The Missouri State Highway Patrol is beginning a campaign to remind highway drivers to stay out of the left lane unless they are passing.

Violators who fail to move over risk traffic tickets.

Left lane driving is a leading cause of road rage, said Collin Stosberg, MSHP spokesman.

"We stop cars every day throughout the state of Missouri for people that are driving in that left lane and not passing," Stosberg said. "It is a problem."

Troopers are planning an aggressive driving enforcement campaign. They will also target distracted drivers and those who follow other vehicles too closely.

"We see far too many rear end crashes from people following too close," Stosberg said.

Preliminary figures indicate Missouri troopers wrote more than 15,000 citations last year for improper lane use.

Fines for driving in the left lane in Missouri can range from $150-$250, not including court costs.

