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'Left lane hog' rule kicks in for B.C. drivers

Highway drivers who hold up faster traffic without good reason now face $167 fines
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New rules requiring highway drivers to keep right without a good reason are now in effect.

Highway drivers who hog the left lane and hold up faster traffic without a good reason now face potential $167 fines, with three penalty points.

The clarified regulation took effect June 12 and requires drivers to stay right on routes where the speed is more than 80 kilometres per hour when other traffic is approaching from behind.

The exceptions in which the left lane is okay is when you're overtaking and passing another vehicle, leaving the right lane open to allow traffic to merge, preparing for a left hand turn, or moving left to pass an official vehicle with a flashing light.

Police say drivers who block the left lane increase the risk aggressive drivers will pass on the right or tailgate.

The rules do not apply to HOV lanes – the next lane to the right is considered the left-most lane on routes such as Highway 1 in Burnaby.

Another change will allow municipalities to permit motorcycle parking within six metres of intersections with stop signs or signals, so long as sight lines aren't blocked.