CHP takes action against slow-poke motorist in the left lane of US-101

The California Highway Patrol (CHP) called out a car driver for holding up traffic by driving too slowly in the left lane of a busy highway in the Santa Barbara area.

CHP said that a motorist was spotted driving at speeds of 58 m.p.h. southbound on US-101 south of Linden in the left lane, “causing at least five vehicles to pass them on the right due to the traffic backup.”

A CHP – Santa Barbara Division trooper performed a traffic stop on the car and issued a citation for violation of California Vehicle Code Section 21654(a), which requires that slower traffic should yield into the right lane.

The motorist told the trooper that their car “drives very slow because it has a lot of miles on it.”

CHP used the incident to remind others of the dangers of camping in the left lane.

“The left lane is intended for passing. Remaining in the passing lane while traveling significantly below the flow of traffic can create congestion, frustration, and increase the risk of unsafe lane changes and possibly crashes. If your vehicle cannot safely keep up with traffic, move to the right lane and allow vehicles to pass. Please make sure your vehicle is properly maintained,” troopers said.