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Rules exist for drivers in left lane Please explain the legal and courteous use of the left lane on Highway 99 or the freeway. I'm amazed at the gridlock caused by people who think 50 to 60 miles per hour is an OK speed on the freeway. -- Judy V., Talent There are several rules that govern the use of left lanes on highways and freeways, Judy, but Oregon State Police say the most important guideline comes down to common courtesy. "That's our general advice," said OSP trooper Jason Stone. "If someone is coming up on you, maintain your speed and let them pass, or slow down if you know a lane closure is coming up." But in general, use of the left lane on a highway or freeway with at least two lanes of traffic in each direction is limited to drivers who want to pass another vehicle or make a left turn. "Otherwise, you have no business being there," Stone said. Once drivers pass the slower vehicle, they are required to return to the right lane, Stone said. For two-lane highways that provide just one lane of traffic in each direction, drivers who are being overtaken by another vehicle should pull over to the shoulder as soon as it's safe, Stone said. He added that drivers in the right lane should not speed up when being passed by a car on the left. If drivers want to file a formal complaint against another who misuses the left lane, Stone said they may do so with the OSP. Be sure to note the license plate of the offending vehicle, the driver's description and the date, time and place of the incident. Send your questions to "Since You Asked," Mail Tribune Newsroom, P.O. Box 1108, Medford, OR 97501; or by fax to (541) 776-4376; or by e-mail to: [email protected] Please include your name, address and phone number for verification. Today's News Index Mail Tribune Copyright � The Mail Tribune 1999, Medford, Oregon USA