[Martian]

Florida Statute 316.0875 says that motorists may cross the double yellow line when “an obstruction exists making it necessary”. The problem for motorists and is that this statute does not define the term, “obstruction”.

Florida law also has a 3 foot clearance rule, which means there must be at least 3 feet clearance between the passing vehicle and the vehicle being passed. In Florida the 3 feet rule specifically names bicycles as the vehicle being passed. However Florida law does state that an overtaking vehicle must maintain a "safe" separation while passing (paraphrased) leaving the interpretation of the term "safe distance" up for interpretation in the 316.0875 statue above.

Combining all of that, and the typical vagueness in laws (and rules) it is not unreasonable (to some) that a slow moving vehicle (golf cart, farm tractor, horse drawn carriage, etc.) could be considered an obstruction, and in order to pass at a "safe" separation, it would then be legal to cross the double solid line, assume all other safety regulations are observed - ie. the lane is clear of oncoming traffic, obstruction of view from curves, hills, etc.

The complication in this case would be that there is (I assume) a separate vehicle lane specifically for golf carts, and it is not unreasonable to assume the "powers that be" designed the lane the cart is in so that it provides a "safe" separation from the lane the car is in so it would most likely be a violation in that case. However, if the overtaking driver is following all passing and lane change safety regulations and not driving in any other unsafe manner, it would be highly unlikely an officer would issue a citation in this case.

Also, it is up to the driver of the over taking vehicle to take in to account erratic activity of the vehicle being passed to determine if extraordinary action is required to safely pass. For example if the driver of the golf cart is weaving and or occasionally swerving into the automobile lane. In this situation the case could easily be made that the driver in the over taking vehicle was taking necessary actions in order to avoid an accident caused by the driver of the golf cart.

Does everyone indicate they are going to change lanes with either hand or turn signals - it is a citable violation to change lanes ever without doing so, except in case of emergency. Are we also complaining about all the drivers that switch back and forth between lanes illegally - it is a violation to do so? I am sure everyone never exceeds the posted speed limit while passing/overtaking a vehicle moving in the same direction - its is a violation to do so. Do you know that it is not illegal to enter an intersection if light has turned yellow, as long as you can exit safely before it turns red. The list is quite extensive.

Well, I guess, you know, rules are rules and must be followed without exception - well, except for the exceptions I make.