KNOXVILLE (WATE) – Tennessee drivers can no longer cruise in the fast lane. The state’s new “slow poke law” took effect Friday and officers are enforcing it. Tennessee Highway Patrol says the law could help ease traffic backups and improve safety.

Knoxville resident Brianne Vonlaufen is in full support of the new slow poke law.

“I’m a caregiver so I see clients so I’ve got certain times I’ve got to be places and someone holding up the fast lane is irritating,” said Vonlaufen.

The law prohibits the operation of vehicles in a passing lane on interstates or multi lane highways except when passing. Knoxville driver Ron Cook thinks the law will be beneficial by possibly improving safety on the roadways.

“That’s a definite hazard at times not only to traffic flow but also a wreck hazard. You never know when you’re going to come up on a car that you think will be going the correct speed and it’s not,” said Cook.

He doesn’t know how the law would work though.

“My question is how are they going to enforce it?’” said Cook.More online: Read the full law [PDF]

“We’ll enforce it just like we do every other state law. If you’re just out there riding in that lane and there’s nothing around you and there’s no reason for you to be there you can probably expect to get pulled over for that,” said THP Lt. Don Boshears.

If you’re caught, it’s a misdemeanor and a $50 fine. As of Tuesday neither Tennessee Highway Patrol nor the Knoxville Police Department have issued any citations. Both agencies say they are enforcing the law.

“I think if they are a habitual offender and get caught again, I think the price should go up to be honest with you the ticket price,” said Vonlaufen.

Lt. Boshears says the new law could impact safety. He says a slow vehicle in the fast lane can cause traffic to start backing up. Once the traffic is close together it just takes a second to cause a crash.

There are exceptions to the slow poke law. The slow poke law will not apply if inclement weather or an official traffic control device makes it necessary to drive in the passing lane, if there are obstructions in the non-passing lanes or if highway design makes it necessary to drive in the passing lane to exit or turn left.