Left-lane lurkers on Georgia’s highways and interstates are a pen-stroke away from trouble under legislation given final passage Tuesday by the Georgia Senate.

House Bill 459 would allow authorities to ticket those who lollygag in the state’s left lanes. The bill makes it a misdemeanor for any driver on a divided highway who does not move to the right when a car going faster approaches from behind.

With the state House already signing off on the measure, all it needs is Gov. Nathan Deal’s signature to become law.

Senators said they were not trying to encourage speeding. However, as Senate Rules Chairman Jeff Mullis, R-Chickamauga, said, “often times drivers travel through (the left lane) as if they’re in tourist mode.”

The Senate approved HB 459, by Rep. Bill Hitchens, R-Rincon, on a 42-5 vote.

About the Author

Keep Reading

Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, R-La., with House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, R-La., speaks to reporters as he heads to the chamber, at the Capitol in Washington, Wednesday, July 2, 2025. (J. Scott Applewhite/AP)

Credit: AP

Featured

UPS driver Dan Partyka delivers an overnight package. As more people buy more goods online, the rapid and unrelenting expansion of e-commerce is causing real challenges for the Sandy-Springs based company. (Bob Andres/AJC 2022)

Credit: TNS