Bill Summary – FastDemocracy

HB 964
                       Department of Legislative Services
                               Maryland General Assembly
                                     2021 Session
                            FISCAL AND POLICY NOTE
                               Third Reader - Revised
House Bill 964               (Delegate Parrott)
Environment and Transportation                                          Judicial Proceedings
    Vehicle Laws – Driving in Right–Hand Lanes – Interstate Highways in Rural
                                     Areas
This bill requires, on an interstate highway located in a rural area (as defined by the bill),
a driver traveling slower than the general speed of traffic to drive in the right-hand lane or
lanes, if practicable as determined by the driver. The bill establishes the policy of the State
and guidance with respect to the rules of the road, and a person may not be issued a citation
for a violation of this requirement. The Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) must include
the requirement in the State’s driver education curriculum, and the State Highway
Administration (SHA) must inform drivers of the requirement by placing and maintaining
signs at regular intervals on appropriate highways and through the dynamic message sign
system located throughout the State. By December 1, 2023, MVA and SHA must report to
the Senate Judicial Proceedings and House Environment and Transportation committees
on the efforts made to provide driver education and notice throughout the State as required
under the bill.
                                     Fiscal Summary
State Effect: Transportation Trust Fund (TTF) expenditures increase, potentially
significantly, in FY 2022 only for sign installation, as discussed below. Revenues are not
affected.
Local Effect: Local government finances are not directly affected.
Small Business Effect: None.
                                         Analysis
Current Law: On every roadway, any vehicle going at least 10 miles per hour below the
applicable maximum speed limit or at less than the normal speed of traffic under existing
conditions generally must be driven in the right-hand lane then available for traffic or as
close as practicable to the right-hand curb or edge of the roadway. The requirement to keep
right does not apply when overtaking and passing another vehicle going in the same
direction or when preparing for a lawful left turn. A violation is a misdemeanor subject to
a maximum fine of $500. Upon conviction, MVA must assess one point against the driver’s
license, or three points for a violation that contributes to an accident. The District Court
assesses a prepayment penalty of $90 for this offense or $130 if the offense contributes to
an accident.
“Urban area,” as defined under § 8-507 of the Transportation Article, means an area with
boundaries fixed by SHA that includes and is adjacent to a municipality or other urban
place having a population of at least 5,000 as determined by the latest federal census.
(Under the bill, “rural area” means an area outside the fixed boundaries of an urban area.)
State Expenditures: The bill requires SHA to place and maintain signs at regular intervals
on appropriate highways informing drivers of the bill’s requirements. SHA estimates for
sign installation costs have generally ranged from approximately $500 to $1,000 per sign.
Under one illustrative scenario, if SHA installs 100 signs under the bill, TTF expenditures
increase by roughly $50,000 to $100,000 in fiscal 2022 only.
                                Additional Information
Prior Introductions: HB 1262 of 2020, a bill with similar provisions, received an
unfavorable report from the House Environment and Transportation Committee.
Designated Cross File: None.
Information Source(s): Judiciary (Administrative Office of the Courts); Department of
State Police; Maryland Department of Transportation; Department of Legislative Services
Fiscal Note History:      First Reader - February 16, 2021
an/aad                    Third Reader - April 2, 2021
                                 Revised - Amendment(s) - April 2, 2021
Analysis by: Elizabeth J. Allison                      Direct Inquiries to:
                                                       (410) 946-5510
                                                       (301) 970-5510
HB 964/ Page 2
Statutes affected: 
Text - First - Vehicle Laws – Driving in Right–Hand Lanes – Interstate Highways in Rural Areas: 8-101 Transportation, 8-507 Transportation, 21-301 Transportation, 2-023 Transportation
Text - Third - Vehicle Laws – Driving in Right–Hand Lanes – Interstate Highways in Rural Areas: 8-101 Transportation, 8-507 Transportation, 21-301 Transportation, 2-023 Transportation