Maryland Rules for Moving With the Flow of Traffic
When out on the roads, most drivers assume that they may only receive a traffic citation if they are speeding. However, you may be surprised to learn that you can be pulled over by a law enforcement officer if you are disrupting the flow of traffic by driving too slowly as well. In Maryland, it is important that you understand the various rules that concern moving with the flow of traffic and how breaking these rules may affect you.
The Law Office of Hillel Traub is a Maryland traffic offense law firm dedicated to ensuring that the rights and interests of its clients are protected. If you are pulled over by the police as a result of breaking one of the state’s rules for moving with the flow of traffic, it is important that you call attorney Hillel Traub as soon as possible to understand your options.
Understanding Maryland’s Rules For Moving With the Flow of Traffic
Just as it is dangerous to speed, it is also dangerous to drive too slowly, as this can upset the flow of traffic on a busy road and potentially cause an accident. At the same time, if there is a group of drivers all speeding and you decide to drive alongside them, or “move with the flow of traffic,” you may still be pulled over for speeding even if the other drivers were not.
In Maryland, moving with the flow of traffic as a reason for speeding is not a valid defense and you will likely still be issued a citation. The other rules concerning the flow of traffic in Maryland are as follows:
Maryland’s Flow of Traffic Law
Also referred to as the minimum speed rule, the flow of traffic law requires drivers to move at a minimum speed notated on a sign on any given road. For example, on busy highways, drivers may pass by a sign that states that the minimum speed in this area is 65 miles per hour. That means that any drivers moving below this speed may be disrupting the flow of traffic and could be pulled over and issued a citation. If you are issued a citation for breaking the Maryland flow of traffic law, a trusted traffic offense lawyer may be able to help you with your defense.
Maryland’s Slower Traffic, Keep Right Law
Commonly called the “Move Over” rule, this law states that Maryland drivers must stay in the furthest right-hand lane when moving at a slower speed than the normal rate of traffic. Additionally, this rule comes into play if someone is driving at least 10 miles per hour below the posted speed limit. To avoid breaking this rule and being pulled over for a traffic violation, it is best to stay to the right unless you plan to pass slower traffic or you are preparing for a left turn.
If you have been issued a traffic violation for breaking one of Maryland’s rules for moving with the flow of traffic, it is important that you work with a knowledgeable traffic offense attorney who may be able to help get the penalty you are facing reduced or dropped completely.
Speak With a Maryland Traffic Offense Lawyer For Help With Your Case
Attorney Hillel Traub of The Law Office of Hillel Traub is a former lawyer for MVA, so he is deeply familiar with Maryland laws relating to moving with the flow of traffic. He is dedicated to helping clients get the penalties they are facing for traffic violations reduced or dropped. To begin speaking about your legal options and to schedule a free consultation, contact us here or call (410) 580-1100.