Must a vehicle driving slower than other traffic keep to the right lane, state by state?
Every state’s answer, and the District of Columbia’s, from its own manual or code: 51 have a rule on this, quoted below with where it is written.
Statutes fetched between 6 and 9 October 2026; manuals fetched between 6 September and 4 October 2026. How the answers are made
| State | The rule | Where it is written | As of |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | (b) Upon all roadways, any vehicle proceeding at less than the normal speed of traffic at the time and place and under the conditions then existing shall be driven in the right-hand lane then available for traffic, or as close as practicable to the right-hand curb or edge of the roadway, except when overtaking and passing another vehicle proceeding in the same direction or when preparing for a left turn at an intersection or into a private road or driveway. | Alabama law, Ala. Code § 32-5A-80(b) | 6 Oct 2026 |
| Alaska | On an Alaska multi-lane highway, if you drive slower than other traffic, use the right, outside lane except when passing. | Alaska Driver Manual, p.34 | 14 Sep 2026 |
| Arizona | If you are driving slower than the traffic around you, drive in the right lane and let faster vehicles pass. | Arizona Driver License Manual and Customer Service Guide, p.40 | 14 Sep 2026 |
| Arkansas | In Arkansas, on a road with three or more lanes traveling in the same direction, remain in the right lane except to pass. | Arkansas Driver License Study Guide, p.32 | 4 Oct 2026 |
| California | When another driver is close behind you and wishes to drive faster, move to the right, and if you choose to drive slower than other traffic, drive in the right lane. | California Driver’s Handbook, p.50 | 14 Sep 2026 |
| Colorado | Drive in the rightmost lane when you are driving slower than the normal speed on a freeway. | Colorado Driver Handbook, p.14 | 14 Sep 2026 |
| Connecticut | (b) Except as provided in subsection (c) of this section, any vehicle proceeding at less than the normal speed of traffic shall be driven in the right-hand lane available for traffic, or as close as practicable to the right-hand curb or edge of the highway, except when overtaking and passing another vehicle proceeding in the same direction or when preparing for a left turn at an intersection or into a private road or driveway. | Connecticut law, Conn. Gen. Stat. § 14-230(b) | 7 Oct 2026 |
| Delaware | (b) Upon all roadways any vehicle proceeding at less than the normal speed of traffic at the time and place and under the conditions then existing shall be driven in the right-hand lane then available for traffic, or as close as practicable to the right-hand curb or edge of the roadway, except when overtaking and passing another vehicle proceeding in the same direction or when preparing for a left turn at an intersection or into a private road or driveway. | Delaware law, 21 Del. C. § 4114(b) | 7 Oct 2026 |
| District of Columbia | When you are driving more slowly than the traffic flow on a highway with two or more lanes in your direction, you should move to and stay in the right lane. | DC Driver Manual, p.72 | 16 Sep 2026 |
| Florida | (2) Upon all roadways, any vehicle proceeding at less than the normal speed of traffic at the time and place and under the conditions then existing shall be driven in the right-hand lane then available for traffic or as close as practicable to the right-hand curb or edge of the roadway except when overtaking and passing another vehicle proceeding in the same direction or when preparing for a left turn at an intersection or into a private road or driveway. | Florida law, Fla. Stat. § 316.081(2) | 7 Oct 2026 |
| Georgia | Georgia’s Slow Poke Law says slower drivers must move out of the passing lane and over to the right so faster traffic can get by. | Georgia Driver's Manual, p.47 | 18 Sep 2026 |
| Hawaii | In Hawaii, when you are moving slower than other traffic you should drive in the extreme right lane. | State of Hawaii Driver’s Manual, p.26 | 14 Sep 2026 |
| Idaho | (2) Upon all highways any vehicle proceeding at less than normal speed of traffic at the time and place and under the conditions then existing, shall be driven in the right-hand lane available for traffic, or as close as practicable to the right-hand curb or edge of the highway, except when overtaking and passing another vehicle proceeding in the same direction or when preparing for a left turn at an intersection or into a private road or driveway. | Idaho law, Idaho Code § 49-630(2) | 7 Oct 2026 |
| Illinois | Slow vehicles must use the right-hand lane except when passing or turning left. | Illinois Rules of the Road 2026, p.29 | 14 Sep 2026 |
| Indiana | (b) Upon all roadways, a vehicle proceeding at less than the normal speed of traffic at the time and place under the conditions then existing shall be driven: (1) in the right-hand lane then available for traffic; or (2) as close as practicable to the right-hand curb or edge of the roadway; except when overtaking and passing another vehicle proceeding in the same direction or when preparing for a left turn at an intersection or into a private road or driveway. | Indiana law, Ind. Code § 9-21-8-2(b) | 7 Oct 2026 |
| Iowa | 2. Any vehicle proceeding at less than the normal speed of traffic at the time and place and under the conditions then existing shall be driven in the right-hand lane then available for traffic upon all roadways, or as close as practicable to the right-hand curb or edge of the roadway, except when overtaking and passing another vehicle proceeding in the same direction or when preparing for a left turn at an intersection, an alley, private road or driveway. | Iowa law, Iowa Code § 321.297(2) | 7 Oct 2026 |
| Kansas | (b) Upon all roadways any vehicle proceeding at less than the normal speed of traffic at the time and place and under the conditions then existing shall be driven in the right-hand lane then available for traffic, or as close as practicable to the right-hand curb or edge of the roadway, except when overtaking and passing another vehicle proceeding in the same direction or when preparing for a left turn at an intersection or into a private road or driveway. | Kansas law, K.S.A. 8-1514(b) | 7 Oct 2026 |
| Kentucky | All Kentucky slower-moving vehicles including bicycles shall drive as closely as practical to the right-hand boundary of the highway. | Kentucky Driver Manual, p.61 | 14 Sep 2026 |
| Louisiana | (c) Upon all multilane highways any vehicle proceeding at less than the normal speed of traffic at the time and place and under the circumstances then existing, shall be driven in the right-hand lane then available for traffic except when preparing for a left turn at an intersection or into a private road or driveway, or passing or overtaking a vehicle proceeding in the same direction, if passing on the left side of it. Nothing herein contained shall be construed to authorize driving any vehicle in the left lane so as to prohibit, impede, or block passage of an overtaking vehicle in such lane and in such event the vehicle in the left lane prohibiting, impeding, or blocking passage of an overtaking vehicle shall expeditiously merge into the right lane of traffic. | Louisiana law, La. R.S. 32:71(B)(1) | 7 Oct 2026 |
| Maine | On a road with three or more lanes one way, the left lane is for passing or turning left, and the right lane is for slower drivers and those entering or turning off. | Maine Driver’s License Manual, p.56 | 4 Oct 2026 |
| Maryland | If you are driving slower than the traffic on the highway, you must drive in the right lane whenever possible. | Maryland Driver's Manual, p.32 | 6 Sep 2026 |
| Massachusetts | On roadways with two or more lanes in your direction, use the right lane for driving unless you are passing, turning left, or the right lane is blocked. | Massachusetts Driver's Manual, p.94 | 14 Sep 2026 |
| Michigan | Slow vehicles must use the right lane except when passing or making a left turn. | What Every Driver Must Know, p.33 | 14 Sep 2026 |
| Minnesota | If you are driving slower than other traffic, stay in the lane nearest the right side of the road. | Minnesota Driver’s Manual, p.73 | 14 Sep 2026 |
| Mississippi | On a road with more than one lane in your direction, drive in the far right lane except to pass or turn left. | Mississippi Driver's License Manual, p.45 | 4 Oct 2026 |
| Missouri | (3) Upon all highways any vehicle proceeding at less than the normal speed of traffic thereon shall be driven in the right-hand lane for traffic or as close as practicable to the right-hand edge or curb, except as otherwise provided in sections 304.014 to 304.025; | Missouri law, Mo. Rev. Stat. § 304.015(5)(3) | 8 Oct 2026 |
| Montana | Slow-moving vehicles must drive in the extreme right lane of the roadway. | Montana Driver Manual, p.62 | 14 Sep 2026 |
| Nebraska | A vehicle going slower than the normal speed of traffic must be driven in the right lane, or as close as practicable to the right curb or edge. | Nebraska Driver’s Manual, p.48 | 14 Sep 2026 |
| Nevada | When two or more lanes of traffic move in the same direction, slower traffic must move to the right and let other drivers pass. | Nevada Driver Handbook, p.35 | 14 Sep 2026 |
| New Hampshire | II. Upon all roadways any vehicle proceeding at less than the normal speed of traffic at the time and place and under the conditions then existing shall be driven in the right-hand lane then available for traffic, or as close as practicable to the right-hand curb or edge of the roadway, except when overtaking and passing another vehicle proceeding in the same direction or when preparing for a left turn at an intersection or into a private road or driveway. | New Hampshire law, N.H. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 265:16(II) | 8 Oct 2026 |
| New Jersey | New Jersey law requires drivers to keep to the right, except when passing. | New Jersey Driver Manual, p.65 | 14 Sep 2026 |
| New Mexico | When you are driving slower than other vehicles, travel on the right-hand side of the road. | New Mexico Driver Manual, p.13 | 4 Oct 2026 |
| New York | (b) In addition, upon all roadways, any vehicle proceeding at less than the normal speed of traffic at the time and place and under the conditions then existing shall be driven in the right-hand lane then available for traffic, or as close as practicable to the right-hand curb or edge of the roadway, except when overtaking and passing another vehicle proceeding in the same direction or when preparing for a left turn at an intersection or into a private road or driveway. | New York law, N.Y. Veh. & Traf. Law § 1120(b) | 8 Oct 2026 |
| North Carolina | When moving slower than the posted limit on a multi-lane highway, drive in the extreme right lane unless passing, turning left or avoiding an obstruction. | North Carolina Driver Handbook, p.52 | 14 Sep 2026 |
| North Dakota | 2. Upon all roadways any vehicle proceeding at less than the normal speed of traffic at the time and place and under the conditions then existing must be driven in the right-hand lane then available for traffic, or as close as practicable to the right-hand curb or edge of the roadway, except when overtaking and passing another vehicle proceeding in the same direction or when preparing for a left turn in an intersection or into a private road or driveway. | North Dakota law, N.D.C.C. § 39-10-08(2) | 8 Oct 2026 |
| Ohio | (B)(1) Upon all roadways any vehicle or trackless trolley proceeding at less than the prevailing and lawful speed of traffic at the time and place and under the conditions then existing shall be driven in the right-hand lane then available for traffic, and far enough to the right to allow passing by faster vehicles if such passing is safe and reasonable, except under any of the following circumstances: (a) When overtaking and passing another vehicle or trackless trolley proceeding in the same direction; (b) When preparing for a left turn; (c) When the driver must necessarily drive in a lane other than the right-hand lane to continue on the driver's intended route. (2) Nothing in division (B)(1) of this section requires a driver of a slower vehicle to compromise the driver's safety to allow overtaking by a faster vehicle. | Ohio law, Ohio Rev. Code § 4511.25(B) | 8 Oct 2026 |
| Oklahoma | On an expressway, use the right-hand lane when you are driving slower than the other traffic, and the middle or left-hand lane if you are traveling faster. | Oklahoma Driver Manual, p.33 | 14 Sep 2026 |
| Oregon | A driver going slower than the normal speed of traffic must use the right lane or drive as close as possible to the right curb or edge of the road, unless preparing to turn left. | 2026-2027 Oregon Driver Manual, p.21 | 14 Sep 2026 |
| Pennsylvania | (b) Vehicle proceeding at less than normal speed.-- (1) Upon all roadways any vehicle proceeding at less than the normal speed of traffic at the time and place and under the conditions then existing shall be driven in the right-hand lane then available for traffic, or as close as practicable to the right-hand curb or edge of the roadway, except when overtaking and passing another vehicle proceeding in the same direction or when preparing for a left turn at an intersection or into an alley, private road or driveway. (2) This subsection does not apply to: (i) A driver who must necessarily drive in a lane other than the right-hand lane to continue on his intended route. (ii) A pedalcycle operating in accordance with Chapter 35 (relating to special vehicles and pedestrians). | Pennsylvania law, 75 Pa.C.S. § 3301(b) | 8 Oct 2026 |
| Rhode Island | Upon all roadways any vehicle proceeding at less than the normal speed of traffic at the time and place and under the conditions then existing shall be driven in the right-hand lane then available for traffic, or as close as practicable to the right-hand curb or edge of the roadway, except when overtaking and passing another vehicle proceeding in the same direction or when preparing for a left turn at an intersection or into a private road or driveway. Violations of this section are subject to fines enumerated in § 31-41.1-4. | Rhode Island law, R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-15-2 | 8 Oct 2026 |
| South Carolina | (b) Upon all roadways any vehicle proceeding at less than the normal speed of traffic at the time and place and under the conditions then existing shall be driven in the right-hand lane then available for traffic or as close as practicable to the right-hand curb or edge of the roadway, except when overtaking and passing another vehicle proceeding in the same direction or when preparing for a left turn at an intersection or into a private road or driveway. | South Carolina law, S.C. Code Ann. § 56-5-1810(b) | 8 Oct 2026 |
| South Dakota | If driving slower than other traffic on a multi-lane road, use the right-most lane; if you are slowing others down, pull to the side when safe and let them pass. | South Dakota Driver License Manual, p.52 | 14 Sep 2026 |
| Tennessee | On a highway with more than one lane each way, a SLOWER TRAFFIC KEEP RIGHT sign means you must drive in the far right lane unless passing a slower car or turning left. | Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual, p.37 | 14 Sep 2026 |
| Texas | (b) An operator of a vehicle on a roadway moving more slowly than the normal speed of other vehicles at the time and place under the existing conditions shall drive in the right-hand lane available for vehicles, or as close as practicable to the right-hand curb or edge of the roadway, unless the operator is: (1) passing another vehicle; or (2) preparing for a left turn at an intersection or into a private road or driveway. | Texas law, Tex. Transp. Code § 545.051(b) | 8 Oct 2026 |
| Utah | (3) A person operating a vehicle on a roadway at less than the normal speed of traffic shall operate the vehicle in the right-hand lane then available for traffic, or as close as practicable to the right-hand curb or edge of the roadway, except when: (a) overtaking and passing another vehicle proceeding in the same direction; (b) preparing to turn left; or (c) taking a different highway or an exit on the left. | Utah law, Utah Code § 41-6a-701(3) | 8 Oct 2026 |
| Vermont | (b) Upon all roadways, any vehicle proceeding at less than the normal speed of traffic at the time and place and under the conditions then existing shall be driven in the right-hand lane then available for traffic, or as close as practicable to the right-hand curb or edge of the roadway, except when overtaking and passing another vehicle proceeding in the same direction or when preparing for a left turn at an intersection or into a private road or driveway. | Vermont law, 23 V.S.A. § 1031(b) | 8 Oct 2026 |
| Virginia | On a multi-lane highway, stay in the right lane if you are driving slower than the traffic around you, because the left lane is for passing. | Virginia Driver's Manual, p.17 | 6 Sep 2026 |
| Washington | A driver keeps right except to pass: with multiple lanes going the same way, drive in the right lane and use the left to pass slower traffic. | Washington State Driver Guide, p.108 | 14 Sep 2026 |
| West Virginia | (b) Upon all roadways any vehicle proceeding at less than the normal speed of traffic at the time and place and under the conditions then existing shall be driven in the right-hand lane then available for traffic, or as close as practicable to the right-hand curb or edge of the roadway, except when overtaking and passing another vehicle proceeding in the same direction or when preparing for a left turn at an intersection or into a private road or driveway. | West Virginia law, W. Va. Code § 17C-7-1(b) | 9 Oct 2026 |
| Wisconsin | A driver going slower than most traffic must drive in the far-right lane of a multi-lane road. | Wisconsin Motorists' Handbook, p.10 | 14 Sep 2026 |
| Wyoming | (b) Upon all roadways except one-way streets any vehicle proceeding at less than the normal speed of traffic at the time and place and under the conditions then existing shall be driven in the right-hand lane then available for traffic, or as close as practicable to the right-hand curb or edge of the roadway, except when overtaking and passing another vehicle proceeding in the same direction or when preparing for a left turn at an intersection or into an alley, private road or driveway. | Wyoming law, Wyo. Stat. Ann. § 31-5-201(b) | 9 Oct 2026 |
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