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We all know you can get a traffic ticket for driving too fast (speeding).  What a lot of people do not realize is that you can also get a ticket for driving too slowly. 

Driving Too Slowly in Left Lane

You are not allowed to drive in any lane other than the far-right lane if you're driving at a speed "less than the normal speed of traffic moving in the same direction."  You can receive a ticket for a violation of Vehicle Code Section 21654 if the officer proves 1) you drove at a speed "less than the normal speed of traffic" and 2) you didn't drive "as close as practicable to the right-hand edge or curb," which usually means the right hand lane.  One exception would be for a driver in the left hand lane to make a left turn.  This is a defense to the charge that a good traffic ticket lawyer would raise at trial.  If the Judge agrees, you will be found not guilty.  

Impeding Traffic

Vehicle Code Section 24000(a) says that it is illegal to drive "at such a slow speed as to impede or block the normal and reasonable movement of traffic."  This is a very subjective standard.  The officer would essentially need to prove that multiple vehicles were behind you on a single lane road and that you were traveling at a speed less than the posted speed limit.  However, if a good traffic ticket lawyer can show that the reason you were traveling slow was because of poor weather or visibility or steep road conditions, and it would have been unsafe to travel at a faster speed, the traffic court Judge will find you not guilty of this offense.  

Failure to Use Turnouts

Vehicle Code Section 21656 applies to highways that are only two lanes (one lane in each direction).  If you are driving what is considered a "slow moving vehicle," which is a vehicle going "slower than the normal flow of traffic," and there are at least five other vehicles behind you that have slowed down behind you, it is required that you pull over at a "turnout" or other widened area to the right to allow the vehicles behind you to pass.  Unlike a violation of impeding traffic under Vehicle Code Section 24000(a), it is not a defense that you had to drive slowly in order to do so safely.  The only defense is that there was not an area where you could safely pull over.

Free Traffic Ticket Attorney Consultation

Berglund Law Office, P.C. focuses on traffic related offenses.  If you received a ticket for driving too slowly, or any moving violation, call us at (877) 667-1205 or fill out our CONTACT form to speak with our traffic ticket lawyer.

LOS ANGELES DUI LAWYER

Our office specializes in representing individuals facing traffic violations. We represent our clients in both court and at DMV hearings. Your case will be handled with the personalized attention and expertise that it deserves.

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There is no charge for the phone consultation. Our office specializes in representing individuals facing traffic violations. Attorney Robert D. Berglund will personally speak with you about your case and provide you with an honest analysis. Contact us today.