Impeding the Flow of Traffic in Georgia

It is common knowledge that if you drive over the speed limit, you could get a ticket. However, people are sometimes shocked to hear that you can also get a ticket for driving too slow. It is also called the “Slow Poke” law. While you may think this is unfair, the law was intended to prohibit driving at slow speeds that interfere with other drivers on the road. The legal term for this is “impeding the flow of traffic”.

At The Law Offices of Richard S. Lawson, we have defending DUI and related charges for decades. Whether you have been charged with impeding the flow of traffic and DUI or just impeding the flow by itself, we know how to get your case settled smoothly and get you back to your life. Our office offers free consultations so call today and see how we can assist you!

Impeding Traffic in Georgia

Georgia Code O.C.G.A. §40-6-184 outlines the traffic offense as follows:

A person drives a motor vehicle at such a slow speed as to impede the normal and reasonable movement of traffic, except when reduced speed is necessary for safe operation.

Is There a Time When It is Okay to Drive Slow in the Left Lane?

There are some situations where drivers can stay in the left lane when driving slowly. These include:

• When traffic conditions or congestion make it necessary to drive in the passing lane;
  
• When inclement weather, obstructions, or hazards make it necessary to drive in the passing lane;
  
• When compliance with a law of this state or with an official traffic control device makes it necessary to drive in the passing lane;
  
• When a vehicle must be driven in the passing lane to exit or turn left;
  
• On toll highways, when necessary to pay a toll or use a pass;
  
• To authorized emergency vehicles engaged in official duties; or
  
• To vehicles engaged in highway maintenance and construction operations.

Penalty for Impeding the Flow of Traffic in Georgia

A conviction for impeding the flow of traffic will lead to a fine up to $1,000 as well as accumulating 3 points on your license. If you are under 21 years of age, an accumulation of 4 or more points will result in an automatic license suspension. For drivers over 21, an accumulation of fifteen or more points can result in a license suspension. Additionally, you should expect your car insurance premiums to increase.

How Can a Georgia DUI Lawyer Help Me With my Impeding the Flow of Traffic Ticket

There are always Georgia criminal defenses our attorneys can use to defend your case. Our lawyers excel at analyzing your case and building the strongest arguments to get your charge dismissed or the penalty reduced. Some defenses we can use include:

Driving at a safe speed: Even if the speed was below the speed limit, it was necessary in order to stay safe. This could be due to the road conditions, weather conditions, or other adverse conditions.

I needed to turn left: If you were turning left soon and needed to get over, that would be a defense. However, there is no language stating how close the turn needs to be in order for you to be justified in driving in the left lane.

I was passing slower traffic: If there was slow traffic in the right lane and you were still passing them by driving slow in the left lane with the intent of getting over once passed, that could be an adequate defense.

The car in front of me was driving slow: If you were stuck behind a car that was driving slow and were unable to pass, let your lawyer know and we can use that to bolster your case. 

Contact Us Today

Our Impeding the Flow of Traffic Lawyers in Georgia know what it takes to win cases and achieve a favorable outcome in your case. This is not an exhaustive list of arguments we can use to defend you. Contact us today for a free case evaluation and see how our Georgia Impeding the Flow of Traffic Attorneys can help you!