Interstates versus secondary roads
Interstates versus secondary roads. I found that I prefer interstates because people are able to easily pass me. I don’t like tailgaters, they annoy me and make me nervous. At the same time I can unde...
Forum Discussion
run100 wrote:mowermech wrote:run100 wrote:mowermech wrote:
Montana Code Annotated 61-8-311. Minimum speed regulations.
(1) A person may not drive a motor vehicle at a speed slow enough 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.
If we read this correctly, what is said is that you should not impede traffic except when necessary for safety reasons OR WHEN IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE LAW.
Obeying the speed limit is required by law, so you are NOT impeding traffic when driving the speed limit.
However, I like to follow the golden rule on the road by staying out of the left lane except to pass and pull off the road if we're moving along at a casual pace and a car or two want to pass (on two-lane roads). Following this practice makes everyones life a tad easier.
HOWEVER, the next section states:
"(2) On a two-lane highway where passing is unsafe because of oncoming traffic or other conditions, the operator of a slow-moving vehicle behind which four or more vehicles are formed in line shall turn off the roadway at the nearest area where a sufficient and safe turnout exists in order to permit the vehicles following it to proceed. If the shoulder of the highway to the right of the slow-moving vehicle is wide enough and is in a condition allowing safe travel, the operator of the slow-moving vehicle may drive onto the shoulder and proceed at a safe speed until passed. As used in this section, a slow-moving vehicle is one that is proceeding at a rate of speed less than the normal flow of traffic at the particular time and place."
Please take particular note of the last sentence of Section 2.
The way these paragraphs are written can create confusion, however Section 1 clearly indicates drivers must comply with the law (speed limits). Yes, a driver can go 30mph in 50mph zone, unless traffic is being impeded. But, reasonable speed should never exceed the speed limit. Our local judge verbalized that pretty clearly in a recent traffic court.
Since I am discussing MONTANA law here, what happens in an Arizona traffic court has no bearing. My discussion is limited to Montana Code Annotated 61-8-311. Other states are irrelevant.
While Section 1 can create confusion, Section 2 is quite clear, even including a concise definition of "slow moving vehicle".
