If you’ve driven anywhere in New Zealand with more than one lane, chances are you’ve come across the notorious right-lane hog.
The driver who sticks in the right lane, going just below the speed limit, unaware or indifferent to the queues of frustrated motorists forming behind them.
It’s annoying, it’s common — and while technically illegal, it’s become one of the most flouted road rules in the country.
Under New Zealand law, drivers must keep left unless they’re overtaking. It’s written into the Land Transport (Road User) Rule 2004 and failing to do so could set you back $150 fine and 20 demerit points, according to the NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA).
“There are no plans currently to review this infringement penalty,” an NZTA spokesperson said.
NZTA regularly pushes “keep left” messages on its Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn pages, racking up more than 9 million views in the past two years, but it seems many motorists continue to miss the memo.
Enforced, but not prioritised
Police do issue infringements for failing to keep left, but it’s not a high-priority offence, says Inspector Peter McKennie, acting director of road policing.
“Police do take enforcement action for failing to keep left in some circumstances, but not to the same extent as high-risk behaviours, such as speed, impairment by alcohol, drugs or fatigue, being distracted while driving and not using seat belts or child restraints,” he told 1News.
There were practical considerations, McKennie said, such as drivers preparing for exits or intersections and giving room for cyclists or road workers.
But even if you’re going the speed limit and feel justified in staying put, drivers “need to consider keeping the way clear for emergency service vehicles”.
Hogging the right lane can have indirect safety impacts such as risky under-taking manoeuvres or frustrated drivers taking chances they shouldn’t.
“Police encourage courteous driving behaviours,” he said. “Be patient and wait until the situation changes and it is safe to pass. Recognise that going a few kilometres per hour slower for a relatively short distance won’t make a meaningful difference to your journey time.”
Safety experts want culture shift
The AA wants to see a shift in mindset around the keep left rule, especially as New Zealand builds more multi-lane highways.
AA road safety spokesperson Dylan Thomsen said the right lane should be treated as a passing lane.
“Sticking to the left lane means people can easily pass slower travelling vehicles in the right, promoting efficient traffic flow,” he said.
“After overtaking, drivers should return to the left lane as soon as it is safe.”
He said passing on the right was a “more efficient manoeuvre”, while passing on the left was “significantly more dangerous”.
“It involves driving through a larger blind spot for the vehicle you are passing on the right, which is also likely to move directly into your lane at some point.”
Travelling in the right lane unnecessarily showed a “lack of awareness” for other road users wanting to pass, Thomsen said.
“It’s important that new drivers are taught to see correct lane use not only as a legal requirement, but as part of cooperative and considerate driving behaviour.”
Thomsen said AA Member surveys have consistently found that slower vehicles holding up traffic is one of the top frustrations for drivers alongside red light running and texting behind the wheel.
“With more multi-lane highways starting to be built in New Zealand, it is certainly an area that could have more of a focus for educating and reminding drivers to share the road well.”
So next time you’re cruising in the right lane, ask yourself: Are you overtaking — or just in the way?