Dear Cop - Holding Up Traffic

In California, there is traffic law that states to the effect that if you are holding up more than five other vehicles you are required to pull over and let them pass. Is there any regulation like that in BC?

Also, I have noticed a number of new drivers that travel at or below the speed limit but do not come anywhere close to stopping at stop signs. Do you think we have made so much emphasis on ticketing for speeding that new drivers are not getting the message about the other rules of the road?

Finally, I was under the impression that the left lane was for passing or turning left. I notice many drivers will immediately pull into the left lane even if they have no intention of passing or turning left for a number of kilometers and even if there are drivers right behind them who are traveling faster. What are the regulations for being in the left lane or is it just courtesy to stay in the right unless you intend to pass or turn left.

In response to your first question, yes there is a law for slower moving vehicles that impede other road traffic.

Slow driving

Section 145 (1) of the Motor Vehicle Act indicates that a person must not drive a motor vehicle at so slow a speed as to impede or block the normal and reasonable movement of traffic, except when reduced speed is necessary for safe operation or in compliance with law.
(2) If the driver of a motor vehicle is driving at so slow a speed as to impede or block the normal and reasonable movement of traffic, a peace officer may require the driver to increase his or her speed, or to remove the motor vehicle from the roadway to the nearest suitable place and to refrain from causing or allowing the motor vehicle to move from that place until directed to do so by a peace officer.

In response to your second question, I know that not stopping at posted stop signs is a problem for some new drivers but I find more seasoned long time drivers who do not realize that stop means stop, not coast through at a slow speed. For those drivers who are challenged by the idea of the stop sign this is the law in B.C.

Stopping at intersections

Section 186 of the Motor Vehicle Act indicates that except when a peace officer directs otherwise, if there is a stop sign at an intersection, a driver of a vehicle must stop

(a) at the marked stop line, if any,
(b) before entering the marked crosswalk on the near side of the intersection, or
(c) when there is neither a marked crosswalk nor a stop line, before entering the intersection, at the point nearest the intersecting highway from which the driver has a view of approaching traffic on the intersecting highway.

In response to your last question, I think the law is quite explicit. Driver on right

Section 150 (2) of the Motor Vehicle Act indicates that the driver of a vehicle proceeding at less than normal speed of traffic at the time and place and under the conditions then existing must drive the vehicle in the right hand lane then available for traffic, or as closely as practicable to the right hand curb or edge of the roadway, except when overtaking and passing a vehicle proceeding in the same direction, or when preparing for a left hand turn at an intersection or into a private road or driveway.

Constable R.A.(Richard) ASELTON
Central Okanagan Traffic Services - Media Liaison

This article is written by or on behalf of an outsourced columnist and does not necessarily reflect the views of Castanet.