New traffic laws take effect today

TOPEKA — Motorists in Kansas face some new rules of the road today as a pair of highway safety laws take effect.

One law applies only to multi-lane highways outside the limits of any city. If the highway has at least two lanes in each direction, drivers may use the far left lane only to pass another vehicle, prepare for a left turn or make room an emergency vehicle.

The other new law applies to drivers of vehicles transporting non-hazardous materials. If they’re involved in a non-injury accident, they’re to move to the shoulder or the nearest exit.