Staying in Your Lane
La. R.S. 32:71 — the left lane of a multilane highway is for passing, and a slower car keeps right
On a multilane highway, no vehicle is driven in the left lane except to pass, to turn left, when directed, or when the right lanes are congested, and a car in the left lane does not impede a vehicle behind it. A car going slower than the posted limit keeps to the right lane.
| Slow car in the left lane | Fine |
|---|---|
| Slow car in the left laneFirst offense | Fine$150 |
| Slow car in the left laneSecond within 12 months | Fine$250 |
| Slow car in the left laneThird within 12 months | Fine$350, or up to 30 days, or both |
- On a road marked into lanes, a vehicle is driven as nearly as practicable within a single lane, and leaves it only once the move can be made safely.
- A driver passing on the left does so at a safe distance and does not move back until safely clear.
- The driver being passed gives way to the right and does not speed up until passed.
Sources for this section (3)
- La. R.S. 32:71 — Driving on right side of road; exceptions
- La. R.S. 32:79 — Driving on roadway laned for traffic
- La. R.S. 32:73 — Passing a vehicle on the left
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of October 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed Louisiana attorney.