House Bill 864 would prohibit driving in the left lane of a multilane highway “at a speed that impedes the normal and reasonable movement of traffic.”
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A North Carolina House bill proposes several changes to state traffic laws, including targeting slow drivers on interstate highways.
House Bill 864 cleared a committee with a favorable vote on April 30. The bill would prohibit drivers from operating vehicles in the left lane of a multilane highway “at a speed that impedes the normal and reasonable movement of traffic.”
It would also increase minimum speed requirements on highways. Under current law, drivers must maintain at least 40 mph in 55 mph zones and 45 mph in 60 mph zones. The bill would raise these minimums to 45 mph and 50 mph, respectively, while adding new minimums of 55 mph in 65 mph zones and 60 mph in 70 mph zones.
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Additionally, the legislation would restrict large trucks from using the leftmost lane on major highways. Motor vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 26,001 pounds or more would be banned from the left lane on highways with six or more lanes.
The bill would also impact collegiate license plates, allowing full-color background designs instead of the standard backgrounds currently available. Colleges and universities with existing collegiate plates could convert to full-color designs by submitting new artwork for approval.
If passed, the traffic law changes would take effect Dec. 1, 2025, while the license plate provisions would begin Oct. 1, 2025.
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