People often call the left lane the “fast lane.”  It is true that it is illegal to continuously drive in that lane and block traffic behind you.  But that does not mean that you can exceed the speed limit while driving in this lane.  I know, it sounds a bit ridiculous.  But it’s true.

RCW 46.61.100(4) specifically states as follows:  It is a traffic infraction to drive continuously in the left lane of a multilane roadway when it impedes the flow of other traffic.  Thus, if you are not going the speed limit and are impeding traffic, you can be issued a Washington traffic ticket.

The problem is this does not mean you can go above the speed limit while in this lane – even if you are trying to “pass” cars in the other lanes.  It is legal (but bad driving form) for someone to drive 60 mph in the left lane in a 60 mph zone but have a line of cars behind them trying to get by.  If the person was going 60 mph in a 70 mph zone, then that would be illegal, and you could be given a ticket under RCW 46.61.100(4).