Thousands ticketed under new Virginia law for driving slow in passing lane

WASHINGTON - Thousands of drivers have been ticketed under a new Virginia law that prohibits slow-drivers from using the passing lane.

The law, which went into effect on July 1, fines drivers $100 for driving in the left lane on state highways without a good reason. Lawmakers said they wanted to keep people from driving too slow in the left lanes, which they said endangers law enforcement and spurs road rage.

According to data obtained by WTOP-FM, more than 16,000 drivers have been cited under some portion of the new law since July 1.

WTOP reports more than 11,000 of those ticketed either paid the $100 fine, were found guilty or were found guilty in absentia.

WTOP noted that some of the drivers who were ticketed also faced other additional charges.