The full Senate has approved legislation cracking down on “left-lane camping,” the act of lingering in the passing lane. Alexandria Senator Jay Luneau hailed it as “the most important bill of the session,” asserting it would ease traffic flow and reduce road rage.
“Currently, that is the law, that you’re supposed to only use the left lane for passing and you travel in the right lane.
This bill doesn’t change that, but it does remove a provision that makes it very hard for the police officers to enforce it,” Luneau explained.
During the debate, Sen. Royce Duplessis brought levity to the moment by suggesting a theme song, referencing Ludacris’ famous anthem:
Duplessis: “Have you heard of the artist, Ludacris?”
Luneau: “I have.”
Duplessis: “Okay.”
Luneau: “Met him, in fact.”
Duplessis: “Okay. Have you ever heard a song by Ludacris called ‘Move, get out the way?'”
Luneau: “I have.”
Duplessis: “Okay.”
Luneau: ‘I think that would be a great song, man.”
Duplessis: “I think that’s pretty fitting for this bill,” (laughter)
Current law says a vehicle cannot travel less than 10 mph below the speed limit in the left lane of a four-lane highway. Luneau’s proposal changes current law allowing, police officers to ticket motorists who are traveling at or below the speed limit and not looking to pass vehicles in the right.
First time offenders of the proposed law would face a fine of up to $150 dollars. Monroe Senator Stewart Cathey suggested a slightly harsher punishment.
“So first, I think your punishment may be a little light. I would go for life in prison (laughter), but anyway, I don’t think we can do that. I just want to make sure that you’ll commit to me that you will open the machine for co-authors when we pass this,” Cathey said.
The full Senate approved the bill on a 35-3 vote. It now heads to the House for further consideration.
Comments