Chasers: Roll those cameras this week!

[Jake Orosi]

I won't disagree that the chances of an officer ticketing someone in a major chaser convergence for driving too slow is pretty low, but such a law is in the books, at least in Oklahoma. This document summarizes the rules for every state. For Oklahoma it says, "No person shall drive a motor vehicle at such a slow speed as to impede the normal and reasonable movement of traffic."

Fair enough, but I think you'd have a hard time convincing the highway patrol that say 55 or even 45 in a 75 zone during storm conditions creates an impediment, especially if one is able to pass, and when most vehicles nearby are doing the same speed.

 

[David Drummond]

I know slow driving can be annoying, but it is never illegal except in cases where an actual minimum speed limit is posted (and I've only seen such things on urban spurs and belts). Everyone seems to remember that there's some kind of implied lower speed limit of so many miles below the posted limit, but it's not really true. "Obstruction of traffic" for driving too slow is largely a suburban myth; you won't get a ticket unless you're stopped and blocking lanes. It's very common for drivers to drive at less than the limit in inclement weather conditions.

It's true there usually isn't a "minimum speed limit" except on freeways. However, there IS A minimum following distance in every state that I am aware of, the increased with speed. The general rule is one car length for every 10 mph or speed. 45 mph bumper to bumper is definitely illegal following distance. While you're not likely to get stopped and ticketed for that, if some idiot up ahead decides to slam on the brakes so he can pull off, there could be several cars banging into the back of one another, and you know who will be found at fault? All of you following too close, not the guy that slammed on the brakes. Some states also have laws about allowing vehicles to safely pass you....and letting them move back over in front of you when they signal for it.

 

[Jason Boggs]

The last few days as I've chased, especially near Fort Stockton on Monday, I didn't see any chasers acting stupid. All cars were parked well off the road, and chasers seemed very courteous. I do agree with Jeff Duda on his previous comments.

 

[KendraReed]

Be aware that Kansas Highway Patrol IS ticketing folks for the following: "obstructing driver's view." They will cite for having anything in your window, and the court costs can be more than 2x the citation fee.

Just putting out the 411, as one of my responsible chasers had a run-in over the weekend.

 

[Drue Bernardi]

Be aware that Kansas Highway Patrol IS ticketing folks for the following: "obstructing driver's view." They will cite for having anything in your window, and the court costs can be more than 2x the citation fee.

Just putting out the 411, as one of my responsible chasers had a run-in over the weekend.

Kansas: We hate people who spend money here.

 

[James Wilson]

Be aware that Kansas Highway Patrol IS ticketing folks for the following: "obstructing driver's view." They will cite for having anything in your window, and the court costs can be more than 2x the citation fee.

I heard of a similar thing in Kansas while chasing in 2009 ... a laptop on a mount was a ticket as it was "a distraction". I expect states to adopt this law eventually and consider it the same as texting while driving.