A Maryland woman was recently ticketed for going 63/65 on Interstate 95, as reported by an NBC affiliate. The police explained that she was driving in the left lane reserved for speedier commuters.
The woman said: “[I was] really shocked.” “I thought, ‘Oh my God, you’ve got to be kidding me.'” The woman added that the area was experiencing heavy winds at the time and she was trying to drive safe.
In New York, it is illegal to drive too slow under VTL 1181. A violation of this statute carries 3 points and roughly a $150 fine. However, this unfortunate driver would not have violated the minimum speed law by her actions because she was not unreasonably impeding traffic. Below is the applicable statutory language. In fact, how could anyone proceeding at only 2 mph under the limit be charged with driving too slow?
Vehicle And Traffic Law Section 1181(a) states: “No person shall drive a motor vehicle at such a slow speed as to impede the normal and reasonable movement of traffic except when reduced speed is necessary for safe operation or in compliance with law.”
