Two new Kansas traffic laws took effect on July 1, but drivers will have a year to get used to them before being ticketed for not obeying the “Right Lane Law” and “Move It Law.”
The Right Lane Law, or Senate Bill 145, prohibits drivers from lingering in the far left lane, except when they are overtaking and passing another vehicle or preparing to make a left turn. It applies to highways, outside the corporate limits of any city, divided into two or more lanes of traffic proceeding in the same direction.
Drivers who stay in the left lane, traveling at or below the speed limit, create congestion on the highways, said Kansas Highway Patrol Captain Art Wilburn. It creates a hazardous situation, with people passing on the right and weaving in and out of traffic.
The provisions do not apply to emergency vehicles, Kansas Turnpike Authority and Kansas Department of Transportation vehicles performing construction or maintenance work.
A second law seems to contradict what drivers have always been taught: if you’re in an accident, don’t move the vehicle.
The Move It Law, or House Bill 2147, mandates that drivers in non-injury accidents, unless they are transporting hazardous materials, move out of the lane of traffic. It applies on interstate, U.S. highways, or any divided or multi-lane roadway.
If vehicles can be driven, move them to a safe location such as a shoulder or the nearest exit to exchange information or contact law enforcement. Law enforcement should always be contacted if:
• there are injuries;
• a vehicle cannot be moved;
• one of the drivers appears to be intoxicated;
• damage exceeds $1,000;
• one of the drivers has no insurance; or
• one of the drivers leaves the scene of the crash.
Especially in metropolitan areas, a vehicle remaining in the traffic lane can cause secondary crashes or result in injury to law enforcement personnel working the accident, Milburn said.
From July 1 to June 30, 2010, violators will be issued a warning. A $60 fine will take effect in July 2010.
Another change will add $10 to any traffic citation. In an effort to alleviate the $15.9 million cut from the Judicial Branch’s Fiscal Year 2010 maintenance budget, the Kansas State Supreme Court authorized an emergency surcharge of $10 which will be added to court costs. Total docket fees (court costs) will now be $86.
A bill making seat belts a primary enforcement offense for adults failed in the Kansas Legislature, Wilburn said, but will likely be introduced again. Drivers can be stopped solely for seatbelt violations for anyone under the age of 18.
“They do save lives,” Wilburn emphasized.
As always, the Kansas Highway Patrol will be very attentive to impaired drivers and violations that create hazards on the roadway and occupant protection during the Fourth of July holiday, according to Wilburn.
Pratt, Kan. —
