- Connecticut now has a law specifically calling out left-lane campers.
- It goes into effect on October 1, 2026, after the state has an educational campaign.
- Between now and then, officers have other methods to combat the practice.
Sometimes, the simplest rules of the road are the ones most often ignored. Take lane discipline, for example. Passing on the left and driving on the right might sound obvious to those of us who love cars, but not everybody gets that memo.
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No doubt, most of us know that too since we’ve been trapped behind those who camp out in the left lane. Now, drivers in Connecticut will have to be more thoughtful about such behavior. A new law will allow police to ticket left-lane campers even harder than in the past.
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Several states across the USA already have laws against camping in the left lane. Connecticut itself already has legal language indicating that drivers on divided highways should drive in the right-most lane. At the same time, it doesn’t spell out that the left-most lane is for passing only, and it doesn’t give police the option to ticket offenders for that specific action. That, however, is going to change in a little over a year.
Stricter Enforcement Is Coming
As of October 1, 2026, left lane campers will be subject to ticketing of no less than $90 per violation. That ticket could come in conjunction with a current requirement to “drive right,” or in the right lane, which carries a $142 penalty currently. Between now and October 1, 2026, the state will work on educating drivers about the situation and installing road signs as reminders.
State Sen. Christine Cohen tells CTInsider that, “We’re going to give the Department of Transportation time to create an awareness campaign around this. This is something that is taught in driver’s education classes, but now we have the clarity necessary on the books.”
What Roads and Drivers Are Affected?
For whatever reason, the rule only applies to roads with three lanes of traffic or more. That means drivers can expect two-lane highways to remain just as clogged as ever before. There are other exceptions to this new rule as well. Drivers can camp in the left lane if directed to be there by a police officer. They can do so if an exit on the left side of the highway is coming up. And they can do it if traffic or an accident necessitates driving in the left lane.
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Just as they do with speeding or other violations, officers have discretion when it comes to tickets. Not everybody who camps in the left lane will get a ticket. Hopefully, anyone pulled over for it will learn something.
Why It Matters for Everyone on the Road
At the end of the day, a move like this stands to benefit plenty of folks. Drivers who want to pass should have a slightly easier time, in theory. Those who drive the speed limit have one more reason to be engaged in the task by avoiding camping in the left lane. Authorities will also reap the benefit of revenue by ticketing not just those who speed more because they have an open left lane, but also those who clog it up.
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