Florida Senate passes bill cracking down on left lane drivers

[Altavia]

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - A bill that seeks to prevent motorists from cruising in left lanes of highways is headed to Gov. Ron DeSantis.

The Senate on Thursday voted 37-0 to pass the bill (HB 317), which would apply to drivers on highways with at least two lanes in the same direction and speed limits of 65 mph or higher.

The House voted 113-3 last week to pass the bill. Senate sponsor Keith Perry, R-Gainesville, said the measure is intended to improve highway safety.

"If someone in the left lane is going slower, and you pass them (on the right), you are creating an infraction and you can get ticketed," Perry said.

Under HB 317, drivers on a road, street or highway "with two or more lanes" where the speed limit is "at least 65 miles per hour... may not operate a motor vehicle in the furthermost left-hand lane, except when overtaking and passing another vehicle; when preparing to exit... or when otherwise directed by an official traffic control device."

The purpose of the bill is to make it clear when motorists can use the left lane.

The bill's sponsor said he wanted to prevent drivers from using the right lane to pass slower-moving traffic using the left lane.

The bill sets non-criminal moving violation fines of up to $158.

Gov. Ron DeSantis said Friday he will talk with law enforcement officials before deciding whether to sign the bill, according to News Service of Florida.

During an appearance Friday in Pensacola, DeSantis said he wants to hear the practical implications to law officers of enforcing the measure, which would apply to drivers on highways with at least two lanes in the same direction and speed limits of 65 mph or higher. “Are we going to be pulling people over for that? How would that work?” DeSantis said.

He added, "So, I'm going to actually talk to people that do this for a living, whether they think it would be a benefit, both in terms of safety but also we want convenience. We want people to be able to get where they can go as quickly and as safely as possible. But then also enforcement, is that going to radically change how they (officers) do their job, in terms of enforcement?"

[retiredguy123]

Huh? Based on other TOTV threads, I understood that this was already the law. But, it sounds like the law is being downgraded to only apply to the Turnpike and the Interstate, where speed limits are 65 mph or higher.

[Rainger99]

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - The Senate on Thursday voted 37-0 to pass the bill (HB 317), which would apply to drivers on highways with at least two lanes in the same direction and speed limits of 65 mph or higher.

Under HB 317, drivers on a road, street or highway "with two or more lanes" where the speed limit is "at least 65 miles per hour... may not operate a motor vehicle in the furthermost left-hand lane, except when overtaking and passing another vehicle; when preparing to exit... or when otherwise directed by an official traffic control device."
The purpose of the bill is to make it clear when motorists can use the left lane.


Does this mean that you can't use the left lane of the Turnpike or I 95 unless you are passing a vehicle? Wouldn't that reduce these multi-lane roads to a one lane highway except for passing? I would think the right lane would really be crowded!

[golfing eagles]

Huh? Based on other TOTV threads, I understood that this was already the law. But, it sounds like the law is being downgraded to only apply to the Turnpike and the Interstate, where speed limits are 65 mph or higher.

The current law states you must move out of the left lane if approached from behind by a faster moving vehicle. This new law would keep slow drivers out of the left lane in the first place. About freakin' time. I only wish it applied to all multi-laned roads with a speed limit of at least 3 mph.

[asianthree]

The current law states you must move out of the left lane if approached from behind by a faster moving vehicle. This new law would keep slow drivers out of the left lane in the first place. About freakin' time. I only wish it applied to all multi-laned roads with a speed limit of at least 3 mph.

I agree today driving to Mulberry VA clinic on BV 11 cars never left the lane from 44. All was well they were all driving 28mph, so just cruised by in the right lane:clap2:

I don’t get it fear of being passed, fear of the right curb jumping at them, eventual left turn. Trying to control traffic speed or just i am special I only go left

[Dusty_Star]

At the very least, the news of this should encourage people to MOVE OVER, & stop hogging the left lane.

[golfing eagles]

At the very least, the news of this should encourage people to MOVE OVER, & stop hogging the left lane.

It should, but I doubt it will. No more than a sign on BV showing a speed limit of 35 stops cars from going 50, nor a huge red octagonal STOP sign stops cyclists from blowing right through it. It appears Americans feel they have the right to drive however they darn please and to heck with anyone else on the road or the traffic code. But don't feel bad, it's worse in many parts of the world I've been to.

[Altavia]

They do a much better job of staying right on restricted access highways in Europe and it is illegal to pass on the right

[coralway]

Believe Louisiana has such a law, and has for several years. The left lane is for passing only. If you are not passing a slower moving vehicle, stay in the right lane.

[Kelevision]

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - A bill that seeks to prevent motorists from cruising in left lanes of highways is headed to Gov. Ron DeSantis.

The Senate on Thursday voted 37-0 to pass the bill (HB 317), which would apply to drivers on highways with at least two lanes in the same direction and speed limits of 65 mph or higher.

The House voted 113-3 last week to pass the bill. Senate sponsor Keith Perry, R-Gainesville, said the measure is intended to improve highway safety.

"If someone in the left lane is going slower, and you pass them (on the right), you are creating an infraction and you can get ticketed," Perry said.

Under HB 317, drivers on a road, street or highway "with two or more lanes" where the speed limit is "at least 65 miles per hour... may not operate a motor vehicle in the furthermost left-hand lane, except when overtaking and passing another vehicle; when preparing to exit... or when otherwise directed by an official traffic control device."

The purpose of the bill is to make it clear when motorists can use the left lane.

The bill's sponsor said he wanted to prevent drivers from using the right lane to pass slower-moving traffic using the left lane.

The bill sets non-criminal moving violation fines of up to $158.

Gov. Ron DeSantis said Friday he will talk with law enforcement officials before deciding whether to sign the bill, according to News Service of Florida.

During an appearance Friday in Pensacola, DeSantis said he wants to hear the practical implications to law officers of enforcing the measure, which would apply to drivers on highways with at least two lanes in the same direction and speed limits of 65 mph or higher. “Are we going to be pulling people over for that? How would that work?” DeSantis said.

He added, "So, I'm going to actually talk to people that do this for a living, whether they think it would be a benefit, both in terms of safety but also we want convenience. We want people to be able to get where they can go as quickly and as safely as possible. But then also enforcement, is that going to radically change how they (officers) do their job, in terms of enforcement?"

I hope like crazy this becomes a law. They should have signs everywhere. Left lane is for passing. It would absolutely benefit. The reason for traffic on highways is always the left lane driver, of course barring any accidents or road blockages. I think 50% of the people don’t even know about the left lane.

[Blackbird45]

I drove up to New York recently on I-95 and even though the speed limit is in the 70mph range most drivers were doing 90mph or better. I even caught myself going with the flow and traveling at that speed from time to time.
The question I have is what this is supposed to achieve, and does it apply to truck drivers who will drive for miles in any lane they choose.

[golfing eagles]

I drove up to New York recently on I-95 and even though the speed limit is in the 70mph range most drivers were doing 90mph or better. I even caught myself going with the flow and traveling at that speed from time to time.
The question I have is what this is supposed to achieve, and does it apply to truck drivers who will drive for miles in any lane they choose.

Answer to first part of question: It achieves the goal of keeping slugs out of the left lane at 55 mph in a 70 zone, which in turn increases safety because everyone won't have a mad dash to get around them on the right.

Second part: It applies to all vehicles. And on most highways with 3 lanes trucks are totally barred from the left lane anyway.

[Harold.wiser]

If the bill is signed in to law I doubt it will make any difference. As a rule, people do what they want, regardless of the law or the fact that they are inconvenincing others.
We can always hope though!

[Two Bills]

We are pretty good at lane discipline on two lane roads in the UK.
Our main problem is when there are 3 lanes on our Motorways.
Heavy trucks and coaches in UK and Europe are governed to 60mph (96kmh) and are not allowed in the outside lane.
There are a lot of car drivers who are members of The Centre Lane Owners Club, who insist on traveling at 59mph in the center lane and will not speed up or pull over to let trucks out to overtake each other.
CLOC members are easy to recognize, very white-knuckle grip, glazed eyes, and fixed stare ahead, very similar to left lane huggers in US.

In Germany, on unrestricted Autobahns, drivers soon let you know to move over.
I was once overtaking another car doing 90mph+ and was blasted for holding someone up.
'Das Volk' take no prisoners!

[rsmurano]

I hope this passes and cops fine people that don’t obey it. Then, they need to modify the bill to include all 2 lanes with speed limits over 20mph, like on Morse and BV. Why people will park themselves in the left lane not going any faster and especially when going slower than the slow lane when cars are behind them.

Then after that bill gets invoked, the state should assign a cop at every roundabout and ticket people that don’t know how to navigate them with a $1000 fine. With the number of fines, they can justify the cops salary.

[charlie1]

Will this law make any difference? Seems no other traffic laws are being enforced including speeding!

[srswans]

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - A bill that seeks to prevent motorists from cruising in left lanes of highways is headed to Gov. Ron DeSantis.
…

"If someone in the left lane is going slower, and you pass them (on the right), you are creating an infraction and you can get ticketed," Perry said….


I want to hear more about if I will get ticketed for passing on the right. Drivers need to be able to pass on the right because, even with this new law, there will be ppl camping in the left lanes.

[Accidental1]

The bill won't be worth the paper it's written on because there won't be any enforcement (just like most other traffic laws). I'm also curious about the complaints about people parking themselves in the left lane going under the speed limit. Based on my experience, especially on the turnpike here in Florida, very few folks are going anywere near the speed limit. Many more are going 85-95 than 60-70.

[Sandy and Ed]

I agree today driving to Mulberry VA clinic on BV 11 cars never left the lane from 44. All was well they were all driving 28mph, so just cruised by in the right lane:clap2:

I don’t get it fear of being passed, fear of the right curb jumping at them, eventual left turn. Trying to control traffic speed or just i am special I only go left
Consider someone wants to make a left turn but does not know exactly where to turnoff. Traffic in the left lane is so heavy that he may not be able to get into that lane in time. So he gets onto the left lane anticipating a turn off hopefully soon. Guess I am one of the culprits. Thankfully GPS is making it a less frequent occurrence

[mikreb]

Truckers have started driving in the middle lane which pushes all 4 wheelers to the fast lane. Until they get the trucks out of the middle lane the 3 lane highways will not work correctly.

[golfing eagles]

I want to hear more about if I will get ticketed for passing on the right. Drivers need to be able to pass on the right because, even with this new law, there will be ppl camping in the left lanes.

Great question! If that were true, as the phrase quoted by the legislator suggests, it would make the problem worse. The bozo cruising in the left lane at 55 would back up traffic for miles if no one could pass on the right. Thousands of vehicles would have to mosey along at the slug speed until a cop came along and pulled the clown over. Perhaps the lawmaker spoke incorrectly

[Bill14564]

I want to hear more about if I will get ticketed for passing on the right. Drivers need to be able to pass on the right because, even with this new law, there will be ppl camping in the left lanes.

Florida Statute 316.084 explains when it is allowable to pass on the right. The quote in the article is misleading at best.

[ChilePepper]

The bill won't be worth the paper it's written on because there won't be any enforcement (just like most other traffic laws). I'm also curious about the complaints about people parking themselves in the left lane going under the speed limit. Based on my experience, especially on the turnpike here in Florida, very few folks are going anywere near the speed limit. Many more are going 85-95 than 60-70.
Exactly! What about people doing the speed limit in the left lane? Aren't tailgaters behind them breaking the law? Won't they break the law even further by speeding up (over the speed limit) to go around you after you move into the right lane to get out of their way? People like that think they are on a racetrack anyway and normal drivers are a nuisance. I just move to the left, let them go around so they get the ticket, and I can continue drinking my beer. (ha, ha, kidding about the beer)

[Altavia]

I want to hear more about if I will get ticketed for passing on the right. Drivers need to be able to pass on the right because, even with this new law, there will be ppl camping in the left lanes.

The Florida statute allows you to pass on the right on a highway or street with unobstructed pavement that isn’t occupied by parked vehicles. It must be wide enough for two or more lines of moving traffic in each direction.

[Rainger99]

Florida Statute 316.084 explains when it is allowable to pass on the right. The quote in the article is misleading at best.

I don’t know if this will be changed if the other law is enacted.

Motor Vehicles § 316.084. When overtaking on the right is permitted

(1) The driver of a vehicle may overtake and pass on the right of another vehicle only under the following conditions:

(a) When the vehicle overtaken is making or about to make a left turn;

(b) Upon a street or highway with unobstructed pavement not occupied by parked vehicles of sufficient width for two or more lines of moving traffic in each direction;

(c) Upon a one-way street, or upon any roadway on which traffic is restricted to one direction of movement, where the roadway is free from obstructions and of sufficient width for two or more lines of moving vehicles.

(2) The driver of a vehicle may overtake and pass another vehicle on the right only under conditions permitting such movement in safety.  In no event shall such movement be made by driving off the pavement or main-traveled portion of the roadway.

(3) A violation of this section is a noncriminal traffic infraction, punishable as a moving violation as provided in chapter 318.

[Bill14564]

Exactly! What about people doing the speed limit in the left lane? Aren't tailgaters behind them breaking the law? Won't they break the law even further by speeding up (over the speed limit) to go around you after you move into the right lane to get out of their way? People like that think they are on a racetrack anyway and normal drivers are a nuisance. I just move to the left, let them go around so they get the ticket, and I can continue drinking my beer. (ha, ha, kidding about the beer)

The current law doesn't ask you to determine how fast the person behind you is going. It doesn't deputize you to enforce the speed limit in the left lane. It doesn't ask your opinion of the other driver's driving style. The current law requires that you move out of the leftmost lane if a faster vehicle is approaching from behind you. Very, very simple. Leave the rest to the proper authorities.

[FredJacobs]

This Bill took effect on January 1st. The rule about pulling to the left and/or slowing down when passing any emergency vehicle has been expanded to include any vehicle - emergency, construction or passenger - stopped on the right shoulder. This also took effect on Janauary 1st.

[Cliff Fr]

They do a much better job of staying right on restricted access highways in Europe and it is illegal to pass on the right
Are those actual signs, lol.

[Bill14564]

I don’t know if this will be changed if the other law is enacted.

Motor Vehicles § 316.084. When overtaking on the right is permitted

...

It will not be changed by the bill as it is currently written. What, if anything, eventually gets signed might look different.

[mikeycereal]

When driving to Gainsville on I75 (70 mph limit) I usually use the middle lane at around 75. When I get to someone moving slower in that lane I pass them on the left. I stay in the left at around 75-80 if there is no one faster behind me and slower vehicles in the middle. I keep an eye out for anyone faster coming up from far behind in the left lane and if so I move back to the middle to let them pass. I may use the right for passing if the other 2 lanes have slower drivers. But it is very annoying to have people driving slower than the speed limit hogging the left lane. Everyone tries to pass them and some tailgate to get them to wake up. If I'm in the middle lane and that slow person is in the left, cars will sometimes slice in front of me to get around them. I'm for a law that works to prevent those slugs in the left lane, but not holding my breath to see it actually work.

[Cliff Fr]

We live in the Ocala National Forest. A bigger problem here are the drivers going 45 mph on a 55 mph road. Another problem is the driver wanting to drive 70 mph when the speed limit is 55 mph.

[golfing eagles]

Exactly! What about people doing the speed limit in the left lane? Aren't tailgaters behind them breaking the law? Won't they break the law even further by speeding up (over the speed limit) to go around you after you move into the right lane to get out of their way? People like that think they are on a racetrack anyway and normal drivers are a nuisance. I just move to the left, let them go around so they get the ticket, and I can continue drinking my beer. (ha, ha, kidding about the beer)

However, your so called "normal drivers" are NOT THE POLICE. IT IS NOT UP TO THEM TO DICTATE SPEED TO ANYONE ELSE. THEY HAVE NO IDEA WHY THAT DRIVER BEHIND THEM IS SPEEDING. THE LAW SIMPLY REQUIRES THEM TO MOVE OVER AND GET OUT OF THE WAY. PERIOD.

[Altavia]

Exactly! What about people doing the speed limit in the left lane? Aren't tailgaters behind them breaking the law? Won't they break the law even further by speeding up (over the speed limit) to go around you after you move into the right lane to get out of their way? People like that think they are on a racetrack anyway and normal drivers are a nuisance. I just move to the left, let them go around so they get the ticket, and I can continue drinking my beer. (ha, ha, kidding about the beer)

You are disrupting the flow of traffic and will potentially cause a serious accident. Traffic enforcement is not only about strict adherence to a sppeed limit but about a safe flow of traffic and if no one can get around you, you are creating a dangerous situation.

Research has shown that lane changes account for as much as 10 percent of highway accidents.

When slow left lane drivers are scattered across the road, faster drivers must change lanes more often to weave back and forth around them.

Besides accidents and unpredictable driving, there’s another serious driving hazard connected to left lane driving: road rage. Some studies have identified left lane driving among the five behaviors that most irritate other drivers. While it’s every driver’s responsibility to prevent road rage, it’s also a motorist’s responsibility to drive safely and courteously. Sometimes driving safely includes getting out of the way when an aggressive driver approaches from behind.

The primary role of the left lane is to provide a space for you to pass cars traveling more slowly than you. That helps manage traffic, avoid delays, and keep everyone safer.

[Windguy]

a huge red octagonal STOP sign stops cyclists from blowing right through it.
Why do people keep making absurd statements like this? Cyclists don’t do this any more than drivers do. Why do you single out the cyclists for your anger and derision?

[Windguy]

If the bill is signed in to law I doubt it will make any difference. As a rule, people do what they want, regardless of the law or the fact that they are inconvenincing others.
We can always hope though!

It won’t help in the least. It’s already a law that I have NEVER seen enforced.

Occasional cameras hooked to TVs that put your face on the screen when the camera determines that you are slowing down traffic might help. 😃

[Rainger99]

This makes some sense but enforcing it will be a problem.

[Bill14564]

Why do people keep making absurd statements like this? Cyclists don’t do this any more than drivers do. Why do you single out the cyclists for your anger and derision?

I have never had a car blow through a stop sign when I was close enough that I had to hit the brakes to avoid a collision. I *HAVE* had bicyclists do this to me, and I *HAVE* seen it happen to others.

(NOTE: Certainly not all bicyclists do this but it occurs often enough to be noticeable)

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

Coming to Florida I was pretty surprised that passing on the right, on a 2-lane highway, was common and acceptable. Up north, a 2-lane highway's right lane is the travel/exit lane, and the left lane is the passing lane. If you're not planning on passing someone, you get back to the right lane. If you want to pass someone in the right lane, you move to the left lane and pass them.

On a three lane highway, the right lane is the "local" lane - for entering and exiting the highway and for people who want to drive slower than the rest of traffic. The middle lane is the through-lane, and the left lane is the passing lane.

It was this way in Boston, and Connecticut, and New York, New Jersey - pretty much everywhere. It applied only to highways that had exits, not to 2-lane state roads with cross streets.

And obviously if the left lane was backed up due to an accident, everyone shifted over to the right. But when traffic's moving, you pass on the left, cruise in the center or right if there's no center lane.

On highways where there are 4 lanes going in the same direction, the left-most lane is still passing only. Right lane is local (enter and exit), and the center two lanes are for cruising.

No idea why Florida never caught up with this concept, considering how many accidents there are on the highways down here.

[Windguy]

I have never had a car blow through a stop sign when I was close enough that I had to hit the brakes to avoid a collision.

Seriously? I guess you’ve lived a charmed life. I have had cars do that to me, but I’ve never seen a cyclist tempt fate by forcing me to perform emergency maneuvers as you imply. Any cyclist that does something so foolish isn’t doing that because they are cyclists, but because they are fools. Cyclists that do that regularly are not long for this world.

Please stop painting people with a broad brush.

[Bill14564]

Coming to Florida I was pretty surprised that passing on the right, on a 2-lane highway, was common and acceptable. Up north, a 2-lane highway's right lane is the travel/exit lane, and the left lane is the passing lane. If you're not planning on passing someone, you get back to the right lane. If you want to pass someone in the right lane, you move to the left lane and pass them.

On a three lane highway, the right lane is the "local" lane - for entering and exiting the highway and for people who want to drive slower than the rest of traffic. The middle lane is the through-lane, and the left lane is the passing lane.

It was this way in Boston, and Connecticut, and New York, New Jersey - pretty much everywhere. It applied only to highways that had exits, not to 2-lane state roads with cross streets.

And obviously if the left lane was backed up due to an accident, everyone shifted over to the right. But when traffic's moving, you pass on the left, cruise in the center or right if there's no center lane.

On highways where there are 4 lanes going in the same direction, the left-most lane is still passing only. Right lane is local (enter and exit), and the center two lanes are for cruising.

No idea why Florida never caught up with this concept, considering how many accidents there are on the highways down here.

It appears you are discussing customs rather than laws. From what I can find, passing on the right is legal in both Connecticut and New York under conditions similar to those in Florida. I suspect that passing on the right under those conditions is legal in most (all?) states. Customs, of course, vary.

[Bill14564]

Seriously? I guess you’ve lived a charmed life. I have had cars do that to me, but I’ve never seen a cyclist tempt fate by forcing me to perform emergency maneuvers as you imply. Any cyclist that does something so foolish isn’t doing that because they are cyclists, but because they are fools. Cyclists that do that regularly are not long for this world.

Please stop painting people with a broad brush.

I have never had a car blow through a stop sign when I was close enough that I had to hit the brakes to avoid a collision. I *HAVE* had bicyclists do this to me, and I *HAVE* seen it happen to others.

(NOTE: Certainly not all bicyclists do this but it occurs often enough to be noticeable)

Umm....

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

It appears you are discussing customs rather than laws. From what I can find, passing on the right is legal in both Connecticut and New York under conditions similar to those in Florida. I suspect that passing on the right under those conditions is legal in most (all?) states. Customs, of course, vary.

From CT General Statutes:
Sec. 14-233. Passing on right. The driver of a vehicle may overtake and pass upon the right of another vehicle only when conditions permit such movement in safety and under the following conditions: (1) When the vehicle overtaken is making or has signified the intention to make a left turn; (2) when lines of vehicles traveling in the same direction in adjoining traffic lanes have come to a stop or have reduced their speed; (3) upon a one-way street free from obstructions and of sufficient width for two or more lines of moving vehicles; (4) upon a limited access highway or parkway free from obstructions with three or more lanes provided for traffic in one direction. Such movement shall not be made by driving off the pavement or main-traveled portion of the highway except where lane designations, signs, signals or markings provide for such movement. Violation of any provision of this section shall be an infraction.

So we were both incorrect, and correct. When the highway has only 2 lanes going in the same direction, the left lane is not for cruising. It's for passing. And, the right lane is /not/ for passing. When the highway has 3 or more lanes going in the same direction, you can pass on the right.

[Ashley from UK]

They do a much better job of staying right on restricted access highways in Europe and it is illegal to pass on the right
In the UK we introduced a law that requires drivers to stay in the left lane unless overtaking for the same reason - to improve safety.

You only use the right lane to overtake. In reality no one takes the blindest bit of notice and we still have lane blockers.

About 20 years ago I did a little test. Could I drive at 65 in the left most lane on a 70mph road of 3-4 lanes and get to my end destination quicker. Than driving in than the outside lane ignoring speed limits….(we don’t undertake eg. On left) guess what… it was quicker to drive slow in busy traffic…The reason - congestion caused by slow fast lane drivers.

So yes its a good law if only anyone bothered to abide by it…..

[susantabler@yahoo.com]

I would think that is a no brainer.

[crc19188]

Way to go DeSantis. Worry about left lane drivers and not helping people with homeowners insurance.

[RcCalais]

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - A bill that seeks to prevent motorists from cruising in left lanes of highways is headed to Gov. Ron DeSantis.

The Senate on Thursday voted 37-0 to pass the bill (HB 317), which would apply to drivers on highways with at least two lanes in the same direction and speed limits of 65 mph or higher.

The House voted 113-3 last week to pass the bill. Senate sponsor Keith Perry, R-Gainesville, said the measure is intended to improve highway safety.

"If someone in the left lane is going slower, and you pass them (on the right), you are creating an infraction and you can get ticketed," Perry said.

Under HB 317, drivers on a road, street or highway "with two or more lanes" where the speed limit is "at least 65 miles per hour... may not operate a motor vehicle in the furthermost left-hand lane, except when overtaking and passing another vehicle; when preparing to exit... or when otherwise directed by an official traffic control device."

The purpose of the bill is to make it clear when motorists can use the left lane.

The bill's sponsor said he wanted to prevent drivers from using the right lane to pass slower-moving traffic using the left lane.

The bill sets non-criminal moving violation fines of up to $158.

Gov. Ron DeSantis said Friday he will talk with law enforcement officials before deciding whether to sign the bill, according to News Service of Florida.

During an appearance Friday in Pensacola, DeSantis said he wants to hear the practical implications to law officers of enforcing the measure, which would apply to drivers on highways with at least two lanes in the same direction and speed limits of 65 mph or higher. “Are we going to be pulling people over for that? How would that work?” DeSantis said.

He added, "So, I'm going to actually talk to people that do this for a living, whether they think it would be a benefit, both in terms of safety but also we want convenience. We want people to be able to get where they can go as quickly and as safely as possible. But then also enforcement, is that going to radically change how they (officers) do their job, in terms of enforcement?"

Why waste money on a bill for something like this. As mentioned, this seems to water down the already known. It is just as aggravating getting behind a slow driver with a speed limit of 45 as it is for 65 mph.

[Mrfriendly]

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - A bill that seeks to prevent motorists from cruising in left lanes of highways is headed to Gov. Ron DeSantis.

The Senate on Thursday voted 37-0 to pass the bill (HB 317), which would apply to drivers on highways with at least two lanes in the same direction and speed limits of 65 mph or higher.

The House voted 113-3 last week to pass the bill. Senate sponsor Keith Perry, R-Gainesville, said the measure is intended to improve highway safety.

"If someone in the left lane is going slower, and you pass them (on the right), you are creating an infraction and you can get ticketed," Perry said.

Under HB 317, drivers on a road, street or highway "with two or more lanes" where the speed limit is "at least 65 miles per hour... may not operate a motor vehicle in the furthermost left-hand lane, except when overtaking and passing another vehicle; when preparing to exit... or when otherwise directed by an official traffic control device."

The purpose of the bill is to make it clear when motorists can use the left lane.

The bill's sponsor said he wanted to prevent drivers from using the right lane to pass slower-moving traffic using the left lane.

The bill sets non-criminal moving violation fines of up to $158.

Gov. Ron DeSantis said Friday he will talk with law enforcement officials before deciding whether to sign the bill, according to News Service of Florida.

During an appearance Friday in Pensacola, DeSantis said he wants to hear the practical implications to law officers of enforcing the measure, which would apply to drivers on highways with at least two lanes in the same direction and speed limits of 65 mph or higher. “Are we going to be pulling people over for that? How would that work?” DeSantis said.

He added, "So, I'm going to actually talk to people that do this for a living, whether they think it would be a benefit, both in terms of safety but also we want convenience. We want people to be able to get where they can go as quickly and as safely as possible. But then also enforcement, is that going to radically change how they (officers) do their job, in terms of enforcement?"

I vision Road rage increasing 1000% if this rule passes. If I am stuck behind a slower driver in the left lane who is not moving over and if I have to go around and pass on the right then I am in violation? You bet I’m gonna get flustered and will start honking my horn or flashing my highbeams, etc. to get drivers attention to move over.
Yikes!
I could be from New Jersey or a Groome transportation driver. 😳

[Robojo]

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - A bill that seeks to prevent motorists from cruising in left lanes of highways is headed to Gov. Ron DeSantis.

The Senate on Thursday voted 37-0 to pass the bill (HB 317), which would apply to drivers on highways with at least two lanes in the same direction and speed limits of 65 mph or higher.

The House voted 113-3 last week to pass the bill. Senate sponsor Keith Perry, R-Gainesville, said the measure is intended to improve highway safety.

"If someone in the left lane is going slower, and you pass them (on the right), you are creating an infraction and you can get ticketed," Perry said.

Under HB 317, drivers on a road, street or highway "with two or more lanes" where the speed limit is "at least 65 miles per hour... may not operate a motor vehicle in the furthermost left-hand lane, except when overtaking and passing another vehicle; when preparing to exit... or when otherwise directed by an official traffic control device."

The purpose of the bill is to make it clear when motorists can use the left lane.

The bill's sponsor said he wanted to prevent drivers from using the right lane to pass slower-moving traffic using the left lane.

The bill sets non-criminal moving violation fines of up to $158.

Gov. Ron DeSantis said Friday he will talk with law enforcement officials before deciding whether to sign the bill, according to News Service of Florida.

During an appearance Friday in Pensacola, DeSantis said he wants to hear the practical implications to law officers of enforcing the measure, which would apply to drivers on highways with at least two lanes in the same direction and speed limits of 65 mph or higher. “Are we going to be pulling people over for that? How would that work?” DeSantis said.

He added, "So, I'm going to actually talk to people that do this for a living, whether they think it would be a benefit, both in terms of safety but also we want convenience. We want people to be able to get where they can go as quickly and as safely as possible. But then also enforcement, is that going to radically change how they (officers) do their job, in terms of enforcement?"

Did I grow up in a different world? Keep right except to pass has always been the law. Its just not been enforced in decades.

[kkingston57]

Huh? Based on other TOTV threads, I understood that this was already the law. But, it sounds like the law is being downgraded to only apply to the Turnpike and the Interstate, where speed limits are 65 mph or higher.

Per headline "cracking down". Not going to happen AND hard to prove. Ticket attorneys will love this law(if FHP tries to enforce). What happens on 1-75 and 1-95 in Spring and Fall when the migratory patterns of the northeners causes huge back ups. Good intentions but nothing new.

[kkingston57]

Coming to Florida I was pretty surprised that passing on the right, on a 2-lane highway, was common and acceptable. Up north, a 2-lane highway's right lane is the travel/exit lane, and the left lane is the passing lane. If you're not planning on passing someone, you get back to the right lane. If you want to pass someone in the right lane, you move to the left lane and pass them.

On a three lane highway, the right lane is the "local" lane - for entering and exiting the highway and for people who want to drive slower than the rest of traffic. The middle lane is the through-lane, and the left lane is the passing lane.

It was this way in Boston, and Connecticut, and New York, New Jersey - pretty much everywhere. It applied only to highways that had exits, not to 2-lane state roads with cross streets.

And obviously if the left lane was backed up due to an accident, everyone shifted over to the right. But when traffic's moving, you pass on the left, cruise in the center or right if there's no center lane.

On highways where there are 4 lanes going in the same direction, the left-most lane is still passing only. Right lane is local (enter and exit), and the center two lanes are for cruising.

No idea why Florida never caught up with this concept, considering how many accidents there are on the highways down here.

Lived in Florida for 60+ years. Taught to stay in right lane, except to pass and there were signs stating this. In addition, Florida had mandatory drivers ed. In the 70's this occurred and slowly went away. Now we have this un enforceable law

[Topspinmo]

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - A bill that seeks to prevent motorists from cruising in left lanes of highways is headed to Gov. Ron DeSantis.

The Senate on Thursday voted 37-0 to pass the bill (HB 317), which would apply to drivers on highways with at least two lanes in the same direction and speed limits of 65 mph or higher.

The House voted 113-3 last week to pass the bill. Senate sponsor Keith Perry, R-Gainesville, said the measure is intended to improve highway safety.

"If someone in the left lane is going slower, and you pass them (on the right), you are creating an infraction and you can get ticketed," Perry said.

Under HB 317, drivers on a road, street or highway "with two or more lanes" where the speed limit is "at least 65 miles per hour... may not operate a motor vehicle in the furthermost left-hand lane, except when overtaking and passing another vehicle; when preparing to exit... or when otherwise directed by an official traffic control device."

The purpose of the bill is to make it clear when motorists can use the left lane.

The bill's sponsor said he wanted to prevent drivers from using the right lane to pass slower-moving traffic using the left lane.

The bill sets non-criminal moving violation fines of up to $158.

Gov. Ron DeSantis said Friday he will talk with law enforcement officials before deciding whether to sign the bill, according to News Service of Florida.

During an appearance Friday in Pensacola, DeSantis said he wants to hear the practical implications to law officers of enforcing the measure, which would apply to drivers on highways with at least two lanes in the same direction and speed limits of 65 mph or higher. “Are we going to be pulling people over for that? How would that work?” DeSantis said.

He added, "So, I'm going to actually talk to people that do this for a living, whether they think it would be a benefit, both in terms of safety but also we want convenience. We want people to be able to get where they can go as quickly and as safely as possible. But then also enforcement, is that going to radically change how they (officers) do their job, in terms of enforcement?"


Yep, that work. Can’t even catch outrageous speeders, tailgater’s and dozens more criminal activity, and this it going law going to help. Can you imagine even around here everybody in right lane going down turnpike. Everybody except one slow car pulling out AND PASSING when speeder coming 90 MPH and in your blind spot when pull out. Bottom line they got to catch law breaker’s. This only going to add to problem. I sure somebody going say it will apply to MB, B/V and 441. Imagine every body in right lane backed up for miles at stop light or roundabout. Nothing wrong with law says you can’t impede traffic in left lane. Heck law enforcement can’t even enforce that law on interstate highways.

[Topspinmo]

I want to hear more about if I will get ticketed for passing on the right. Drivers need to be able to pass on the right because, even with this new law, there will be ppl camping in the left lanes.

So if someone turning I can pass them in right lane. :shrug: there are left exits on interstate highways.

[Topspinmo]

Did I grow up in a different world? Keep right except to
pass has always been the law. It’s just not been enforced in decades.

Cause they can’t enforce with amount of vehicles on roads now.

[Topspinmo]

Why waste money on a bill for something like this. As mentioned, this seems to water down the already known. It is just as aggravating getting behind a slow driver with a speed limit of 45 as it is for 65 mph.

Only .002 precent drives 45 on interstate which above minimum speed limit on most interstate highways. The other 99.998 precent drive at or above speed limit. IMO the intent of this bill is stop (which it won’t) outrageous speeder from zigzag at high rate of speed in out of lanes going from left to right and middle then to left.

[Oneiric]

Many decades ago, my state with a lot more traffic had signs which read: "Keep right except to pass". Worked very well.

[Topspinmo]

Many decades ago, my state with a lot more traffic had signs which read: "Keep right except to pass". Worked very well.

Maybe the amount of vehicles on road has gone up 6000% since then? In most areas by time the get highway widened and done it’s time to widen them again.

[DrHitch]

What driving school taught people to drive in the non-curb lane? On 2 lanes, stay in the curb lane unless passing or turning left. On 3 lane highways, ok to be in curb lane or 2nd lane but not left-hand lane....same for 4-lane highways...

Again, what school of driving ever taught left-lane slow driving.....grr

[Switter]

How about they focus on enforcing the speed limit first? I drive 70 on the turnpike and people pass me like I am standing still. Sure, the cars are much better at handling high speeds but human reaction times drop off significantly at a certain speed. Also, one of the main reasons everyone's insurance rates are climbing is because reckless (speeder) and distracted drivers, not to mention the increase in traffic fatalities. People are driving too fast relative to their reaction times being able to respond to an unexpected situation.

Someone driving in the left lane is annoying but rarely does it kill people. It's the impatient people who weave in and out of traffic at high speeds who endanger everyone around them.

Besides, if they are barely enforcing the speed limit, what makes anyone think they're gonna enforce this?

[ithos]

Kind of a useless law. If someone is going 70 mph in the left lane, they are not going to get a ticket.

[maistocars]

Answer to first part of question: It achieves the goal of keeping slugs out of the left lane at 55 mph in a 70 zone, which in turn increases safety because everyone won't have a mad dash to get around them on the right.

Second part: It applies to all vehicles. And on most highways with 3 lanes trucks are totally barred from the left lane anyway.
Ahhh, but trucks are the problem on 2 lane highways where they move over to "pass" and go super slow which backs up traffic as we all wait forever for the truck to get back in the right lane.

[Pugchief]

LOL. 4 pages of comments, mostly regarding enforcement or not. Off topic, but since lame drivers are going to be lame whether or not the police enforce existing laws let alone proposed ones, my preference would be for the police to enforce actual crimes instead of traffic violations. Some that come to mind are shoplifting, robbery and assault.

[MrChip72]

I think a better law would be to make it unlawful to not pull over into the right lane when there's a car (or several cars) from behind going at a higher speed. On an average trip to Orlando I have to pass someone on the right at least a few times.

[Pixelpups]

I’m sorry, but I don’t see how this bill changes anything, except to provide ticket funding to the state. It doesn’t seem to force slow drivers out of the left lane on the highways and it punishes anyone trying to pass that slow driver. I, too, try to stay in the center lane, but coming home from Tampa recently, my vision was totally blocked over and over again by semitrailers. It pretty much forced me off cruise control, because I had to pass them on the left every 5 minutes. I agree with another poster that posting signs saying “keep right except for passing” is better for the public.

I rarely pass on the right - too risky. Long ago, I saw a guy in a pickup weaving through traffic on a 6 lane highway that was preparing to split into two directions. I was in the far right lane and saw a cars ahead suddenly braking and weaving left and right. Turns out a sofa and mattress had fallen onto the road. I slowed and moved left, too. The speeding, weaving truck had run up to me as I braked, so he revved up to zip past me as I moved left. He’s suddenly confronted with the furniture and swerves to the shoulder. Didn’t make it; flipped the truck several revolutions.

[eyc234]

How about they focus on enforcing the speed limit first? I drive 70 on the turnpike and people pass me like I am standing still. Sure, the cars are much better at handling high speeds but human reaction times drop off significantly at a certain speed. Also, one of the main reasons everyone's insurance rates are climbing is because reckless (speeder) and distracted drivers, not to mention the increase in traffic fatalities. People are driving too fast relative to their reaction times being able to respond to an unexpected situation.

Someone driving in the left lane is annoying but rarely does it kill people. It's the impatient people who weave in and out of traffic at high speeds who endanger everyone around them.

Besides, if they are barely enforcing the speed limit, what makes anyone think they're gonna enforce this?

:bigbow: Amen! Stop the speeders then worry about other extremely minor and rare occurences.

[JMintzer]

Why do people keep making absurd statements like this? Cyclists don’t do this any more than drivers do. Why do you single out the cyclists for your anger and derision?

:1rotfl::1rotfl::1rotfl:

[Topspinmo]

Answer to first part of question: It achieves the goal of keeping slugs out of the left lane at 55 mph in a 70 zone, which in turn increases safety because everyone won't have a mad dash to get around them on the right.

Second part: It applies to all vehicles. And on most highways with 3 lanes trucks are totally barred from the left lane anyway.


So you think slugs have functional brain :BigApplause:

[Topspinmo]

I think a better law would be to make it unlawful to not pull over into the right lane when there's a car (or several cars) from behind going at a higher speed. On an average trip to Orlando I have to pass someone on the right at least a few times.

In Florida it already law, can’t impede traffic in left lane no matter how fast you’re going. If you going 90MPH and vehicle going 100 you should pull over or risk Gerard ticket for impeding traffic. You can drive in left lane as long as you don’t impede traffic.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

LOL. 4 pages of comments, mostly regarding enforcement or not. Off topic, but since lame drivers are going to be lame whether or not the police enforce existing laws let alone proposed ones, my preference would be for the police to enforce actual crimes instead of traffic violations. Some that come to mind are shoplifting, robbery and assault.

Highway patrol isn't going to run into much shoplifting on Florida's Turnpike. Maybe once or twice a month at the rest areas.

[dhdallas]

Good luck trying to enforce it. A lot of people including me often drive in the left lane because the right lane is full of potholes, broken pavement, bumps, rough spots, etc. from enduring more traffic. The left lane is a lot smoother & easier on the vehicle.

[tophcfa]

OK, now we need a law against driving golf carts well below the 20 MPH speed limit on the MMP’s and then speeding up when someone attempts to pass. Also, a law against holding a cell phone in one’s hands while driving would be a wonderful thing. Put the dam thing down while driving and pull over if you can’t resist the temptation/addiction of constantly looking at it.

[MrChip72]

OK, now we need a law against driving golf carts well below the 20 MPH speed limit on the MMP’s and then speeding up when someone attempts to pass.

Sadly, I have experienced this several times. I don't really understand why a grown person in their 60's-70's would rather be driving 16 MPH and have a person (or multiple) driving 10 feet behind them instead of just letting them pass.

[Two Bills]

The best safety tip for oldies, is give yourself more distance to stop in emergency.
I have been driving both professionally and for pleasure for over 60 years now, and I know my reactions are nowhere near as good as they were.
Can't say I drive any slower, but I give myself a lot more breaking and maneuvering time.

Got pinched speeding two months ago. Again!
So I'm definitely not getting any wiser with age.
Insurance renewal is going to kill me next month! :ohdear:

[1009 wilder]

well in the villages we dont no our right from our left

[gorillarick]

All three in the right lane. Traffic backed-up beyond north of 466 for half an hour.

When I finally passed, my thought was two people trying to speed, weaving thru traffic, and tailgating.

Passing on left or right is not the issue; treating symptom rather than cause.
Way too many people are still driving like they're still in suburban dystopia.

I have neighbors scared to drive. Yeah, they're retirees. This is a retirement community.
Slow down, be patient, and have gratitude that you made it here.

I'd like to hear about some fat tickets for speeding and tailgating (reckless driving).

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

OK, now we need a law against driving golf carts well below the 20 MPH speed limit on the MMP’s and then speeding up when someone attempts to pass. Also, a law against holding a cell phone in one’s hands while driving would be a wonderful thing. Put the dam thing down while driving and pull over if you can’t resist the temptation/addiction of constantly looking at it.

That happened to me yesterday on the way home from the Strawberry Festival. The driver in front of me was wearing a bright yellow Community Watch shirt (they have the words printed on the backs of the shirts). Was going around 19.5mph for awhile, and that was fine since mine doesn't go much faster than that anyway. Then he started slowing down, and got as slow as 14mph. I went to pass him but he sped up to 17. I knew if I tried to pass him going only 2-3mph faster than he was going, I'd probably end up crashing into oncoming traffic. So I just stayed slow behind him. He eventually sped up to 18. And then back down to 15, then to 17, then 16, then 19...

He seemed to be completely unaware that someone was behind him just wanting to go at a steady pace.

Two days ago I was coming up Paradise toward the Boone gate, and a golf cart driver stopped in front of me - just - stopped. In the lane, not at a stop sign, no one's dog was trying to scamper across the road in front of him - just - stopped. I got around him and saw he was answering his cell phone.

It's called situational awareness. Some people don't have it. It's also called selfishness, but not everyone is being intentionally selfish. Some people sincerely just zone out when they're driving and forget that the rest of the world is with them, trying to go about our business.

[Keefelane66]

My gps directed me to Dr appointment by rt75 to Ocala never got over 50mph left or right lane

[Drakeswood]

Got stopped in Colorado once for remaining in the left hand lane too long.(It was a smoother roadway than the right hand lane)

[TOMTOFVIL]

That is the law in Colorado and I do not like it. Driving in right lane is risky with cars entering the Interstate at high speeds

[BigDawgInLakeDenham]

That is the law in Colorado and I do not like it. Driving in right lane is risky with cars entering the Interstate at high speeds

Sorry but You are why they want this law.... you're apparently a left lane hugger and you're creating more hazard with your beliefs. Colorado, by far, had the worst drivers I encountered when riding my bike across the US

[BigDawgInLakeDenham]

My gps directed me to Dr appointment by rt75 to Ocala never got over 50mph left or right lane

But are you aware beyond yourself?

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

That is the law in Colorado and I do not like it. Driving in right lane is risky with cars entering the Interstate at high speeds

PASSING in the right lane when people are in the process of speeding up to enter the flow of traffic is risky. It also makes it risky to move from the center lane to the right lane, when you're coming up to your exit but someone is zooming along behind you in that right lane.