"Dwight Stewart" wrote in message
nk.net...
"Kim W5TIT" wrote:
"Dwight Stewart" wrote:

Minimum Speed Limit:
I. No person shall drive so slowly
as to impede the normal and
reasonable movement of traffic.
Tran. Code §545.363(a)
II. A person, driving at less than the
normal speed of traffic, shall drive in
the right-hand lane then available for
traffic or as close as practicable to
the right-hand curb or edge of the
roadway. Tran. Code §545.051(b)

Cool. I'll check that website out. However,
the two above put me legal driving in the left
lane--since I am traveling at the speed that
the *majority* of drivers are driving in the
left hand lane, which makes *that* the flow
of traffic--with the people desiring to blast
passed all of us in the wrong; they are going
against the flow (at least in my opinion).


If that interpretation were really true, the slowest vehicle in the left
lane would set the flow of traffic (even if only ten mph) since all the
others behind that vehicle are now going the same speed. Clearly, there is
something wrong with that interpretation, isn't there? In reality, if
there
are two or three vehicles behind you who want to go faster, you're
impeding
the flow of traffic.


Dwight Stewart (W5NET)

http://www.qsl.net/w5net/


Well, guess so...however, 40 MPH is the minimum speed limit on some roads...

Oh, and as to JJ's claim (backed up with a commentary Giggle from a
newspaper) that the left lane is for passing only? Well, my hubby and I
have been extensively searching for this in the Texas Code and haven't found
it yet. Then, there's the signs that currently say "slower traffic keep
right" that are supposedly all over the place and being replaced with "left
lane for passing only." I checked my whole route yesterday and there's not
a sign to be seen--of any type--indicating anything about lane travel. So,
I called some folks who I knew were traveling up from Aransus. The saw one
sign all the way up from there that say "slower traffic keep right."

I was also contemplating the safety of having a traffic law that would apply
to all highway travel...and it would really impede traffic. There are so
many people getting on and off on the highways in the core area of the
metroplex; as well as so many left lane exits for other highways and
streets, that if the left lane were truly for passing only, one may as well
pack a boxed lunch to get to work.

I think JJ's leg's been pulled.

Kim W5TIT

"Kim W5TIT" wrote:

Oh, and as to JJ's claim (backed up
with a commentary Giggle from a
newspaper) that the left lane is for
passing only? Well, my hubby and I
have been extensively searching for
this in the Texas Code and haven't
found it yet. (snip)


You're right on this one, Kim. After looking over the Texas Drivers
Handbook, this does not appear to be the law in Texas. You can download a
copy of the handbook at the Texas Department of Public Safety's website...

http://www.txdps.state.tx.us/adminis...ol/dlindex.htm

You'll see the related information under the "Driving the Freeway" section
of the handbook (page 9-3 of the handbook or page 53 of the PDF file). For
those who don't want to download the 2.5 MB PDF file, it basically says...

"Choosing the Proper Lane
Look twice before changing speed
or lanes and always signal.
- Use the right-hand lane:
If you wish to drive at the minimum
speed limit or below the normal flow
of traffic.
- Using the middle or left-hand lane:
1. Use the middle or left-hand lane if
you are traveling faster than other
traffic.
2. If you plan to leave the freeway
soon, change to the exit lane as
soon as possible."

There are obviously other things in that section, but nothing about using
the left lane for passing only. It appears you can use the left lane "if you
are traveling faster then other traffic." Of course, if you're traveling
faster than other traffic, you're probably also passing them. But, unlike
some other states, it appears you don't have to get back into the right lane
if there is nobody to pass (if you just want to drive in that lane on an
open road) unless a road sign states otherwise.


Dwight Stewart (W5NET)

http://www.qsl.net/w5net/

Dwight Stewart wrote:

"Kim W5TIT" wrote:

Oh, and as to JJ's claim (backed up
with a commentary Giggle from a
newspaper) that the left lane is for
passing only? Well, my hubby and I
have been extensively searching for
this in the Texas Code and haven't
found it yet. (snip)



You're right on this one, Kim. After looking over the Texas Drivers
Handbook, this does not appear to be the law in Texas. You can download a
copy of the handbook at the Texas Department of Public Safety's website...

http://www.txdps.state.tx.us/adminis...ol/dlindex.htm

You'll see the related information under the "Driving the Freeway" section
of the handbook (page 9-3 of the handbook or page 53 of the PDF file). For
those who don't want to download the 2.5 MB PDF file, it basically says...

"Choosing the Proper Lane
Look twice before changing speed
or lanes and always signal.
- Use the right-hand lane:
If you wish to drive at the minimum
speed limit or below the normal flow
of traffic.
- Using the middle or left-hand lane:
1. Use the middle or left-hand lane if
you are traveling faster than other
traffic.
2. If you plan to leave the freeway
soon, change to the exit lane as
soon as possible."

There are obviously other things in that section, but nothing about using
the left lane for passing only. It appears you can use the left lane "if you
are traveling faster then other traffic." Of course, if you're traveling
faster than other traffic, you're probably also passing them. But, unlike
some other states, it appears you don't have to get back into the right lane
if there is nobody to pass (if you just want to drive in that lane on an
open road) unless a road sign states otherwise.


Dwight Stewart (W5NET)

http://www.qsl.net/w5net/


Here is what I found in Chapter 6 of The Texas Driver's Handbook, page
62...quote:

KEEP TO THE RIGHT

NEVER drive on the left half of the road in the following instances:

1. When pavement markings prohibit driving on the left (a "No Passing
Zone").

2. When there are two or more traffic lanes in one direction. (In other
words, don't "drive" in the left lane/s...my words)

3. When 100 feet (about five car lengths) of or crossing an intersection
or railroad crossing.

4. When on a hill, curve, or any other place where vision is limited.

5. Wnen within 100 feet of a bridge, viaduct, or tunnel.

You should always keep to the right half of the road EXCEPT:

1. When passing another vehicle on a two or three lane street. (In other
words, after passing you should move back to the right...my words).

2. When driving on a one-way street.

3. When the right half of the road is blocked.

End quote:

Sounds pretty simple, the right lane is for passing, you should always
keep to the left except for passing.

On Tue, 23 Dec 2003 16:08:41 -0700, JJ wrote:

Here is what I found in Chapter 6 of The Texas Driver's Handbook, page
62...quote:

KEEP TO THE RIGHT

NEVER drive on the left half of the road in the following instances:

[snip]

Sounds pretty simple, the right lane is for passing, you should always
keep to the left except for passing.

Huh ?? Comprehension problem? Try "the other left".....

The question wasn't about driving on the left-hand side of the road,
it was about driving on the right-hand side of the center of a road
where traffic flows in both directions, or at the left-hand side of
a one-way road with two or more lanes.

In California traffic engineering practice, numbering starts at the
furthest left-hand lane in each direction and numbering proceeds to
the right - IOW no matter how many lanes of traffic in that
direction, the #1 lane is the "fast" or "inner" or "left-hand" lane
-- still on the right hand side of the road if traffic flows in both
directions and there is a demarcation of where the "center" line is.

This is independent of whether one may drive in the #1 lane except
when passing.

Did I succeed in confusing you further ??

--
73 de K2ASP - Phil Kane

Phil Kane wrote:

On Tue, 23 Dec 2003 16:08:41 -0700, JJ wrote:


Here is what I found in Chapter 6 of The Texas Driver's Handbook, page
62...quote:

KEEP TO THE RIGHT

NEVER drive on the left half of the road in the following instances:


[snip]


Sounds pretty simple, the right lane is for passing, you should always
keep to the left except for passing.


Huh ?? Comprehension problem? Try "the other left".....

Opps, caught me Phil, seems the right dosen't know what the left is
doing. Should be the other way around. Left is for passing, right is for
driving.

Mike Coslo wrote:

Phil Kane wrote:

On Tue, 23 Dec 2003 16:08:41 -0700, JJ wrote:


Here is what I found in Chapter 6 of The Texas Driver's Handbook, page
62...quote:

KEEP TO THE RIGHT

NEVER drive on the left half of the road in the following instances:



[snip]


Sounds pretty simple, the right lane is for passing, you should always
keep to the left except for passing.



Huh ?? Comprehension problem? Try "the other left".....

The question wasn't about driving on the left-hand side of the road,
it was about driving on the right-hand side of the center of a road
where traffic flows in both directions, or at the left-hand side of
a one-way road with two or more lanes.


Does anyone know what on earth the original question was in this
thread?

It was something about michael jackson I think. Does he even drive?

Phil Kane wrote:

On Tue, 23 Dec 2003 16:08:41 -0700, JJ wrote:


Here is what I found in Chapter 6 of The Texas Driver's Handbook, page
62...quote:

KEEP TO THE RIGHT

NEVER drive on the left half of the road in the following instances:


[snip]


Sounds pretty simple, the right lane is for passing, you should always
keep to the left except for passing.


Huh ?? Comprehension problem? Try "the other left".....

The question wasn't about driving on the left-hand side of the road,
it was about driving on the right-hand side of the center of a road
where traffic flows in both directions, or at the left-hand side of
a one-way road with two or more lanes.

Does anyone know what on earth the original question was in this thread?

- Mike KB3EIA -

In article , JJ
writes:

Here is what I found in Chapter 6 of The Texas Driver's Handbook, page
62...quote:

KEEP TO THE RIGHT

NEVER drive on the left half of the road

The "left half of the road" refers to the left half of the entire road. IOW,
the part meant for traffic in the other direction!

in the following instances:

1. When pavement markings prohibit driving on the left (a "No Passing
Zone").

Solid double yellow line

2. When there are two or more traffic lanes in one direction. (In other
words, don't "drive" in the left lane/s...my words)

No, that's not what it means.

It means that if there's more than one lane of traffic in the direction you are
traveling (say, a road with two northbound and two southbound lanes) you should
*never* cross the center line.

IOW, passing by crossing the center line is only allowed on roads with one lane
in the direction you're traveling

3. When 100 feet (about five car lengths) of or crossing an intersection
or railroad crossing.

Whether the train hits the car or the car hits the train, the car loses.

4. When on a hill, curve, or any other place where vision is limited.

Usually double yellow line anyway.

5. Wnen within 100 feet of a bridge, viaduct, or tunnel.

You should always keep to the right half of the road EXCEPT:

Again, the "right half of the road" refers to the right half of the entire
road. IOW, the part meant for traffic in your direction of travel!

1. When passing another vehicle on a two or three lane street. (In other
words, after passing you should move back to the right...my words).

It means if you only cross the center line on a 2 or 3 lane road.

2. When driving on a one-way street.

No lanes in the other direction.

3. When the right half of the road is blocked.

Obvious.

End quote:

Sounds pretty simple, the right lane is for passing, you should always
keep to the left except for passing.

HAW!!! Good one, JJ!!

I wonder how many will read that and not see the inversion!

73 de Jim, N2EY

"JJ" wrote in message
...
Dwight Stewart wrote:

"Kim W5TIT" wrote:

Oh, and as to JJ's claim (backed up
with a commentary Giggle from a
newspaper) that the left lane is for
passing only? Well, my hubby and I
have been extensively searching for
this in the Texas Code and haven't
found it yet. (snip)



You're right on this one, Kim. After looking over the Texas Drivers
Handbook, this does not appear to be the law in Texas. You can download
a
copy of the handbook at the Texas Department of Public Safety's
website...


http://www.txdps.state.tx.us/adminis...ontrol/dlindex
..htm

You'll see the related information under the "Driving the Freeway"
section
of the handbook (page 9-3 of the handbook or page 53 of the PDF file).
For
those who don't want to download the 2.5 MB PDF file, it basically
says...

"Choosing the Proper Lane
Look twice before changing speed
or lanes and always signal.
- Use the right-hand lane:
If you wish to drive at the minimum
speed limit or below the normal flow
of traffic.
- Using the middle or left-hand lane:
1. Use the middle or left-hand lane if
you are traveling faster than other
traffic.
2. If you plan to leave the freeway
soon, change to the exit lane as
soon as possible."

There are obviously other things in that section, but nothing about
using
the left lane for passing only. It appears you can use the left lane "if
you
are traveling faster then other traffic." Of course, if you're traveling
faster than other traffic, you're probably also passing them. But,
unlike
some other states, it appears you don't have to get back into the right
lane
if there is nobody to pass (if you just want to drive in that lane on an
open road) unless a road sign states otherwise.


Dwight Stewart (W5NET)

http://www.qsl.net/w5net/


Here is what I found in Chapter 6 of The Texas Driver's Handbook, page
62...quote:

KEEP TO THE RIGHT

NEVER drive on the left half of the road in the following instances:

1. When pavement markings prohibit driving on the left (a "No Passing
Zone").

2. When there are two or more traffic lanes in one direction. (In other
words, don't "drive" in the left lane/s...my words)

3. When 100 feet (about five car lengths) of or crossing an intersection
or railroad crossing.

4. When on a hill, curve, or any other place where vision is limited.

5. Wnen within 100 feet of a bridge, viaduct, or tunnel.

You should always keep to the right half of the road EXCEPT:

1. When passing another vehicle on a two or three lane street. (In other
words, after passing you should move back to the right...my words).

2. When driving on a one-way street.

3. When the right half of the road is blocked.

End quote:

Sounds pretty simple, the right lane is for passing, you should always
keep to the left except for passing.



Not so simple in city freeway driving. Following these guidelines literally
would mean that cutting back and forth from lane to lane if you can only
move to the left to pass each vehicle individually. And don't forget the
left-hand freeway exits.

Dee D. Flint, N8UZE

"JJ" wrote in message
...
Dwight Stewart wrote:

"Kim W5TIT" wrote:

Oh, and as to JJ's claim (backed up
with a commentary Giggle from a
newspaper) that the left lane is for
passing only? Well, my hubby and I
have been extensively searching for
this in the Texas Code and haven't
found it yet. (snip)



You're right on this one, Kim. After looking over the Texas Drivers
Handbook, this does not appear to be the law in Texas. You can download
a
copy of the handbook at the Texas Department of Public Safety's
website...


http://www.txdps.state.tx.us/adminis...ol/dlindex.htm

You'll see the related information under the "Driving the Freeway"
section
of the handbook (page 9-3 of the handbook or page 53 of the PDF file).
For
those who don't want to download the 2.5 MB PDF file, it basically
says...

"Choosing the Proper Lane
Look twice before changing speed
or lanes and always signal.
- Use the right-hand lane:
If you wish to drive at the minimum
speed limit or below the normal flow
of traffic.
- Using the middle or left-hand lane:
1. Use the middle or left-hand lane if
you are traveling faster than other
traffic.
2. If you plan to leave the freeway
soon, change to the exit lane as
soon as possible."

There are obviously other things in that section, but nothing about
using
the left lane for passing only. It appears you can use the left lane "if
you
are traveling faster then other traffic." Of course, if you're traveling
faster than other traffic, you're probably also passing them. But,
unlike
some other states, it appears you don't have to get back into the right
lane
if there is nobody to pass (if you just want to drive in that lane on an
open road) unless a road sign states otherwise.


Dwight Stewart (W5NET)

http://www.qsl.net/w5net/


Here is what I found in Chapter 6 of The Texas Driver's Handbook, page
62...quote:

KEEP TO THE RIGHT

NEVER drive on the left half of the road in the following instances:

1. When pavement markings prohibit driving on the left (a "No Passing
Zone").

2. When there are two or more traffic lanes in one direction. (In other
words, don't "drive" in the left lane/s...my words)

3. When 100 feet (about five car lengths) of or crossing an intersection
or railroad crossing.

4. When on a hill, curve, or any other place where vision is limited.

5. Wnen within 100 feet of a bridge, viaduct, or tunnel.

You should always keep to the right half of the road EXCEPT:

1. When passing another vehicle on a two or three lane street. (In other
words, after passing you should move back to the right...my words).

2. When driving on a one-way street.

3. When the right half of the road is blocked.

End quote:

Sounds pretty simple, the right lane is for passing, you should always
keep to the left except for passing.


JJ, sounds like you found something that contradicts what Dwight found, and
vice versa. The point is, there is nothing that my husband or I have been
able to find in the TAC (Texas Administrative Code)--which would be the
*LAW*. The manual and words like "should," etc., are not laws--they are
suggestions. I suggest to you that *if* it were illegal--ILLEGAL--to drive
in left lanes on highways not marked (and the highways I am driving are
not), then there'd be no threat to the budget here in Texas.

Simple 'nuff, find a *LAW* and I'll accept that it is illegal to drive in
left lanes, otherwise, you're allowing yourself to be impressioned for the
benefit of winning a side to an argument--which, of course, I am also.
Seems I'm winning, though... Law, JJ, not suggestions, not a manual, not
someone's (as in the circumstance with your submitted commentary)
interpretation, but law.

Kim W5TIT