New Bill Would Require Drivers to Keep Up—or Pull Over
What the Law Could Mean for Charlotte’s Daily Drivers
By Nell Thomas | May 1, 2025 | Strolling Ballantyne
It’s official: North Carolina’s patience is wearing thin.
In a move bound to trigger a thousand Facebook rants and at least one fiery HOA group chat, the state House Transportation Committee has greenlit a bill that would require slower drivers to vacate the left lane—or face legal consequences. The legislation, pushed by Rep. Ray Pickett of Blowing Rock, aims to fine drivers who go more than 10 mph below the posted speed limit in the passing lane, especially on interstates where speeds hit 70 mph.
“Forty-five in a 70? That’s a moving hazard,” Pickett told the committee. The bill also proposes a ban on trucks cruising in the left lane on highways with six lanes or more—meaning Charlotte’s I-485 may finally get a much-needed etiquette upgrade.
The Case Against Left-Lane Lurkers
While many associate aggressive driving with tailgating or speeding, the North Carolina legislature is acknowledging another menace: dawdlers in the fast lane. Under current law, it’s frowned upon to block the left lane, but enforcement is spotty. This bill would make it crystal clear—and enforceable.
Notably, it’s not just about speed. It’s about flow. Keeping slower vehicles in the right lane helps prevent road rage, improves traffic efficiency, and reduces the kind of dangerous swerving that leads to accidents.
Still, you can hear the Facebook comments already:
“So now I’m getting fined for being safe?”
“Guess I should start tailgating on purpose!”
“Ray Pickett? More like Ray ‘Ticket’!”
Charlotte Drivers React
In Ballantyne, reactions range from finally! to good luck enforcing that. Local auto detailer Torri Suriano of At The Hop Auto Services chimed in, “Honestly, we detail cars that see more backseat tantrums from traffic jams than beach trips. If this clears up even five minutes off 485, I’m here for it.”
Torri’s mobile service is ready to keep your ride polished while lawmakers polish up lane discipline.
And speaking of escapes, if traffic still gets the better of you, why not take the scenic route out of town with help from WanderLuxuryTravel? Djarta Halliday’s bespoke getaways are perfect for escaping legislation, road rage, and your group chat.
And if you need a Charlotte-themed tee that says “I Survived the Left Lane,” Glory Days Apparel probably already has it—or will soon.
What Happens Next?
The bill now heads to the full House. If passed, it would mean real consequences for clogging up the fast lane. The proposed minimum speed of 60 mph in 70 zones would affect many conservative drivers, and trucks would face rerouting options in multi-lane zones.
CMPD and NCDOT have yet to formally weigh in, but supporters say the move is about safety, not speed. Critics say it’s a solution in search of a problem. Either way, the message is clear: move over—or move on.
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☕ This post was powered by a double espresso and the left-lane fury of a thousand Charlotteans.
Nell Thomas is a senior writer for The Charlotte Mercury and contributor to Strolling Ballantyne. You can find her work (and traffic takes) at cltmercury.com.
