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jime57 · 12-12-2011, 08:51 AM

It is a good topic. Hypermilers typically want to go slower than prevailing traffic. That can create dangerous situations if everone isn't alert. I have been stopped twice, but never ticketed. Doesn't mean I won't get a ticket.

Obviously common sense is the best guide and there are some things you want to do if you intend to hypermile:
-Don't pulse-and-glide between 50&20 MPH on an Interstate road.
-Give the trucks and any fast vehicles a couple of flashes when they still have space to adjust and pass.
-Ridge ride to alert some drivers.
-Set yourself a reasonable minimum speed for the conditions.
-Set flashers on solid if you get really slow and can't gain speed without wasting a lot of fuel.
-Stick to right lane only.
-In dense traffic, like the commuteing hour, just don't do it.

Even with the best methods, you still run the risk of being stopped, largely at the descrestion of the officer. You probably aren't illegal unless you are below a posted minimum speed, but as mentioned other state laws may prevail. It is wise to have you story already made up. "I was trying to save a little fuel, wasn't aware I had gotten that slow, etc." If you run your flashers continuously, you run the risk of being stopped and asked if you are having car trouble. That happened to me. I made a feeble excuse about the car running hot and was "assisted" off at the next exit.

I was also stopped on the Interstate in WS for going too slow. There was no posted minimum and the officer apparently didn't think he had grounds to ticket me, but he advised me that if my car couldn't maintain "reasonable" right lane speed I should perhaps find and alternate route. I smiled and said I'd try to get the speed up, which I did, and nothing more came of it.

Common sense and a friendly attitude go a long way in avoiding tickets. If you do get the ticket, you can always go to traffic court and plead you own case. If you do a bit of research, and if the grounds are shakey, the judge may not be willing to take his time to deal with the case, thereby dismissing.

12-12-2011, 08:51 AM	#69 (permalink)
jime57 Master EcoModder Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Mid-Atlantic Posts: 491 OurInsight - '06 Honda Insight Thanks: 170 Thanked 69 Times in 44 Posts	It is a good topic. Hypermilers typically want to go slower than prevailing traffic. That can create dangerous situations if everone isn't alert. I have been stopped twice, but never ticketed. Doesn't mean I won't get a ticket. Obviously common sense is the best guide and there are some things you want to do if you intend to hypermile: -Don't pulse-and-glide between 50&20 MPH on an Interstate road. -Give the trucks and any fast vehicles a couple of flashes when they still have space to adjust and pass. -Ridge ride to alert some drivers. -Set yourself a reasonable minimum speed for the conditions. -Set flashers on solid if you get really slow and can't gain speed without wasting a lot of fuel. -Stick to right lane only. -In dense traffic, like the commuteing hour, just don't do it. Even with the best methods, you still run the risk of being stopped, largely at the descrestion of the officer. You probably aren't illegal unless you are below a posted minimum speed, but as mentioned other state laws may prevail. It is wise to have you story already made up. "I was trying to save a little fuel, wasn't aware I had gotten that slow, etc." If you run your flashers continuously, you run the risk of being stopped and asked if you are having car trouble. That happened to me. I made a feeble excuse about the car running hot and was "assisted" off at the next exit. I was also stopped on the Interstate in WS for going too slow. There was no posted minimum and the officer apparently didn't think he had grounds to ticket me, but he advised me that if my car couldn't maintain "reasonable" right lane speed I should perhaps find and alternate route. I smiled and said I'd try to get the speed up, which I did, and nothing more came of it. Common sense and a friendly attitude go a long way in avoiding tickets. If you do get the ticket, you can always go to traffic court and plead you own case. If you do a bit of research, and if the grounds are shakey, the judge may not be willing to take his time to deal with the case, thereby dismissing.