[quote name='Langley968' timestamp='1351266214' post='134109']
The biggest peeve of mine is the drivers that cruise along at the speed limit in the "fast" lane. They seem to think that because they are doing the "max" they do not need to move over. <img src="/forum/images/smilies/968/glare.gif" class="smilie" alt="" />
[/quote]
I learned a bit about this problem (in traffic school a year ago for a red light camera ticket -- whole nother story about those stupid things).
In California the left lane (always the left-most lane) is called the "passing lane". Vehicles may only use that lane if they are passing, it is not to be used for just driving. That lane is totally reserved for passing, and if a vehicle isn't passing then they are not legal. Even if they are doing the max speed limit it is not OK to drive in this lane unless they are "passing". Now I've never heard of anyone actually getting a ticket for this behavior, but I agree, it sure is annoying.
Here is another tidbit:
- What is the maximum speed limit on a road in California?
- Answer: The maximum is not the posted number! The maximum speed limit is that speed at which driving is safe.
Therefore under inclement weather or hazard conditions the maximum speed is actually lower than the posted number, and you can get a ticket for going too fast even if you are under the posted number.
- How is the maximum speed determined?
- No! You can't determine what the maximum safe speed is! The maximum safe speed is determined by an officer who is observing your driving under those inclement or hazard conditions. So in bad weather, you may slow down to what you think is safe, but you can still get a ticket if an officer determines you are exceeding what he thinks is the maximum safe speed!
Ha-ha, they'll get you one way or another!
Roland