peeve above) and just plain dangerous.

[PennyArcade]

While I agree that slower vehicles should keep to the right, your decision to tailgate them is by no means smart. It is also a ticketable offense (one that is enforced more often than your pet peeve above) and just plain dangerous.

I do not tailgate. I guess the line "I hope you like getting tailgated" kinda leads to that conclusion. I was just saying that other people that are not as considerate as me WILL tailgate.

[D-3vil]

I do not tailgate. I guess the line "I hope you like getting tailgated" kinda leads to that conclusion. I was just saying that other people that are not as considerate as me WILL tailgate.
in tgat case my previous statement nrrd not apply here :)

[akito925]

hahh yeah thats right! if your going 80-100 on the far left lane. you will be tailgated! I also pass in the middle lane because the idiot in the far left lane is not moving over.


I go LondonToronto quite often, and more often than I wish (which is NEVER), I see cars in the left lane going the same speed and the middle lane. This slightly annoys me, but when they don't merge with the middle lane when there is a safe oppurtunity to do so, it is just improper. Either go faster or merge.

What REALLY annoys me are when people are going slow in the left lane, even when the right lane is completely free. When I say free, I really mean free; about 500m gap between cars. There is NO reason for you to be in the left lane. NONE. Even if you are going 160km/h, you have an obligation to change to the right lane when there is such a large gap.

Either the people don't know this rule, or they are just bastards. To the drivers who don't know this rule, please follow this etiquitte because it is the way that most drivers use the highway. To bastards who choose to ignore this rule, I hope you like being tailgated.

So, in summary:

- Left lane is for passing and is considered the fastest lane in a highway (barring traffic)
- If you are in the left lane and there is a car coming from behind that is faster, there are a few scenarios:
1a. If there is no one ahead of you for a considerable distance, go faster.
1b. If there is no one ahead of you for a considerable distance, merge with the right lane whenever it is safe to do so, allow the car to pass, then go back to the left lane to pass.
2. If you are following a car in front of you, do nothing and stay the same speed.
- If the right lane is free of cars for a considerable distance, ALWAYS use the right lane.
- I don't endorse passing a slow car in the left lane by using a lane to the right (though I have done so after realizing the slow car is not changing lanes).

There are exceptions to the above rules. If people can post some good ones, I would like to read them.

[profguy]

why is there one lane for passing? when do you pass?

Some parts of the 401 have only 2 lanes (ie going to London) do you leave one lane open going bumper to bumper while the left lane is free?

so when doyou pass if you are inthe right lane and are already going at the posted limit?

At what speed does the guy (according to all the experts on the left lane) go back into the right lane? and how fast do you go now?

Left lane for passing is BS ... when I took driver training you go in the lane that you can see the best in and you keep up with the traffic (so people don't tailgate) and Watch the speed limit.

If the left lane is for passing that onmly makes sense if you are on the autobahn not the 401 ... from all the previous post there is nothing in the Motor Vehical Act about a "left lane for passing"

I wait for a resoned answer not the same old retoric ... what is the reasoning and logic for the left lane?

[Bazooka Joe]

why is there one lane for passing? when do you pass?

Some parts of the 401 have only 2 lanes (ie going to London) do you leave one lane open going bumper to bumper while the left lane is free?

so when doyou pass if you are inthe right lane and are already going at the posted limit?

At what speed does the guy (according to all the experts on the left lane) go back into the right lane? and how fast do you go now?

Left lane for passing is BS ... when I took driver training you go in the lane that you can see the best in and you keep up with the traffic (so people don't tailgate) and Watch the speed limit.

If the left lane is for passing that onmly makes sense if you are on the autobahn not the 401 ... from all the previous post there is nothing in the Motor Vehical Act about a "left lane for passing"

I wait for a resoned answer not the same old retoric ... what is the reasoning and logic for the left lane?

The logic for leaving the left hand lane open is that it allows the maximum flow of traffic, and allows for whatever speed the person driving is comfortable with. Furthermore, if everyone were to pass on the same side, the safety of those doing lane changes is increased, as the actions of those in your rear view window are easier to predict. Finally, having an open lane gives drivers an additional place to maneuver should there be a problem in front of you (poor merging, an accident, etc)

The way it would work is (and does on the autobahn):

1) You drive in the rightmost lane until you begin to gain on a vehicle in front of you.
2) You lane change into the next lane to your left and pass the vehicle.
3) You lane change back into the rightmost lane at next available opportunity.
4) Go to step 1

However, as you have pointed out (and I've learned as a consequence of this thread), there is no law preventing passing on either side. And there is a law against speeding. So there is nothing legally wrong with driving wherever you want, or passing wherever you want. This is however less safe and efficient.

[gheart008]

Left lane for passing is BS ... when I took driver training you go in the lane that you can see the best in and you keep up with the traffic (so people don't tailgate) and Watch the speed limit.

So what if you choose your lane, and the guy in front of you is going 60 in a 50 zone? You're going to follow his speed? Sorry, you should retake your training because if you did that during your driving test, that's an automatic failure.

Saying you're going to keep up with traffic and watch your speed limit doesn't make any sense what so ever if traffic is not all going the speed limit.

[rolla01]

Also, if the slower car in the left lane won't move, please don't tailgate the slower traffic in the RIGHT lane. You should continue to follow the slower car in the left lane until they woke up. I had this experience a few weeks ago in HWY 1 when an IDIOT can't get the slower left lane car to pull to the right, he just start tailgating me and hope that I can move faster (I'm on the right lane doing the speed limit, and in 2 lanes traffic). :mad:

[hagbard]

I like to get in the left lane and drive about 10klm below the speed limit, and when people go to pass at the right, speed up so they can't get ahead of me and laugh. When they throw me the finger, I just smile and wave. :cheesygri

















;)

[gheart008]

I like to get in the left lane and drive about 10klm below the speed limit, and when people go to pass at the right, speed up so they can't get ahead of me and laugh. When they throw me the finger, I just smile and wave. :cheesygri
;)


I really do hope you're kidding as you're endangering yourself as well as everyone around you.

[White Comet]

yea...too much of these people not knowing how to drive properly are driving. I mean, once I'm driving down the 404 South from Stoufville to Hwy7, i was going around 140 on the leftmost lane. Then, a black Nissan Murano goes into my lane, I was assuming that it was passing the car in the middle, I ended up slamming the brakes and going a bit into shoulder cuz that car ain't got up to 100 yet...and the car in the middle passed him...I was like wtf?

[profguy]

So what if you choose your lane, and the guy in front of you is going 60 in a 50 zone? You're going to follow his speed? Sorry, you should retake your training because if you did that during your driving test, that's an automatic failure.

Saying you're going to keep up with traffic and watch your speed limit doesn't make any sense what so ever if traffic is not all going the speed limit.

if the lane is free and you have improved visiblity then go there. No you don't speed but what you do is keep up (so ithose that are speeding stay off you back or move to another lane) or if someone is not going the limit i change lanes left or right whichever is the safest and going at the speed limit.

How did you pass the test if you ignore speed limits? why are there even limits if you pass when you are aleady going the limit? Is there a limit or is it only when you get caught?

sorry but you missed the point ... the left lane Bs is for the autobahn where that is the law not here where everyone want a clear lane for themselves. Crowding into one lane is ridiculous with a two lane highway ... again what are you passing or why are you passing if we are going the limit and if one land is not going the limit you jump into the other - just like you do driving in the City... it is the same rules.

[xenyz]

I want to get bumper stickers that say 'Keep Right Except To Pass' and 'Slower Traffic Keep Right' and just paste them everywhere. It's such a simple concept and would prevent so many traffic jams it'd be unreal.

If you're in the left lane on a major highway and there are no cars in front of you for 100m or more and there are cars behind you, you are in the wrong lane. Everyone thinks they are driving fast enough, but there is always somebody who is driving faster.

I think some of the reason people can't figure this out is because it'd be simple with two lane highways (like the interstate in the U.S.) but when you add another lane or two, people get confused.

Anyway, I'm going to start honking and flashing high beams at these people from now on in an effort to change their behaviour. Also driving with the left turn signal on intermittently when you can't pass on the right might clue them in as well.

And the whole bumper sticker idea might work if the MTO made it mandatory like license stickers. :)

[TrevorK]

Anyway, I'm going to start honking and flashing high beams at these people from now on in an effort to change their behaviour. Also driving with the left turn signal on intermittently when you can't pass on the right might clue them in as well.


How do you think drivers will react to your road rage? Do you think that they'll say "Oh I'm sorry kind sir, I'll let you pass" or "What a ******. Does he think that he makes all the rules?"

Do everyone a favour, don't drive a raging maniac. It makes you look bad, not the person who you feel doesn't know "how to drive".

[jdmkidd]

you got told haha...ignorant fool.

Show me where in the Highway Traffic Act it says this. I'll drive in the left lane at 100 and you can tailgate me all you want, I'm in no hurry and you're the one breaking the law by driving over the limit lol

[PennyArcade]

why is there one lane for passing? when do you pass?

I would imagine for a number of reasons. It is safer to know that cars will generally overtake you from one side rather than both. It is also a good way to have emergency vehicles to have a clear lane. When do you pass? When you are overtaking the car in front of you.

Some parts of the 401 have only 2 lanes (ie going to London) do you leave one lane open going bumper to bumper while the left lane is free??

If you are comfortable going at the current speed of the car in front of you, yes, you stay in the right lane. If you want to pass, use the left. I did note in the first post that this passing lane rule does not apply when there is a traffic jam.


so when doyou pass if you are inthe right lane and are already going at the posted limit?

if you are not comfortable going past the speed limit, by all means stay in the right lane. If you want to pass, use the left lane.


At what speed does the guy (according to all the experts on the left lane) go back into the right lane? and how fast do you go now?

Read my first post. As for how fast you go, you go as fast as the traffic in front of you is going. If there are no cars in front of you, however fast you think it is safe to go.


Left lane for passing is BS ... when I took driver training you go in the lane that you can see the best in and you keep up with the traffic (so people don't tailgate) and Watch the speed limit.

That's great. Here's the thing: if you do that (specifically watching the speed limit) in the left lane, you're going to get tailgated. So for your safety and the others around you, it would be in the best interest to change lanes to allow the tailgater to pass.


If the left lane is for passing that onmly makes sense if you are on the autobahn not the 401 ... from all the previous post there is nothing in the Motor Vehical Act about a "left lane for passing"

I wait for a resoned answer not the same old retoric ... what is the reasoning and logic for the left lane?

Read post #6. It is a law to allow cars that overtake you by merging to the right.

This is one of the reasons why big rigs are not allowed in the left lane (when there are 3 or more lanes going in the same direction).

All of what you said is true, but real life don't work that way. You WILL be tailgated and that will put cars around you in a dangerous situation. Not your fault (it is the tailgater's), but why not go merge with the right lane and preemptively prevent a dangerous situation?

[teknoluv]

If you're in the left lane on a major highway and there are no cars in front of you for 100m or more and there are cars behind you, you are in the wrong lane.
You know you are in the wrong lane WHEN there are no cars TO YOUR RIGHT, not "in the front".

Everyone thinks they are driving fast enough, but there is always somebody who is driving faster.
Since when were we supposed to drive "fast"?? Drivers are supposed to drive SAFE.

Anyway, I'm going to start honking and flashing high beams at these people from now on in an effort to change their behaviour.
Sorry to break the news to you, but they (honking and flashing high beams) don't work. Actually, smart drivers should slow down (instead of speed up or dangerously merge into the right) when there are stupid tailgaters.

With clearly unqualified drivers all around, no wonder GTA is not a safe place to drive. ;p

[Sylvestre]

Left lane for passing is BS ... when I took driver training you go in the lane that you can see the best in and you keep up with the traffic (so people don't tailgate) and Watch the speed limit.


wow, go re-take drivers ed! your concepts of driving are totally self-serving.



Here's what I don't understand. If you leave the left lane for passing, the only person in real danger is the idiot driving very very fast. Odds are, you can remove yourself from any potential dangerous situation.
But if you stay in the left lane, and have people tailgate you, swerve around you etc etc, you are putting yourself in danger.

Sadly, you do see people not passing in the left lane and then speeding up when others pass on the right, or refusing to move over when someone is behind them etc. WHY?

Why would you knowingly put yourself in a dangerous position? I've actually seen an accident where someone "tested their brakes on a tailgater". Person got rear-ended. Sure, the tailgater is legally wrong, but damm, I'd hate to be "right" and end up injured and without a car for a while.
What purpose does it serve?

Personally, I stay out of people's way, not because of laws or ego or anything. It's because I rather get home safe to my family!

[profguy]

I would imagine for a number of reasons. It is safer to know that cars will generally overtake you from one side rather than both. It is also a good way to have emergency vehicles to have a clear lane. When do you pass? When you are overtaking the car in front of you.



If you are comfortable going at the current speed of the car in front of you, yes, you stay in the right lane. If you want to pass, use the left. I did note in the first post that this passing lane rule does not apply when there is a traffic jam.



if you are not comfortable going past the speed limit, by all means stay in the right lane. If you want to pass, use the left lane.



Read my first post. As for how fast you go, you go as fast as the traffic in front of you is going. If there are no cars in front of you, however fast you think it is safe to go.



That's great. Here's the thing: if you do that (specifically watching the speed limit) in the left lane, you're going to get tailgated. So for your safety and the others around you, it would be in the best interest to change lanes to allow the tailgater to pass.



Read post #6. It is a law to allow cars that overtake you by merging to the right.

This is one of the reasons why big rigs are not allowed in the left lane (when there are 3 or more lanes going in the same direction).

All of what you said is true, but real life don't work that way. You WILL be tailgated and that will put cars around you in a dangerous situation. Not your fault (it is the tailgater's), but why not go merge with the right lane and preemptively prevent a dangerous situation?

Why do you need to pass if everyone is going the linit? you pass when you want to ... you go as fast as you can or feel you can go safely????

you sound like a wanabe racer ... what happen to speed limts/ you only jusfication is that you want a free lane to speed along - and heck with speed limits or anyone that thinks there is reason for spped limts.

FYI - there is no law in Ontario (yes in the States) that prevents Big Rigs from the left lane ... if you drive the 401, 402, 402 you will see it ...some people want the law here.

[PennyArcade]

Sorry to break the news to you, but they (honking and flashing high beams) don't work. Actually, smart drivers should slow down (instead of speed up or dangerously merge into the right) when there are stupid tailgaters.

With clearly unqualified drivers all around, no wonder GTA is not a safe place to drive. ;p

I don't agree with slowing down for tailgaters. Most of the time, tailgaters will give you a few seconds of "grace" time to let you merge into the right. It would be best to signal that you are changing lanes, and merge safely when possible. If you slow down, most tailgaters WILL change lanes to pass you from the right. If this happens, this is a much more dangerous situation to everybody around you than having you merge to the right safely. If you cannot merge safely, then the tailgater will probably tailgate you regardless if you stay the same speed or slow down. They WILL, however, be more angry (and therefore more aggresive) if you slow down.

btw, Communication is paramount. ALWAYS signal your lane changes and people behind you (and in front) will know what you are doing.

[Bazooka Joe]

Why do you need to pass if everyone is going the linit? you pass when you want to ... you go as fast as you can or feel you can go safely????

you sound like a wanabe racer ... what happen to speed limts/ you only jusfication is that you want a free lane to speed along - and heck with speed limits or anyone that thinks there is reason for spped limts.

FYI - there is no law in Ontario (yes in the States) that prevents Big Rigs from the left lane ... if you drive the 401, 402, 402 you will see it ...some people want the law here.

There have been studies to show that the lowest rate of accidents happens at ~+10mph above the average speed. Here's a good article.

http://www.tfhrc.gov/safety/speed/speed.htm

You'll see that the slowest and fastest drivers cause the most accidents. In fact, "low speed drivers are more likely to be involved in accidents than relatively high speed drivers." (direct quote from link)

Driving the way described by those of us advocating using the left lane for passing only is the safest way. Driving at the mean speed (which in the vast majority of the cases is above the speed limit) or above is also the safest. Does this answer your question fully?

[Spidey]

As you wish,

http://www.e-laws.gov.on.ca/DBLaws/Statutes/English/90h08_e.htm#BK213



Yes, you can get a ticket for that. My friend did. He was stopped by OPP in 401 because he was driving on the left lane for over 20km and the highway was not busy.

Don't forget to do the same thing when you ride a horse. ;)

Sometime, I really wonder how people gets their driving licence.



Thank you. Im sure over 50% of drivers on the road dont know this.

[PennyArcade]

Why do you need to pass if everyone is going the linit? you pass when you want to ... you go as fast as you can or feel you can go safely????

you sound like a wanabe racer ... what happen to speed limts/ you only jusfication is that you want a free lane to speed along - and heck with speed limits or anyone that thinks there is reason for spped limts.

FYI - there is no law in Ontario (yes in the States) that prevents Big Rigs from the left lane ... if you drive the 401, 402, 402 you will see it ...some people want the law here.

Yes there is (http://www.mto.gov.on.ca/english/safety/quicknotes/shareroad.htm)


On multi-lane freeways, trucks longer than 6.5 metres cannot use the far-left lane. Instead they must use the lane immediately to the right (middle lane) to pass slower vehicles.


I seldom see big rigs break this rule. Truck drivers, on average, are much more courteous and professional than most drivers: they signal, they let you in, leave ample space, etc.

Here's one for municipalities that also wish to do so (http://www.e-laws.gov.on.ca/DBLaws/Statutes/English/90h08_e.htm#186)

Look, I'm not a wannabe racer. I drive a passat (not modded or whatever). I would have had the money to buy a Honda civic and "rice it up", but I didn't.

I don't want a lane just for racing like the autobahn. I do admit I probably drive quicker than most, but I follow these rules and they work well. I always give the left lane up (in a safe manner) if there is someone coming from behind me. If you choose to drive the limit in the left lane, I'm sorry but you are putting yourself and the cars around you in more danger than you realize. One of the 1,2,3, etc lanes to the right of you WILL be going the limit, so why not use them?

Until we get computers to literally drive us around, there will always be people driving dangerously, going over the limit, etc. These rules are created by the government because they know that people don't all go the speed limit and people drive dangerously.

[gheart008]

Why do you need to pass if everyone is going the linit? you pass when you want to ... you go as fast as you can or feel you can go safely????

It is because not everyone goes the speed limit! I don't know which roads you drive on but I've never seen any where EVERYONE goes the speed limit. I'm not sure what perfect world you live in.

By going to the right lane and letting people who feel the need to drive faster pass, all you're doing is protecting yourself from a dangerous situation. If you feel like the whole left lane is for passing thing is BS, then feel free to keep endangering yourself and anyone who's in the car with you by staying in the left lane and going speed limit.

Please let us all know where you took your driving training so that we all know where to stay away from since clearly you don't understand this concept, or it was never taught to you.

[teknoluv]

I don't agree with slowing down for tailgaters. Most of the time, tailgaters will give you a few seconds of "grace" time to let you merge into the right. It would be best to signal that you are changing lanes, and merge safely when possible. If you slow down, most tailgaters WILL change lanes to pass you from the right. If this happens, this is a much more dangerous situation to everybody around you than having you merge to the right safely. If you cannot merge safely, then the tailgater will probably tailgate you regardless if you stay the same speed or slow down. They WILL, however, be more angry (and therefore more aggresive) if you slow down.

btw, Communication is paramount. ALWAYS signal your lane changes and people behind you (and in front) will know what you are doing.
Sorry if I'm a bit not clear. I'm not suggesting to slow down significantly. I'm neither referring to people who drive "too slow" (like 100 kph) on the left lane. But in oh so many cases that I have witnessed, there simply are no safe merging into the right lane (that is also why people stay on the left). To be honest, keeping the same speed would infuriate the tailgater anyway (almost all of them are reckless and senseless people); on the other hand, slowing down your car a bit SIGNALS that you are not going to yield to his unreasonable demand AND physically slow HIS car down as well (unless he intentionally slam into you, but that's another story). Of course, you should always move to the right when that lane is clear, AND signal accordingly as PennyArcade suggested, esp. when the tailgater is still around.

[gman]

There is no such thing as everybody driving at speed limit.

100km/h on one car may really means 102km/h while it can be 98km/h for another car. The speedometer may not be precisely perfect and the driver may not set the speed right on the mark.

[kingsley]

Show me where in the Highway Traffic Act it says this. I'll drive in the left lane at 100 and you can tailgate me all you want, I'm in no hurry and you're the one breaking the law by driving over the limit lol

dude, you just showed ultra-super-duper-ignorance here. The rule is also in the driving handbook that you were suppose to read when you get your driving license.

[Anteros]

Sorry if I'm a bit not clear. I'm not suggesting to slow down significantly. I'm neither referring to people who drive "too slow" (like 100 kph) on the left lane. But in oh so many cases that I have witnessed, there simply are no safe merging into the right lane (that is also why people stay on the left). To be honest, keeping the same speed would infuriate the tailgater anyway (almost all of them are reckless and senseless people);

This type of driver annoys me much more than the ones who drive slow in the left lane. It's one thing to tailgate those who can move over but won't but it's quite another to tailgate those who cannot safely move over (especially if they're already passing traffic at a pretty decent clip). Regardless, continuously tailgating people at such high speeds is a surefire way to a Darwin award.

When people do that to me, I usually pump the brakes a couple of times - enough to put the brake lights on but not enough to slow me down more than a couple of km/h. Doing that a few times usually gets them to back off.

[profguy]

There is no such thing as everybody driving at speed limit.

100km/h on one car may really means 102km/h while it can be 98km/h for another car. The speedometer may not be precisely perfect and the driver may not set the speed right on the mark.

right on but 120 , 130 is not near of at 100 .... a reasonable variation is maybe 5 and max of 10 km over or under not 20 -30 over which is simple speeding.

you state the obvious ... what is you point that 130 is simply a variation of going 100km/h?

[profguy]

There have been studies to show that the lowest rate of accidents happens at ~+10mph above the average speed. Here's a good article.

http://www.tfhrc.gov/safety/speed/speed.htm

You'll see that the slowest and fastest drivers cause the most accidents. In fact, "low speed drivers are more likely to be involved in accidents than relatively high speed drivers." (direct quote from link)

Driving the way described by those of us advocating using the left lane for passing only is the safest way. Driving at the mean speed (which in the vast majority of the cases is above the speed limit) or above is also the safest. Does this answer your question fully?

You have your logic for speeding....that's no the reason for me or anyone else to obey YOUR reasons for the left lane.... you don't make the law.

law says 100 not 130 or as fast as you think you are capable of...


with you reasoning ...why don't we go 100 in the city and leave a left lane open

you didn't aswer mmy questions ... all you did was justify your own behavior or attitude.

[teknoluv]

When people do that to me, I usually pump the brakes a couple of times - enough to put the brake lights on but not enough to slow me down more than a couple of km/h. Doing that a few times usually gets them to back off.
I usually do something different. Instead of braking, I slow my car down using a lower gear; that way, the brake lights don't show. Trust me, that's an even more effective way to get tailgaters back off. ;)

[dgs]

In the winter if I have a tailgater I flick on the rear windshield washer - the muck that flings back at them usually pushes them back.

[gheart008]

You have your logic for speeding....that's no the reason for me or anyone else to obey YOUR reasons for the left lane.... you don't make the law.

The law is already made, he doesn't need to do it.

Vehicles or equestrians overtaken

(2) Every person in charge of a vehicle or on horseback on a highway who is overtaken by a vehicle or equestrian travelling at a greater speed shall turn out to the right and allow the overtaking vehicle or equestrian to pass. R.S.O. 1990, c. H.8, s. 148 (2).

The law is also there regarding trucks not using the left lane, which you clearly didn't think existed:

On multi-lane freeways, trucks longer than 6.5 metres cannot use the far-left lane. Instead they must use the lane immediately to the right (middle lane) to pass slower vehicles.

It's funny how you choose to ignore all the valid posts in this thread pointing you directly to where the laws are stated, but yet you still think it's BS.

you didn't aswer mmy questions ...

No one is answering your questions because they're all rhetorical.

all you did was justify your own behavior or attitude.

All you're doing too is justifying your own behaviour and attitude towards the law that's already there, the one that you don't like following, the one you think is BS.

[profguy]

The law is already made, he doesn't need to do it.



The law is also there regarding trucks not using the left lane, which you clearly didn't think existed:



It's funny how you choose to ignore all the valid posts in this thread pointing you directly to where the laws are stated, but yet you still think it's BS.



No one is answering your questions because they're all rhetorical.



All you're doing too is justifying your own behaviour and attitude towards the law that's already there, the one that you don't like following, the one you think is BS.

there is still nothing about 'left lane for passing'...yes if some one come up to you move to the right Ok if you are below the limit ...but with limits on our roads ... why should anyone pass you if you are doing the limit as you are required to do - not slow not fast but the limit.

It is totally idodic to say leave whole open to pass? what and why are they passing ... i gone in the left lane too.. and it was to get ahead and exceed the limit and to spped a ahead and hopefully not get caught going above the limit. So if the rest of us "regular' driver get stuck bummper to bumper - what if we all try to pass as you and others describe then you have a mess ...beacuse some of us observe the limits does not give you the right to speed as you like with the excuse of passing?

If everyone drives in the left to pass .. who is left to drive in the right lane?

Trucks should pass in the right but there is nothing stopping them from driving ... yes driving in the left lane until you get up tp them but that is totalay different from saying that you leave the left lane open to pass.

[gheart008]

there is still nothing about 'left lane for passing'...yes if some one come up to you move to the right Ok if you are below the limit ...but with limits on our roads ... why should anyone pass you if you are doing the limit as you are required to do - not slow not fast but the limit.

It is totally idodic to say leave whole open to pass? what and why are they passing ... i gone in the left lane too.. and it was to get ahead and exceed the limit and to spped a ahead and hopefully not get caught going above the limit. So if the rest of us "regular' driver get stuck bummper to bumper - what if we all try to pass as you and others describe then you have a mess ...beacuse some of us observe the limits does not give you the right to speed as you like with the excuse of passing?

I already stated early, we don't live in a perfect world. Not everyone goes the speed limit.

Why do you have be on either of the extreme ends, saying either everyone must drive speed limit, so there's no point with the left lane, or on the other end saying everyone should speed up to pass, thus meaning everyone is going the same speed, so no one is in the right lane now.

Get with reality man. Not exact numbers, but in REAL LIFE, 50% of people choose to go the speed limit, so they should stay in the right lane, and the other 50% choose to speed, so they should go in the left. Is that concept really that hard to understand? It may not make any sense to you in your perfect vision of the roads in the world, but it makes total sense when we're talking about REAL LIFE.

[PennyArcade]

there is still nothing about 'left lane for passing'...yes if some one come up to you move to the right Ok if you are below the limit ...but with limits on our roads ... why should anyone pass you if you are doing the limit as you are required to do - not slow not fast but the limit.

If I give you ONE reason, will you accept that the left lane shouold be for passing?

[Supershyguy]

I already stated early, we don't live in a perfect world. Not everyone goes the speed limit.

Why do you have be on either of the extreme ends, saying either everyone must drive speed limit, so there's no point with the left lane, or on the other end saying everyone should speed up to pass, thus meaning everyone is going the same speed, so no one is in the right lane now.

Get with reality man. Not exact numbers, but in REAL LIFE, 50% of people choose to go the speed limit, so they should stay in the right lane, and the other 50% choose to speed, so they should go in the left. Is that concept really that hard to understand? It may not make any sense to you in your perfect vision of the roads in the world, but it makes total sense when we're talking about REAL LIFE.


+1, Very well said. exactly how I see it.

if you choose to drive 100 just stay on the right lane

and even if you are going 110, 120 on the left lane and if you are the same speed as the car on the right. just move over and let others go

[gman]

right on but 120 , 130 is not near of at 100 .... a reasonable variation is maybe 5 and max of 10 km over or under not 20 -30 over which is simple speeding.

you state the obvious ... what is you point that 130 is simply a variation of going 100km/h?

My point is if one car is 101 and the other car in front of it is 98. The first car will need to have a way to pass. If both lane are occupied, how do you pass?

e.g. in a 2 lane highway, left lane has a car driving at 98km/h and right lane also has a car driving at 98km/h. Both drivers think they are driving at 100km/h. How can the car which is truely driving at 100km/h pass?

[teknoluv]

Okay, let's clarify things a bit. The speed limit is a MAXIMUM, NOT minimum nor even suggested speed. So even in theory, not everybody is driving at 100 kph.

[bembol]

+1, Very well said. exactly how I see it.

if you choose to drive 100 just stay on the right lane

and even if you are going 110, 120 on the left lane and if you are the same speed as the car on the right. just move over and let others go


I think some just like to be ignorant...play Cops, telling how driver's how fast they SHOULD drive...they play hard...the speed limit is 100km, they're saying "if you have a problem, YOU move!"

Slamming/Tapping your Brakes...this is what I hate/boils me...!!!

[belgiangenius]

Sometime, I really wonder how people gets their driving licence.

STI571 somehow got one, so let's ask him :)

[belgiangenius]

The DVP is the worst. People will literally enter on an onramp at 75hm/h and do an immediate 3 lane change to the left lane (still at 75km/h) and cut off all approaching traffic in that lane. They'll then speed up to 90 km/h and stay in the left lane for miles.

[hagbard]

The DVP is the worst. People will literally enter on an onramp at 75hm/h and do an immediate 3 lane change to the left lane (still at 75km/h) and cut off all approaching traffic in that lane. They'll then speed up to 90 km/h and stay in the left lane for miles.

We do that just to bother you. You personally. :lol:

[xenyz]

What is with these people? (best Seinfeld impersonation)

It's the way the roadway should work, people have thought about this for a long time and they came up with the idea of staying to the right unless you are passing someone. The majority of the people in the United States can understand this, why can't we? (er, you..)

Just because the posted speed limit is 100 doesn't mean people are driving 100! I don't even think I've seen cops drive a maximum 100 before. So, if you are driving 100, there is a very good chance someone else is driving faster than you.

Are people really making a point by sitting in the left lane and driving along beside the car next to them at 100? It infuriates the other drivers on the road and that's what road rage is. The fix is better driving by all involved. If people who wanted to drive 100, 120, 140 are all doing what they'd like in the appropriate lane on a freeway, don't you think it'd be safer for all involved? (implied: driving faster than 100 km/h is not inherently unsafe under proper conditions)

Please, the left lane is for passing. Change your driving style to accommodate this.

[xenyz]

Sorry to break the news to you, but they (honking and flashing high beams) don't work. Actually, smart drivers should slow down (instead of speed up or dangerously merge into the right) when there are stupid tailgaters.

With clearly unqualified drivers all around, no wonder GTA is not a safe place to drive. ;p

I admit this was a bit of exaggeration on my part with flashing high-beams, but I will continue to run the left turn signal intermittently (strobe-style) to hopefully get the attention of people who are simply not checking their rear-view.

Smart drivers should NEVER slow down to merge into another lane! You either keep the speed or increase slightly to make the lane change. Once you're in the far right lane feel free to slow it down a bit if you'd like.

I don't know if you were insinuating that was I was an unqualified driver or not. I'll make a claim that I can handle a car on the road better than a lot of others I see and that makes me a much safer driver, even if I choose to drive over the posted speed limit.

[Bazooka Joe]

...

It's the way the roadway should work, people have thought about this for a long time and they came up with the idea of staying to the right unless you are passing someone. The majority of the people in the United States can understand this, why can't we? (er, you..)

...


It's society's fault, really. There will always be "laws are laws" people. We haven't made it an enforced law that people must drive that way. There is however an "enforced" law against speeding. The people driving slowly in the left lane believe they are doing the rest of us a favour by making us follow the law. Either that, or they just don't care what others think or do, and drive whichever way is most convenient for them. "Look at that lane with fewer people in it(because others are driving properly), I'll just drive in it" (although they fail to notice those fewer are driving faster than them).

[Supershyguy]

I think some just like to be ignorant...play Cops, telling how driver's how fast they SHOULD drive...they play hard...the speed limit is 100km, they're saying "if you have a problem, YOU move!"

Slamming/Tapping your Brakes...this is what I hate/boils me...!!!

Same here. if any one slams the break on me. its over. :lol:

[Supershyguy]

Sorry if I'm a bit not clear. I'm not suggesting to slow down significantly. I'm neither referring to people who drive "too slow" (like 100 kph) on the left lane. But in oh so many cases that I have witnessed, there simply are no safe merging into the right lane (that is also why people stay on the left). To be honest, keeping the same speed would infuriate the tailgater anyway (almost all of them are reckless and senseless people); on the other hand, slowing down your car a bit SIGNALS that you are not going to yield to his unreasonable demand AND physically slow HIS car down as well (unless he intentionally slam into you, but that's another story). Of course, you should always move to the right when that lane is clear, AND signal accordingly as PennyArcade suggested, esp. when the tailgater is still around.


why would you be on the left lane in the frist place? if you choose to drive slow?

and I dont think any one should drive on the high way if they cant find a way to merge into the right lane with in 30 seconds

[go leafs]

The real problem is the middle lane hogs who go 100/105 in the middle lane when there is also a right lane they could be going in. Because they are going at a slow rate of speed in that lane, people coming slightly faster behind them must pass them and jam up traffic in the left lane (I see many people just passing on the right because of this).

[jason9945]

Smart drivers should NEVER slow down to merge into another lane! You either keep the speed or increase slightly to make the lane change. Once you're in the far right lane feel free to slow it down a bit if you'd like.

Shows what you know..... ;)

In order to make a lane change, for example from the fast lane at 120km/hr to the far right lane (6 lane highway), you would first look at the middle lane, put on your brakes so you cna take a good look. wait for a car to come within 50' of your car. Then veer infront of this car! Once your in the lane briefly turn on your signal, the clicking sound is relaxing. Once your in the far left lane slow down till 60 until your at your exit. There you go, a "proper" lane change!

[Bazooka Joe]

Shows what you know..... ;)

In order to make a lane change, for example from the fast lane at 120km/hr to the far right lane (6 lane highway), you would first look at the middle lane, put on your brakes so you cna take a good look. wait for a car to come within 50' of your car. Then veer infront of this car! Once your in the lane briefly turn on your signal, the clicking sound is relaxing. Once your in the far left lane slow down till 60 until your at your exit. There you go, a "proper" lane change!

:lol:

Don't forget to talk on your cellphone and flick a cigarette out the window while you're at it.

[jason9945]

:lol:

Don't forget to talk on your cellphone and flick a cigarette out the window while you're at it.
That reminds me, if your talking on your cell phone you dont have to look where the cellphone is.

So you automatically have the right of way when you are talking on your cell phone.