Passing lane
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A passing lane is the lane on a multi-lane highway or motorway closest to the center of the road (the central reservation).
In North American terminology, the passing lane is often known as a left lane or leftmost lane, due to left hand drive (driving on the right). In British/Irish terminology, the passing lane is termed an outer lane or outside lane, while a normal lane nearer the hard shoulder is termed an inner lane (or inside lane).
In modern traffic planning, passing lanes on freeways are usually designed for through/express traffic, while the inner lanes have entry/exit ramps. However, many freeways often have ramps on the passing lane, these are known as "left exits" in North America.
A passing lane is often misnamed a fast lane, causing drivers to use it for extended periods of time. In theory, a passing lane should only be used for passing, thus allowing, even on a road with only two lanes in each direction, motorists to travel at their own pace. Good driving practice is to slip out of the passing lane once slower cars have been passed.
A possible problem arising from misuse of the "fast lane", is that it may encourage other motorists to keep up with the faster driver (who may indeed be exceeding the speed limit). Alternatively the driver in the outer lane may be driving too slowly. As a result, heavy trucks are often prohibited from using the passing lane.
A driver hoping to pass a slow motorist in the "fast lane" is stuck in an awkward situation. One strategy is to signal a lane change toward the center median. Another is to flash headlights. A third, which again sacrifices safety, is to drive very close to the "fast lane" driver's bumper (this is known as tailgating). In Germany it is common to signal a lane change towards the center of the road, as if there where another lane to the left of the "fast lane".
Most commonly, motorists will attempt to overtake the outer car on the inner lane. This not only endangers slower drivers on the inner lane, but is also illegal in some states and countries (in theory). For high-capacity multilane freeways (three or more lanes per direction), many motorists often pass on the inner lane.
In hilly country, some standard highways (not dual carriageway) are built with three lanes. Two lanes are used for traffic heading in the uphill direction, with one lane being a passing or climbing lane, and one lane is used for downhill traffic.
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