Driving help ASAP?

Question

im fom Mass

today i was driving on the highway in the far left lane going 65-70 (limit is 65)

i was in the far left lane for five minutes

then i get pulled over

i didnt get a ticket but the first thing he says to me is are you ok? in a nice tone then he asks about the car behind me flagging me down and tells me to drive in the right lane and to stay the speed limit

i wasnt out of control at all going 65 to 70 on the far left lane

so what did i do wrong?

Answer 1

The left lane is generally a passing lane. Most people interpret that as the " fast lane" when you are being flashed from behind, espicially in the left lane, it means get out of the way. The two right lanes are generally used for slower traffic and trucks. I admit I am guilty of it myself. SWhen I am late for work, I use the left lane because more likely than not its wide open, but every once in a while, you have someone driving the speed limit ( OR LESS! ). It irks me because they are in the wrong lane for that. We who use the left lane are taking a chance with the highway patrol of getting pulled over for speeding. The office wanted you out of that lane, also because driving slow in the "fast lane" may incite an ugly episode of road rage with the drivers behind you trying to get by. Police, also have a better chance of catching speeders in that lane, too. Hope that helps.

Answer 2

Since you didn't get a citation, you weren't doing anything wrong.  Clearly, the officer was concerned when he saw the other driver gesturing to you.  He may have thought the driver had seen something that worried him and wanted to make sure you were okay.

The right lane/speed limit comment is like your doctor telling you not to smoke or drink too much.  It's just good, friendly advice.

Answer 3

All these posts are right on. The left lane is used as a passing lane and unless you're passing someone it's best to move over, especially if there are cars behind you. A good question might be is what kind of car/truck were you driving. I know in New York a truck/trailer/cargo in tow vehicle is prohibited from traveling in the left lane for more than 3 miles. If you were driving a large vehicle that might explain getting pulled over. So you certainly didn't do anything wrong, just be mindful of "fast lane" drivers. It's best to just let them pass. Chances are they are passing above the speed limit and hey are the ones that will get pulled over with a nice speeding ticket attached.

Answer 4

Nothing really,  BUT, you should only use the left (passing) lane for THAT purpose. Not everyone does though.