Why do people stay in the left lane when not passing?

I see this every single day on my way to school/work, and it is really starting to irritate me. People will get in the left lane (passing lane) and just stay there for about the next 3 to 5 miles. What is the logic behind this? The rules say "drive right pass left", so what ever happened to that? Whether they are going with the flow of traffic or not, they are still not supposed to be "riding it out" in the left lane for that long if they are not overtaking another vehicle, right? Since they are not overtaking another vehicle at the time, that means the right lane is open, so why can't they move over?

This bothers me because I'm one of the ones going the speed limit in the right lane, and when I need to move over to make a left turn it is difficult because there is a huge string of cars there due to these idiots who think the left lane is their personal "do whatever I want" lane. So then I have to signal and hope one of them is paying enough attention to let me over, or else I would miss the turn.

I thought the left lane was only to be used for the following conditions, and correct me if I'm wrong:
1) If you are passing another vehicle
2) If you are moving over to let merging traffic onto the road
3) You are moving over because there is an emergency vehicle on the shoulder (law in some states)
4) You are soon going to make a left turn/take a left exit

So if these people are not doing any of those 4 things at the time, what gives them the right to be "riding it out" in the left lane? Can anyone clarify this for me?
Additional Details
I'm in PA, and the law says drive right pass left. So if these people are not currently passing anyone, why do they think it is ok to stay in the left lane for 3 to 5 miles straight? I thought they were supposed to be in the right lane until they go to pass, or make a left turn/take a left exit. And once they do pass, aren't they supposed to move back over? I stay in the right lane and go the speed limit as I said, so they aren't holding me up or anything, they are just making it hard for me to move over when my left turn is coming up.

Do You Buy American?

Some people are just ignorant and only care about themselves. They'd rather do their own speed with nobody in front of them than to follow behind someone and keep up with traffic.

As for the four things, the last one is the only one that is legal, because obvioulsy it's called a left turn lane for a reason. This might be what you mean for the second one, but here in Michigan it's illegal to turn into the left turn lane and then try to merge on the right. My old driving teacher said that since it's in the middle of the road, cops don't really have a chance to get in there and enforce it, so usually if you do it safely they'll let it slide.

But yeah you bring up some good valid points.

sha_lyn68

The law only applies to limited access roadways when posted and never applies to surface streets.

ETA:You are not listening to the fact that the law only pertains to limited access/divided roads. If one can make a left hand turn, one is not on a limited access rd, therefore the law does not apply.

Rock Firestorm

You are 100% correct. There are too many morons driving. Try driving from LA to SF on the 5 sometime. You get these buffoons who drive once a year and have no idea of the rules of the road who do 65 (in a 75) in the left lane the whole way. They are also unaware of the law that says if someone wants you to get out of the way and you're in the left lane, you must move. Instead, they stay there in the lane, then look at you like you're doing something wrong. It never ceases to amaze me.

ketchupklf

Actually... state laws vary. Not all states designate the left lane for passing only. I would check the laws in your state in the chart on the website below.

Paul

IF, I repeat, IF they are traveling at the speed limit, you have nothing to whine about, because no one CAN pass if they have to exceed the limit to DO it.

IF they are going SLOWER than the limit, you are correct, and I agree with you.

Whatever

Only place I know of that has that rule is Germany and in the states that rule only applies to trucks.We have to stay right unless passing except we can use 3 rd lane to avoid the cars entering/exiting the highway in city limits.

Echoz

it doesnt just bother me, ITS KILLING ME! when you drive on left lane you have to drive fast and when you see someone coming behind you driving faster just go to the right and let him pass but people dont get it which i feel like getting an armour for my M6 and push everyone who doesnt get out of my way

Reyann J

never heard of it sorry

eric

I understand your situation. And you are correct, your four points are common lane use when there's 2 lanes in each direction. Those may not be laws in every state, but should be. 1, 3, and 4 are laws in several states and I think number 2 is law in some states, but still is a common courtesy. If more people would drive following those four practices, traffic will flow better. People are just so self-centered that they only think for themselves and don't care about proper lane use. People don't like following right lane traffic, so they drive side by side of right lane traffic and let traffic build up behind them and they don't care. People who drive in the left lane should either pass or get in the right lane. The only exception are the four you mentioned. I have problems with left lane drivers too, especially when they stay on your side or approaching your side for mile upon mile. In my opinion, if you're going to pass me, then speed up and pass me; if not, then get behind me. I had a problem one time when I couldn't move over in the left lane when a semi was merging on the interstate because of this car that was on my left side for mile upon mile.

Basically to all drivers, if you have a left turn coming up, you should get in the left lane 1-2 miles before the turn, not 10 miles before the turn like some drivers do.

And yes, after passing people should get back in the right lane. I asked a similar question a few weeks ago to educate drivers on proper lane use: http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=AhaxgGKXbPEJ3ngJ5eG7wzLty6IX;_ylv=3?qid=20090129210716AARjk4X

EDIT: Why are people giving my answer a thumbs down? When I had driver's ed about 12 years ago, the teacher said for any road with at least 2 lanes going in each direction, you should drive in the right lane and only get in the left lane to pass another car or if you're fixing to turn left. It doesn't matter if this is the law or not, this is proper driving and lane usage. It's no wonder there's so many left lane idiots who didn't learn proper lane usage in driver's ed.

dirtytricksracing@sbcglobal.net

The mexicans do it here because they think it is a macho thing.

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