ISP Remind Holiday Motorists: Left Lane is For Passing

One Indiana State Police Sergeant is giving the gift that keeps on giving this holiday season - a reminder on how to properly use the left lane while traveling.

Left and Right Lane Cars Pacing Each Other Like Santa's Reindeer

We have all experienced it - in fact, I experienced it just this morning on my way to work in Evansville. I was driving along in the right lane of I-69 when I came up behind someone driving a little slower than I was. That's when I merged into the left lane to go around them only to find myself behind someone else pacing the car in the right lane that I was trying to get around. I felt like I was in reindeer formation to pull Santa's sleigh!

Santa Doesn't Like It When You Cruise in the Left-Hand Lane & Neither Do We

Another scenario: You're driving along in the right lane when you come up on, and pass (in the right lane) a car that has been driving in the left lane for the last 5 to 10 miles or more. No doubt, it is infuriating and you find yourself wondering if the person behind the wheel dug their license out of the bottom of a cereal box.

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Driving in the Left Lane Can Land You on Santa's Naughty List & Get You Pulled Over

As it turns out, not only does driving in the left lane land you on Santa's Naughty List, it is also illegal and can result in being pulled over by authorities in Indiana. State Police Sergeant Todd Ringle reminded the public of the proper usage of the left lane with a post to social media [below]. Sergeant Ringle is with the Evansville District of the Indiana State Police.

The left lane on a multiple lane highway is for passing or for preparing to make a nearby left turn... Don’t be this motorist. If you’re in the left lane and traffic is behind you, move over.

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Left Lane Driving is Dangerous and Can Cause a Crash

One of the biggest reasons to keep the left lane open for passing only is that it allows the flow of traffic to move smoothly, and ultimately reduce the risk of accidents.

Merge Back Into the Right Lane and Happy Motoring!

So as we head into some of the busiest travel days of the entire year, if you find yourself cruising along in the left lane, do everyone a favor, hit your turn signal, and merge back into the right-hand lane where you belong. Happy motoring and happy holidays!

25 Personalized License Plates Rejected by the Indiana BMV

Every year the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles sifts through applications for personalized license plates, and every year hundreds are rejected below are 25 of the more than 1,000 rejected license plates that the BMV received between January and December of 2023. You'll also find a link to the full list of rejected personalized license plates below.

Gallery Credit: Kat Mykals