
Road rules that cover lane use and speed limits are the topics of multiple bills introduced at the Missouri statehouse.
One Senate bill would revise the state’s left lane law.
Missouri statute requires drivers on highways with at least two lanes of travel in the same direction to remain in the right-hand lane. Exceptions to the rule include overtaking and passing another vehicle, yielding to another vehicle entering the roadway or preparing to make a legal left turn.
The bill, SB162, would create a minimum penalty for operating a vehicle in a passing lane when not passing or overtaking another vehicle.
The Missouri Department of Transportation would be required to place signs along major highways that specify the minimum fines for improper use of passing lanes. Signage would read “Warning: Minimum $100/$500 fine for improper use of a passing lane.”
First-time offenders would receive a written warning. Warnings would be included in the driver’s record. Subsequent violations would result in fines.
The Missouri State Highway Patrol would be responsible for enforcement.
Additionally, driver training programs in the state would be required to instruct new drivers on the legal use of passing lanes.
Advocates have said the rule revision would help address concerns about road rage.
The Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association and the National Motorists Association favor efforts to address left lane use. The groups have argued that blocking the left lane, whether intentional or not, results in reduced road safety and efficiency.
Lane filtering
A separate bill would put into state law that lane filtering is allowed under certain circumstances. The rule would prohibit lane splitting.
HB705 defines lane filtering as driving a motorcycle “between rows of stopped or slow-moving vehicles that are traveling in the same direction” on divided or undivided streets, roads or highways.
Lane splitting is defined as driving a motorcycle “between rows of fast-moving vehicles that are traveling in the same direction” on divided or undivided roadways.
Lane filtering would be permitted when traveling on a motorcycle up to 10 mph over the speed of traffic and not more than 25 mph.
The bill also addresses possible road rage incidents that could result from lane filtering. Specifically, any vehicle operator who intentionally impedes or attempts to prevent a motorcyclist from performing the maneuver could be ticketed.
Cotton trailers
Another pursuit covers the use of cotton trailers on certain state roadways.
Identical House and Senate bills would boost the 40-mph speed limit for cotton trailers on non-interstate highways to 65 mph. HB169/SB28 also would remove the requirement that the trailer be used exclusively for transporting cotton.
Sen. Jason Bean, R-Holcomb, has said the legislation would help improve efficiency for cotton producers in the state.
Bean previously pointed out to state lawmakers that Missouri ranks fourth nationally in cotton production. He said the legislation would apply to travel from field to field or field to market and back. LL
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