Law Would Change Speed Limit, Left Lane Driving Rules

A bill that would raise the speed limit on Ohio interstate highways also would make it a crime to drive in the left lane unless you're passing or exiting.

Republican state Rep. Ron Maag said it's dangerous when slower drivers stay in the left lane and other motorists try to pass them on the right.

The bill, sponsored by the lawmaker from Lebanon in southwest Ohio, was scheduled to have its first hearing in the Ohio House on Tuesday.

A highway patrol spokeswoman told ONN's Lot Tan it is nearly impossible to restrict drivers from using the left lane.

Lt. Anne Ralston said all lanes of traffic are needed, not only for drivers safety but to make sure traffic flows smoothly.

"Traffic in Ohio makes it almost impossible to totally clear one lane, that being left lane for passing vehicles only. We believe both lanes are needed to handle traffic volume for traffic to be able to flow in a safe manner," said Ralston.

While the highway patrol doesn't agree with the bill, Ralston said if it becomes law, they will enforce it. She said it may be difficult to do so.

"Some of our concerns would be trying to determine if a vehicle is simply just driving in the left lane or in the left lane for passing purposes," she said.

Truck driver Lonnie McIntosh thinks the bill will create more traffic accidents and said fewer lanes will slow him down.

"We've got to get from A to B to C because we've only got 11 hours of driving time, so we can't dog around," said McIntosh.

Maag's measure also would raise the speed limit on Ohio's interstate highways from 65 mph to 70 mph to be consistent with the speed limit on the Ohio Turnpike and in neighboring states.