🚀 go-pugleaf

In article <50hsma$mo2@pendragon.jsc.nasa.gov>, crdb@nowhere (CRDB Database account) writes:
>
>Actually Aardwolf, the idea that being in the left lane is
>illegal comes from the commericals everyone see where the
>fast car is caught up to by the faster car which blinks its
>lights at the car in front (who moves over) and the faster
>car zooms by.

Wrong, it's clearly specified in the Texas traffic laws.

[snip]

>Freeways are different from autobahns in that everyone is
>allowed to drive in any lane so long as the minimum speed
>limit is adhered to.

Wrong, Texas traffic laws say nothing of the sort.

[snip]

>Our country (and state) does put up some signs.  These are
>courtesy signs for the most part.  Others help to direct
>traffic.  The sign in question is: SLOWER TRAFFIC KEEP
>RIGHT.  Without all of the hype, screaming, et al; all this
>sign does is to say that if you do not wish to drive the
>speed limit (ie: 55mph in the city and 70mph outside of the
>city), then you should stay out of the left lane.  This
>doesn't mean that you HAVE to stay out of it though.

Wrong, Texas traffic laws clearly state compliance is mandatory.

[snip]

>They just mean - generally speaking - if
>you are not going to be doing the speed limit, then you
>should stay more towards the right so the faster traffic
>can flow past you.

Wrong, Texas traffic laws clearly state compliance is mandatory.

[snip]

>But as for legality; it isn't illegal to be in the left
>lane at any speed so long as it is within the posted speed
>limit's ranges.  Sorry.  But this isn't Europe.  It's
>America and that's just how our laws are written.

You would be a traffic law prosecutor's dream.  Your interpretations
do not constitute enforceable statutes.  Below, I refer you to all
the relevant and current State of Texas traffic laws as published and
made available to the general public by the Texas Department of Public
Safety in Austin, Texas.  Draw your own conclusions if you wish, but
they read quite clearly to me, and are enforced as such by 
prosecutors in the State of Texas.

Texas Transportation Code (TRC)

TRC Ch. 541  DEFINITIONS.

Subch. D.  TRAFFIC, TRAFFIC AREAS, AND TRAFFIC CONTROL.

TRC 541.304.  TRAFFIC CONTROL.  In this subtitle:

(1) "Official traffic-control device" means a sign, signal, marking,
or device that is:

  (A) consistent with this subtitle;
  (B) placed or erected by a public body or officer having jurisdiction;
      and
  (C) used to regulate, warn, or guide traffic.

TRC Ch. 544  TRAFFIC SIGNS, SIGNALS, AND MARKINGS
 
TRC 544.004.  COMPLIANCE WITH TRAFFIC-CONTROL DEVICE

(a) The operator of a vehicle or streetcar shall comply with an
applicable official traffic-control device placed as provided by
this subtitle unless the person is:

  (1) otherwise directed by a traffic or police officer; or
  (2) operating an authorized emergency vehicle and is subject to
      exceptions under this subtitle.

TRC Ch. 545  OPERATION AND MOVEMENT OF VEHICLES

TRC 545.051.  DRIVING ON RIGHT SIDE OF ROADWAY AND PASSING

(b) An operator of a vehicle on a roadway moving more slowly than the
normal speed of other vehicles at the time and place under the
existing conditions shall drive in the right-hand lane available
for vehicles, or as close as practicable to the right-hand curb or edge
of the roadway, unless the operator is:

  (1) passing another vehicle; or
  (2) preparing for a left turn at an intersection or into a private
      road or driveway.

TRC 545.351.  MAXIMUM SPEED REQUIREMENT

(a) An operator may not drive at a speed greater than is reasonable
and prudent under the circumstances then existing.

(b) An operator:

  (1) may not drive a vehicle at a speed greater than is reasonable
      and prudent under the conditions and having regard to actual
      and potential hazards then existing; and
  (2) shall control the speed of thevehicle as necessary to avoid
      colliding with another person or vehicle that is on or
      entering the highway in compliance with law and the duty lf
      each person to use due care.

(c) An operator shall, consistent with Subsections (a) and (b),
    drive at an appropriate reduced speed if:

   (1) the operator is approaching and crossing an intersection
       or railroad grade crossing;
   (2) the operator is approaching or going around a curve;
   (3) the operator is approaching a hill crest;
   (4) the opeartor is traveling on a narrow or winding roadway; and
   (5) a special hazard exists with regard to traffic, including
       pedestrians, or weather or highway conditions.

TRC 545.363.  MINIMUM SPEED REGULATIONS

(a) An operator may not drive so slowly as to impede the normal and
reasonable movement of traffic, except when reduced speed is
necessary for the safe operation or in compliance with law.

(c) If appropriate signs are erected giving notice of a minimum
speed limit adopted under this section, an operator may not drive 
a vehicle more slowly than that limit except as necessary for
safe operation or in compliance with law.

TRC 545.365.  SPEED LIMIT EXCEPTION FOR EMERGENCIES; MUNICIPAL
              REGULATION

(a) The regulation of the speed of a vehicle under this subchapter
does not apply to:

   (1) an authorized emergency vehicle responding to a call;
   (2) a police patrol; or 
   (3) a physician and or ambulance responding to an emergency
       call.

(b) A municipality by ordinance may regulate the speed of:

   (1) an ambulance;
   (2) an emergency medical services vehicle; or
   (3) an authorized vehicle operated by a blood or tissue bank.

-- 
Mark A. Breland                             "Unless you want to finish last,
Racing, ranching, whatever...                you got to kick a little!..."
Austin, Texas                                                 (Little Texas)
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