"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