It is Florida law that drivers use the left lane for passing only and the right lanes for continuous driving, according to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV).
Florida Left Lane Law Specifics
According to Florida Statute 316.081, drivers are to drive on the right side of roadways except when passing another vehicle or avoiding an obstruction. Otherwise, no drivers are allowed to continuously drive in the left lane.
Driving Under the Speed Limit
It is Florida law that if you are driving slower than the speed limit, you have to stay as close as possible to the right-hand curb except when passing another vehicle or preparing for a left turn.
Driving Slower Than Other Left Lane Drivers
It is Florida law that if you are driving in the left lane while vehicles behind you are approaching at a faster speed, you must change to a right-hand lane. This does not apply to drivers who are preparing for a left turn.
Slow left lane drivers can cause a dangerous driving environment. Aggressive drivers will often tailgate slow drivers in the left lane, swerve into a right-hand lane, speed up drastically, and then swerve back into the left lane in front of the slow driver. We see this all of the time on congested highways, especially along I-95, which is considered one of the most dangerous highways in the US.
Driving Under the Speed Limit
It is Florida law that if you are driving slower than the speed limit, you have to stay as close as possible to the right-hand curb except when passing another vehicle or preparing for a left turn.
Driving Slower Than Other Left Lane Drivers
It is Florida law that if you are driving in the left lane while vehicles behind you are approaching at a faster speed, you must change to a right-hand lane. This does not apply to drivers who are preparing for a left turn.
Slow left lane drivers can cause a dangerous driving environment. Aggressive drivers will often tailgate slow drivers in the left lane, swerve into a right-hand lane, speed up drastically, and then swerve back into the left lane in front of the slow driver. We see this all of the time on congested highways, especially along I-95, which is considered one of the most dangerous highways in the US.
Breaking the Left Lane Laws in Florida
According to the FLHSMV, "Drivers failing to move from the far left lane will receive a noncriminal traffic infraction, punishable as a moving violation." Slow left lane drivers can also receive a $161 fine and three points added to their drivers license.
Moving Over for Emergency Vehicles
It is Florida law for drivers to move over for emergency and service vehicles. If you are driving in the right lane and come upon an emergency or service vehicle and can't safely move over, decrease your speed to 20 MPH below the posted speed limit.
Florida Truck Lane Restrictions
According to the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT):
"The current truck lane criterion in Florida includes 6-lane interstate freeways primarily consisting of rural interstate sections. Trucks are restricted from the left or inside travel lane, leaving it specifically for automobile traffic. Tour buses and recreational vehicles (RVs) are not considered commercial trucks and are allowed to travel in the left or inside travel lane."
Truck drivers who fail to adhere to truck lane restrictions are in violation of Florida Statute 316.074 and will have to pay a minimum fine of $121. Three points will also be added to their Commercial Driver License (CDL).
If you were injured in a highway accident, no matter what lane you were driving in, call Wilkes & Mee. Our Jacksonville car accident lawyers will meet with you at your home or at your hospital bed and aggressively confront the insurance company to pay you the full compensation you deserve.