State patrol cracking down on left lane 'campers'

OLYMPIA — If you are a left lane “camper,” then you might get a talking to from a trooper this week, as the Washington State Patrol is launching a statewide emphasis to crackdown on left lane violators.

The effort, which will take place Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, is in response to the WSP receiving numerous requests to address left lane violators. Washington law requires all vehicles to keep right, except when passing on roadways that have multiple lanes. The term left lane “camper” references drivers who stay in the left passing lane for a long period of time without passing.

The WSP states they are targeting left lane violators to educate them on the consequences of staying in the left lane. According to the patrol, staying in the left lane can lead to road rage, aggressive driving, traffic congestion and collisions. Violators of the law could potentially receive a $136 ticket. The WSP contacted 16,453 left lane violators last year.

“The WSP would like to remind everyone to save their camping for the wilderness and not the left lane. Help us avoid the negative consequences of left lane camping by keeping right except to pass,” stated the patrol in a release.

Richard Byrd can be reached via email at city@columbiabasinherald.com.