New traffic laws now in effect in Kansas

Thursday marked the effective date for many new laws, including new traffic laws for drivers. The "Right Lane Law", "Move It Law", and amendments to docket fees for citations will all affect motorists on Kansas roads beginning this week.

"These new laws are vital to the safety of motorists on our roads and it is important that drivers are aware of the changes that will become effective this week," Kansas Highway Patrol Superintendent, Colonel Terry Maple said.

The "Right Lane Law", or Senate Bill 145, prohibits vehicles on highway outside the corporate limits of any city, divided into two or more lanes of traffic proceeding in the same direction, from being operated in the far left lane, except when:

* Overtaking and passing another vehicle;

* Preparing to make a proper left turn;

* Otherwise directed by official traffic-control devices; or

* Otherwise required by other provisions of law such as passing stopped emergency or maintenance vehicles.

These provisions do not apply to authorized emergency vehicles, including those operated by law enforcement officers. Kansas Turnpike Authority and Kansas Department of Transportation vehicles performing construction or maintenance work are also exempt from this legislation.

Another new piece of legislation, House Bill 2147, referred to as the "Move It Law", is an important new rule for motorists. HB 2147 mandates that drivers of non-hazardous materials transporting vehicles involved in non-injury crashes on interstate, U.S. highways, or any divided or multi-lane roadways in the state move vehicles out of the lane of traffic. This is intended to help keep drivers and passengers safe by getting them out of the lane of traffic, and away from oncoming vehicles.

If vehicles can be driven, move them to a safe location such as a shoulder or the nearest exit, to exchange information or to contact law enforcement. Law enforcement should always be called if:

* there are injuries;

* a vehicle cannot be moved;

* one of the drivers appears to be intoxicated;

* damage exceeds $1,000;

* one of the drivers has no insurance; or

* one of the divers leaves the scene of the crash.

For violations of both legislations, warnings will be issued within the first year in effect. After June 30, 2010, violators can receive a $60 citation.

Another change on July 1, will affect any driver receiving a citation for a traffic violation. In an effort to alleviate the $15.9 million cut from the Judicial Branch's Fiscal Year 2010 maintenance budget, the Kansas Supreme Court, as authorized by the 2009 Senate Bill 66, will impose an emergency surcharge of $10, which will be added to court costs in all cases. Kansas Supreme Court Chief Justice Robert Davis signed the order June 3. Should a traffic citation be issued to you, the total docket fees will now be $86. The $10 surcharge is effective until June 30, 2010, unless rescinded or otherwise amended by the Kansas Supreme Court.

Further information on the new or amended road laws can be found on the Patrol's Web site at www.kansashighwaypatrol.org. Look for the "New Road Laws" link on the home page. Other information is also available on the Kansas Legislature Web site at www.kslegislature.org.