State troopers on the lookout for left-lane campers

For the next few days, Washington State Patrol troopers will be handing out tickets or warnings to motorists who drive for extended periods in the left lanes of the state’s multiple-lane highways.

The so-called “emphasis patrol” began Wednesday and will continue through Friday.

State Patrol Chief John Batiste authorized the action to increase awareness of the fact that driving in the left lane for extended periods is illegal, according to an agency news release.

RCW 46.61.100 addresses driving in the left lane. It is illegal to do so, according to state law, unless you are:

“(a) overtaking and passing another vehicle proceeding in the same direction, (b) when traveling at a speed greater than the traffic flow, (c) when moving left to allow traffic to merge, or (d) when preparing for a left turn at an intersection, exit, or into a private road or driveway when such left turn is legally permitted.”

Troopers stopped nearly 14,000 left-lane violators last year.

The fine is $136.

This story was originally published March 16, 2016 at 3:51 PM with the headline "State troopers on the lookout for left-lane campers."