Why do people drive the speed limit in the far left hand lane?

Question

I know the speed limit is the same in all lanes, but the far left lane is designated as a "passing lane" and used to pass slower vehicles. If you are not passing and are driving the speed limit (or under the speed limit), why would you drive in the far left hand lane? I can never figure this one out.

Answer 1

We in australia have the same problem, it is very annoying, the police here can book you for holding up traffic in the wrong lane, but it still happens a lot.

Answer 2

They are above the rest of us and we will bend to their will. Or run them off the road. LOL

Answer 3

They are ignorant savages whose sole purpose is to incovenience you. Sadly, I drive the left lane too, which makes me an ignorant savage as well.

Answer 4

some people feel it is their "duty" to prevent speeders from going over the limit. Others are just being rude or not paying attention.

Answer 5

They're bad drivers, and some are control freaks who feel they need to punish people for speeding.

Answer 6

The Vehicle code clearly states: "No vehicle shall travel at any speed greater than the posted maximum limit"

Also, when you see one of those signs that says: "slower vehicles keep right"

It Means those going slower than THE SPEED LIMIT!

Sorry if you don't like it, but THAT is the ONLY correct answer to your question.

Answer 7

There could be a couple of reasons, the person might be a self-proclaimed enforcer of the law and figures he'll do his civic duty by making sure no one else goes any faster.  The other may be that the right lane is very congested and were they in that lane, they couldn't maintain a safe distance between themselves and the car in front or back of them.  Or, maybe they don't know driving laws as well as you do.  Then again, they may just be extremely self centered and not really give a rip about anyone else.

Answer 8

let em drive, i get you the whole left lane is for passing idea, sure works in theory, but wont work practically, if you gotta pass them then just go around them.

Answer 9

The speed limit is the maximum limit in all lanes, whether or not you are passing someone.  It is not technically legal to exceed the speed limit to pass a slower car.  So I don't see what your problem is.  Besides, if the left lane were reserved for passing only, the other lanes would get more congested.

Answer 10

The speed limit on most interstates is 70 mph now.When I was younger( during the energy crisis)the maximum national limit was 55mph(Try that sometime).I drive 70 in the left lane.It's enough for me.If some ones on my tail that wants to get by I will move to the right lane.But I will never understand why 70 is not good enough.When the limit was raised to 70 I was ecstatic.I guess you had  to live through the 55 years to appreciate.

Road sign from 55mph yrs...."..Arrive Alive doing  55"