Are You Breaking the Massachusetts Left Lane Law?

When driving on the Massachusetts Turnpike (or more commonly known as the Mass Pike), you know how it can be. You're on the move, and you need to get to where you're going. You don't have time to be driving behind some slowpoke who can't get things up to speed. Heck, you may even feel like just staying in the left lane, but can you?

When it comes to left lane etiquette in Massachusetts (whether you're driving on the Mass Pike or elsewhere), you can't stay in the left lane indefinitely. Here's what the actual law says about left-lane driving in Massachusetts per malegislature.gov.

Section 4B. Upon all ways the driver of a vehicle shall drive in the lane nearest the right side of the way when such lane is available for travel, except when overtaking another vehicle or when preparing for a left turn. When the right lane has been constructed or designated for purposes other than ordinary travel, a driver shall drive his vehicle in the lane adjacent to the right lane except when overtaking another vehicle or when preparing for a left or right turn; provided, however, that a driver may drive his vehicle in such right lane if signs have been erected by the department of highways permitting the use of such lane.

In other words, you can legally drive in the left lane when actively passing another vehicle or taking a left turn, but camping out in the left lane for no special reason, as accepted by Massachusetts law, is illegal. If you violate left-lane driving in Massachusetts, you can actually be fined $100. There was an article published by The Harold News last year that breaks down left-lane laws in Massachusetts, and you can check that article out by going here.