Legal Question in Traffic Law in New Jersey

NJ- Failure to Keep Right

On the Garden State Parkway, I was being tailgated but what appeared to be a civilian automobile. I was driving in the left lane, and waiting for the driver behind me to move. All of a sudden, he started to pull me over, and I realized it was an unmarked police car. I was issued a warning for driving in the left lane for 5 miles. The trooper informed me that this is a violation of State Law. The warning says ''Failure to keep right''. Is it a crime to drive in the left lane? Why bother having one if it is.


Asked on 8/16/07, 1:02 pm

3 Answers from Attorneys
Salvatore Principato Salvatore Principato, Attorney at Law

Re: NJ- Failure to Keep Right

Yes, there are signs in NJ to keep right and stay there except to pass. In Europe this is also considered the safest way to avoid high speed light flashers behind you at 120 mph even. Here many irritated cops will write you a moving violation for this infraction. I think it causes accidents and blocks police operations when people park and drift off in that left lane oblivious to others trying to get by--often it is an inconsiderate and undisciplined driver--a warning was easy on you so chill out and allow others to get by too.

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Answered on 8/17/07, 2:18 am
Gary Moore Gary Moore Attorney At Law

Re: NJ- Failure to Keep Right

The left land is supposed to be the so-called "passing lane." If you set up shop in that lane no one can pass.

You only got a warning. You were treated fairly, perhaps undeservedly so.

Gary Moore

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Answered on 8/16/07, 2:00 pm
Jef Henninger, Esq Law Offices of Jef Henninger, Esq.

Re: NJ- Failure to Keep Right

Yup, it illegal. I got the same warning when I was 17.

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Answered on 8/16/07, 3:18 pm


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