Indiana: Few tickets issued for ‘move over’ law in Indiana; low number raises questions whether law is enforceable

A lot of drivers were excited to see the ‘move over’ law go into effect on July 1. The law requires drivers to only use the left lane for passing in order to keep the left lane clear. But only a few slowpokes have been ticketed.

So far, there have been zero tickets issued in Marion County, and just five tickets statewide. The numbers are raising questions about whether the law is enforceable.

State Rep. Jud McMillin was the author of the ‘move over’ law.

“I encourage officers to use discretion and educate drivers before jumping to issuing a ticket. The goal here is not to issue more tickets; it’s to get people out of the left lane when they’re not passing,” said McMillin.

Troopers seem to be heeding that advice: 76 warnings were issued throughout the state over the last month.

However, some troopers say the ‘move over’ law is proving hard to enforce.

“When I’m trying to get somewhere, like this detail that I’m on, I can’t ticket him. I don’t have time for that,” said trooper Mike Meinczinger.

He says troopers are often on the way to an emergency when they come across people driving illegally in the left lane. He also says the ‘move over’ law is not as black and white as issuing a speeding ticket.

“You’re going to go to court, you need to have some good solid evidence on your behalf,” said trooper Meinczinger.

We asked for an official comment from the Indiana State Police on why the law is in place if it is so hard to enforce.

“The Indiana Legislature crafts the laws and passes the laws, it is our job to enforce them,” said Captain Dave Bursten.