"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/