A 2024 Florida bill would prevent drivers from cruising in the left lane on highways with at least two lanes and a speed limit of 65 MPH or higher.
Bill HB 317
The "Interstate Safety" bill, labeled as HB 317, would solidify the left lane as a passing-only lane for all drivers in Florida, not including emergency or highway maintenance vehicles. The left lane, as defined in the bill, is "the farthest, most left-hand lane, except that, if such left-hand lane is a high-occupancy-vehicle lane, or is a designated left-turn lane, the furthermost left-hand lane is the lane immediately to the right of that high-occupancy-vehicle lane or left-turn lane."
Reinforcing the current left lane law in Florida, under this new bill, the left lane would specifically be designated for:
Reinforcing the current left lane law in Florida, under this new bill, the left lane would specifically be designated for:
- overtaking and passing another vehicle
- preparing to exit the road, street, or highway
- following an official traffic control device
Why a Ban On Left Lane Cruising In Florida?
Republican Senator Keith Perry of Gainesville is sponsoring this bill to make it clear that the left lane is for passing and the right lanes are for cruising, not the other way around.
"In 2023 alone, there were 4,027 violations as a direct violation of passing on the right," he said. "last year we had 247 instances where people were either incapacitated or deaths that happened from improper passing on the righthand side on someone’s blindside."
Overall, Perry wants to prevent drivers from using right lanes to pass slower traffic in left lanes. "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."
Fines for cruising in the left lane could range up to $158. If signed by Governor DeSantis, this bill would take effect January 1, 2025.
"In 2023 alone, there were 4,027 violations as a direct violation of passing on the right," he said. "last year we had 247 instances where people were either incapacitated or deaths that happened from improper passing on the righthand side on someone’s blindside."
Overall, Perry wants to prevent drivers from using right lanes to pass slower traffic in left lanes. "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."
Fines for cruising in the left lane could range up to $158. If signed by Governor DeSantis, this bill would take effect January 1, 2025.
If you've been in a highway accident, call Wilkes & Mee today. Our Jacksonville car accident attorneys will meet with you and work fast to get you compensation.