LOUISIANA (KLFY) --Several new laws went into effect on Aug. 1 including a higher fine if you're caught lingering in the left lane of a multi-lane highway.

For the past ten years, Louisiana Democratic Senator Jay Luneau has been serving the senate.

Juneau's district stretches from areas above Ruston and Grambling down to Avoyelles Parish.

"I was constantly seeing traffic snared by people driving in the left lanes side by side with other people or people driving in the left  lanes where there is no other traffic," Senator Luneau said.

After conducting some research, the senator discovered such wrecks are primarily caused by people switching lanes to get around others and driving in the left lane to avoid traffic.

"Those are typically high-speed wrecks because they are traveling at highway speeds. It can cause lots of property damage and lots of injury to people," Luneau added.

The senator found Louisiana's law was complex and a challenge to enforce.

"I simplified it by saying that if you're driving in the left lane and you're not in the act of passing another vehicle or turning left then you are in violation of the law," the senator noted.

Moreover, there are revised penalties and fines if caught lingering in the left lane.

"I moved the fine from a hundred dollars to a $150 and put it into a tier where within 12 months you can get additional ticket, then it goes to the second tier where it's $250 fine and third tier $350 fine; and the possibly of up to 6 months in jail depending on what the circumstances are and the court says," he added.

Luneau states that in addition to safety, the goal is to simplify law enforcement's ability to enforce the law as well as courts.

"They're driving side-by-side with another vehicle and they have 20 vehicles behind them."

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