Starting Aug. 1, motorists who linger one mile under the speed limit in the passing lane could face escalating tickets and even 30 days behind bars.
Louisiana drivers who cruise in the left lane will need to pick up the pace. A law taking effect August 1 lowers the threshold for “impeding traffic” from roughly 10 mph under the limit to just one mile, hikes fines, and—yes—opens the door to a short stint in parish jail for repeat offenders.
State Sen. Jay Luneau, the bill’s sponsor, says four‑lane highways have “become congested with people who just want to drive in the left lane.” The new rule is designed to keep that lane clear for passing and, Luneau hopes, reduce rear‑end collisions caused by surprise slow‑downs.
Why driving one mile below the limit in the left lane now costs big
How steep are the new penalties? If you creep along at 54 mph in a 55 mph zone after August 1, a trooper can write you up. First‑time offenders receive a $150 ticket—already 50 percent higher than the old maximum. A second violation within 12 months climbs to $250, and a third jumps to $300 plus court costs that can push the total near $350. Who needs that hassle?
| Offense count | Base fine | Possible total with fees |
|---|---|---|
| 1st within a year | $150 | About $180 |
| 2nd within a year | $250 | About $300 |
| 3rd within a year | $300 | Up to $350 |
As the table makes clear, the price of dawdling doubles almost overnight. That’s money most families would rather keep in their gas tank than hand over at traffic court.
Exceptions, enforcement tips, and what Louisiana motorists should do before August 1
Relax—drivers actively passing, turning left, or moving over for an emergency vehicle are exempt. Officers may also use discretion when weather or road work slows everyone down. Still, why gamble? Before the deadline:
- Check the posted limit on your regular route.
- Use cruise control to maintain speed when possible.
- Move right once you’ve overtaken slower traffic.
- Keep an eye out for new roadside signs explaining the change.
Consequently, staying in the right lane unless you’re overtaking will spare your wallet and keep traffic flowing. After all, nobody wants to tell friends, “I landed in jail for driving too slowly.”