Florida Legislature Unanimously Passes Bill to Ban Left Lane Cruising

The state of Florida is taking steps to crack down on slow left-lane drivers on highways. The Florida legislature has passed a bill, HB 317, which would prohibit motorists from cruising in the left lane of highways where the speed limit is at least 65 miles per hour. The bill, which was sponsored by Republican state Sen. Keith Perry, has been approved unanimously in the state Senate with a vote of 37-0 and is now awaiting Governor Ron DeSantis's signature.

Drivers on roads with two or more lanes and with a speed limit of at least 65 mph would be prohibited from operating a motor vehicle in the furthest left-hand lane, except for overtaking and passing another vehicle, preparing to exit, or when directed by an official traffic control device. The bill also specifies that the restriction would not apply to high occupancy lanes.

In case of violation, drivers would face fines up to $158 for a moving violation. Exceptions to the law include authorized emergency vehicles and vehicles engaged in highway maintenance or construction operations.

The bill's sponsor, Sen. Perry, emphasized that the measure is aimed at enhancing highway safety, citing instances of accidents and deaths resulting from improper passing on the right side of vehicles. Should Governor DeSantis sign the bill, Florida would join eight other states where driving in the left lane, except for turning left or passing, is already illegal.

"This legislation represents an effort to prevent accidents caused by passing on the right-hand side through a slower left-lane driver's blind spot," said insurance lawyer Jeffrey Johnson. A total of 27 states in the U.S. currently have laws requiring drivers to keep right if they are moving slower than the vehicles around them.

If enacted, the new law aims to improve road safety by discouraging slow left-lane cruising and promoting a more orderly flow of traffic on Florida's highways.