This Easy New Driving Assistance Feature May Put an End to Left-Lane Congestion

Car enthusiasts often dislike having electronic systems dictate their driving behavior. However, there are instances when a subtle reminder is necessary to encourage better driving habits. Nissan’s latest advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) feature serves precisely this purpose, acting as a gentle prompt for those lingering in the left lane to shift over.

The innovative “Passing Assist” feature is a component of Nissan’s ProPilot Assist 2.1 update, debuting in the 2025 Rogue and Armada, with plans to expand to additional Nissan and Infiniti models in the future. ProPilot 2.1 supports hands-free driving in a single lane but mandates that drivers keep their hands on the wheel while changing lanes. Although it doesn’t perform lane changes automatically like some Tesla models or GM vehicles equipped with Super Cruise, Nissan’s system will suggest a lane change when traffic ahead is slow and the left lane is clear. While the driver must execute the lane change, once completed, the vehicle will regain control for autonomous driving. If the driver lingers in the left lane for too long post-overtaking, Nissan’s technology will issue a reminder to switch back. This is a prompt that many drivers could benefit from.

Drivers often express frustration with those who monopolize the left lane, moving at a speed that impedes others. This behavior leads to slower traffic flow and can result in congestion. However, not all of these drivers are intentionally obstructive; some may simply be lost in their music until prompted by another driver’s horn or headlights. A gentle nudge could greatly assist in such situations.

Nevertheless, since ProPilot does not automatically move out of the passing lane, drivers retain the choice to disregard the prompt. They can also deactivate the Passing Assist feature altogether and resume using the left lane without reminders—something likely to be embraced by many New Jersey drivers. Despite this, the introduction of this feature marks progress for ADAS systems. Implementing practical functionalities like these can promote more considerate driving habits and better lane discipline when the systems are disabled. Manufacturers such as Tesla and GM, which already have ADAS with automatic lane-changing capabilities, might take further action to address this issue—perhaps by having their vehicles automatically exit passing lanes if not actively overtaking. Furthermore, such technology could educate drivers on the proper rules of passing—stressing that overtaking should occur on the left or the right side if driving in countries with opposite traffic regulations.