Currently, Louisiana law dictates that a driver must be travelling at least 10 miles below the posted speed limit on a highway to be ticketed. Senate Bill 11 removes that 10 mph parameter, which means someone technically driving the speed limit, but obstructing the flow of traffic by driving in the left lane, may be cited. As the Louisiana Radio Network reports, SB-11 has now advanced from the Louisiana State Senate Transportation Committee in this first week of the 2025 Regular Legislative Session in Baton Rouge. Senator Jay Luneau, D-Alexandria, filed the legislation.
Sen. Luneau explained the rationale behind SB-11. “Many accidents throughout the nation are caused because of people driving in the left lane. And the reason for that is because people get angry, they can’t pass, there are people side-by-side on the road and they’re not giving way to other traffic.”
The measure now heads to the Louisiana Senate floor for debate. Currently, a ticket for this offense can face a maximum of a $100 fine and/or 30 days in jail. SB-11 would raise the fine to $150 for first offense, a second offense to $250, and a third offense to $350 if the offense comes within a 12 month period of the first offense.
Luneau says many people are in favor of his bill. “It seems to be very popular. One lady that works here in the legislature told me that her husband loves me for filing this bill. So, I can feel love.” If approved, the new law would take effect August 1, 2025. Most states restrict slow-moving traffic in the left lane.
