Assigned to TRANSIT FOR
COMMITTEE
Assigned to TRANSIT FOR
COMMITTEE
ARIZONA STATE SENATE
Fifty-Third Legislature, Second Regular Session
impeding left lane; notification signs
Purpose
Requires the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) to post signs on directing slow-moving drivers in rural areas to drive in the far-right lane except in certain circumstances.
Background
An operator of a vehicle is required to drive on the right side of a roadway or as close as possible to the right side of the curb of a roadway except when preparing for a left turn and in the following situations: 1) when overtaking and passing another vehicle driving in the same direction; 2) if the right side of the road is closed for construction or repair; 3) when on a marked three-laned roadway; and 4) when operating the vehicle on a designated and marked one-way road (A.R.S. § 28-721).
There is no anticipated fiscal impact on the state General Fund associated with this legislation. According to a JLBC fiscal note, the bill is estimated to result in a one-time expenditure of $177,300 and ongoing, annual maintenance costs of $17,700 from the State Highway Fund.
Provisions
1. Requires ADOT to post signs by September 1, 2021, on highways in rural areas informing drivers that a vehicle must proceed in the right-hand lane if operating slower than the speed of traffic except when passing or making a left turn.
2. Allows ADOT to post the signs while conducting maintenance of other highway signs.
3. Becomes effective on the general effective date.
House Action
TI 1/31/18 DP 6-2-0-0
3rd Read 2/15/18 35-22-3
Prepared by Senate Research
February 23, 2018
KN/CU/lb