B.C.’s new law to penalize drivers who clog up traffic in a left-hand lane of a multi-lane highway came into effect Friday. “Slow drivers camping out in that left-hand lane not only cause frustration for other drivers, but they cause accidents,” said Transportation Minister Todd Stone.

Here are 5 things to know about B.C.’s new law on law on left-hand lane hogs:

• Stay right on the highway. Drivers are breaking the new rules if they putter in the left lane, while traffic piles up behind them. Drivers must stay in the right-hand lane while on a multi-lane highway that has a speed limit greater than 80 km/h.

• There are “common sense” exemptions: You can travel in the left-hand lane if you need to pass another vehicle, let someone merge onto the road, prepare for a left-hand turn, allow an emergency vehicle to pass.

• The rule doesn’t apply in gridlock. If you’re stuck in Metro Vancouver’s legendary rush hour, and traffic jams have dragged the speed to less than 50 km/h, the law permits you to drive in any lane to help keep traffic moving.

• Police can issue tickets right now. The law, passed in the spring session of the legislature, came into force Friday. The government, the Insurance Corp. of B.C. and police are expected to soon launch a public awareness campaign.

• The penalties are among the stiffest in Canada. The fine for hogging the left lane is $167, and three driver penalty points. ICBC charges you a penalty point premium on your insurance if you get more than three penalty points in one year.