Indiana to step up enforcement of left lane violations.

I was pulled over last night on I-65 North by an Indiana State Trooper. I saw him in the middle at the 174, and he stopped me at the 179. Here is what happened and what he told me:

A few miles before I saw him a USF Holland truck passed me. USF slowed down and I pulled out to pass. I'm governed at 62. As soon as I got up beside him, he matched my speed. (Shocking I know) I was slowly making progress, but very slowly. I saw the cop sitting in the middle. When I was about 3/4 past the other truck I saw the disco lights. USF bailed out and I pulled onto the shoulder. The officer was very polite, and even mentioned that the last guy he pulled for this "went ballistic on him."

"I pulled you over because CMV's are only permitted to run the left lane for passing or avoiding a hazard. When two trucks run side by side (because the A-hole in the right lane won't let the left lane go), it causes a hazard because the "4-wheelers" (his words) get upset that they're being held up and end up crashing."

He said he understands the position that we are in as so many trucks have been turned down since fuel prices have risen. We are the professionals, and unfortunately, stupid is not illegal (the cars) but creating a rolling road block is. They are going to step up enforcement of these left lane violations. He did not ticket me, but the message has been delivered. He also said that if you get stuck in the left lane by a moron truck driver drag racing you to call 911 and they will help "if they're not on a domestic call three counties away," "explain" to the one in the right lane that they need to roll out of the gas for a second to allow the faster or lighter truck to clear.

The bottom line is that this should NOT be an issue. I have driven slow trucks for years, and common sense tells me that if a guy is 1 mph faster than I am, or he's lighter and gains on me on a hill to roll out of the gas and LET HIM GO!

I just want everyone to be warned.

 

Yes I was "speeding," and he did point that out. He did mention that 'drag racing' and "rolling roadblock" could be considered reckless driving. Take that for what it's worth.