VICTORIA — New rules cracking down on drivers who monopolize the left lane on highways are now being enforced in British Columbia.

Police can now ticket drivers who don’t use the left lane for either passing, allowing traffic to merge or preparing for a turn.

Lawbreakers could be hit with a $167 fine and three driver penalty points.

The rules apply to highways where the speed limit is more than 80 kilometres per hour.

But when traffic is congested and speeds drop to 50 kilometres an hour or less, the province is encouraging drivers to use the left lane in order to keep traffic moving.

The new penalties were announced last year when the B.C. government announced speed limits would be raised on some highways.

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