Left Lane Restrictions

Are you using the left lane correctly? In Connecticut, the left lane on highways or turnpikes isn’t meant for cruising — it’s for passing. State law requires drivers to keep right except when overtaking slower traffic, moving left to allow traffic to merge or preparing for a left exit. Staying in the left lane when you’re not passing can slow traffic, create frustration and increase the risk of road rage or crashes. Use the left lane only to pass — then safely move back to the right.

Laws

Connecticut's left lane law prohibits driving in the left lane unless actively passing a vehicle, preparing for a left-lane exit, or avoiding an obstruction. The new law aims to reduce crashes and ease traffic by preventing drivers from "camping" in the passing lane. The new law stipulations go into effect* in October 2026, increasing the likelihood of enforcement, so the state is encouraging all drivers to know the law and start following it immediately to avoid getting a ticket in the future.

Penalties

Violators face a fine of $88.

Drive to Save Lives – What We’re Doing

In November 2025, Connecticut launched a statewide awareness campaign to educate drivers about the left lane law and encourage proper use before increasing the likelihood of enforcement. The campaign, entitled “Pass Left, Drive Right,” uses some unexpected Connecticut spokespeople to remind drivers that the left lane is for passing only and that violators can get a fine of $88.

don't get a penalty, left lane is for passing only - left lane restrictions campaign image

Drive to Save Lives – What You Can Do

Pass left. Drive right.

You must drive in the right lane or a middle lane unless you are overtaking another vehicle or preparing for a left turn. If you do wish to pass, move to the left lane, overtake the other vehicle and move back to the right as soon as it is safe to do so.

The Slow Lane

If you are traveling at a slower speed than the flow of traffic, move to the farthest right lane. When there are three or more lanes, the far right lane is typically for slow traffic only.

Don’t Pass on the Right

Passing vehicles from the right lanes is against the law, can be dangerous and lead to crashes.

Keep up with Traffic

Driving too slowly in the left lane is illegal and can cause dangerous situations like sudden lane changes and crashes. If you find yourself in the left lane, maintain the posted speed limit and move back to the right as soon as it is safe to do so.

Don’t Tailgate

If you find yourself in the left lane behind a slower driver, don’t tailgate them. Give them plenty of room and follow until they move over. Then, safely overtake them and move back to the right. Tailgating is dangerous for you and other vehicles on the road.

Move Over Law

There’s an important exception to the left lane rule: the Move Over law. When an emergency vehicle is stopped on or near the road, slow down and, if possible, move to a lane farther away. On a two-lane highway, this may mean using the left lane temporarily—then returning right when safe.