Why are there fast and slow lanes when there is only one speed limit?

Question

Why are there fast and slow lanes when there is only one speed limit?

Answer 1

haha thats a good question

maybe fast lane people go a little faster then slow lane people i dont know

Answer 2

Well, some states have speed minimums and some don't.   Either way, there are load-bearing trucks, old people, new drivers, and drivers of junky cars that need to drive a little slower.  It's better for them to be towards the right in case they need to pull over or exit.  Those who are better drivers, with better, lighter vehicles, who know where they're going, can get in the left lane and be free of the hindrances of slower drivers.

Answer 3

Technically, there's no fast or slow lanes.

The speed limit is the same for all the lanes.

Most state laws require everyone to be in the right lane unless you're passing.

By convention & practicality, the rightmost lanes are considered the slow lanes because they have entering & exiting traffic that invariably cause slow downs. Plus, slow moving farm, road construction & certain wide load transport vehicles must use the right lane by rule.

Truck traffic is almost always required to be in the rightmost lane on a 4 lane divided highway unless passing a slower vehicle.

Frankly, it's smarter & less prone to s******g up traffic if you stay in the middle lane as long as you're not pokin along under the posted limit or suddenly shoot across into the right lane to exit.

There's no law that specifies that a truck, or anyone else, must move over to allow someone to merge onto a highway.  You're supposed to safely merge onto the highway by yourself using common sense & visual accuity.

Apparently, there's not enough of that common sense & driving ability around anymore so trucks will generally move over to let you in.

Moving over is not so much a courtesy as it is self protection against "highway challenged" drivers.

Adopted long ago is the convention (but not law) that the leftmost lane is the high speed lane.  It is for public safety vehicles but not for the average traveller.

Common sense tells you that lane needs to be available for hi speed access to accidents & medical emergencies.  A passenger car or truck in that lane is supposed to pass whatever, then merge into the next right lane as soon as practicable.

A lot of folks think that lane is theirs just because they are willing to exceed the posted limit by a considerable amount.

Highway rules vary by state & sometimes even by county. It can be a real pia to know which & when you're breaking the rules.

Answer 4

Sometimes people need to slow down in order to exit or allow people to merge in.

Also gas mileage is better when you drive a little slower.

Answer 5

Left lane is for ones going the fastest,right lane for the slower cars. In some states/counties the left lane is only for passing.

Answer 6

Just because there is one speed limit dose not mean people drive it. It they bit no one would ever get stuck in traffic.

Answer 7

Trucks usually have slower speed limits (on the highway) than passenger vehicles...They are bigger, heavier and have different handling characteristics than our cars and SUVs...Most state laws say that trucks must stay in the right hand lane (the one closest to the shoulder)...But on multi-lane highways with 3 or more lanes, class A or B vehicles use the 3rd lane from the left plus the lanes to the right of the 3rd lane...On 3 lane highways, the 2nd (middle) lane is mostly used for passing...As always, give them plenty of room.

All the best.

Answer 8

Actually the far left lane is for passing slower moving traffic. If you have a DMV driving book it will say that in there. But who knows maybe some politician made it a lane for welfare reform and forgot to tell the public first. But good question, good question.

Answer 9

I think there are two kinds of drivers. The guy in the slow lane is the type that does't necessarily speed up when he merges into traffic.And he always checks his rear view mirror' just in case'. The fast lane driver are always accelerating and they know they're faster then anyone in their dust. Klingon vs Federation mentality.

Answer 10

In the UK there are no slow and fast lanes. You drive in the left lane unless overtaking a slower vehicle and return to the left lane after passing it. At least, that's the theory, but 95% of UK drivers are too dumb to understand it.

Answer 11

Because not everyone drives the speed limit.

Answer 12

i never got that also

i guess its for people thats going to turn some place or taking an exit, i dont no which are the fast lane a slow lane so i just weave in and out (i no i no im very very stupid i m trying to stop)

Answer 13

Because u have those ppl that drive for ex 35 in a 40 and then you have me going 50-60... I suggest they get out my way. Lol

Answer 14

because there is a minimum and maximum speed limit. not just one like you mentioned