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Motorists on many Ohio highway could only use the far left lane to pass, exit, or allow other vehicles to get in a right-hand lane, under a measure added by lawmakers Monday to the state's transportation budget bill.

(Lynn Ischay, The Plain Dealer)

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- It soon may be illegal to hog the left lane of many Ohio highways, under language added Monday to the state's transportation budget bill.

Under the provision, added by an Ohio Senate panel, motorists driving on highways with at least three lanes in the same direction could only use the far left lane to pass, exit, or allow other vehicles to get in a right-hand lane.

Violators could face a $150 fine, though the penalties would increase if they were recently convicted of other traffic offenses.

The state would set up "Keep right except to pass" signs to warn drivers of the new law, according to the proposal.

Current Ohio law has less strict language requiring slower drivers to stay in the right-most lane available and allow passing by faster vehicles.

The revised transportation budget bill must now clear a final vote in the Ohio Senate Transportation, Commerce and Labor Committee before heading to the Senate floor.

Earlier this month, legislation was introduced in the Ohio House restricting trucks and other heavy vehicles from using the left lane on many highways in the state.