New Florida Law: Left Lane is for Passing

I have been emailed today with some news that you should be aware of if you are planning to drive in Florida. I have added the info below from a Health and Safety site.

"Driving below the speed of traffic in the left hand lane of any multilane road in Florida is not only annoying, it is now illegal thanks to 2014 revisions to Florida’s Laws.

According to the newly revised Florida State Statute 316.081, “a driver may not continue to operate a motor vehicle in the furthermost left-hand lane if the driver knows or reasonably should know that he or she is being overtaken in that lane from the rear by a motor vehicle traveling at a higher rate of speed.”

What is the cost for such a violation? In Pasco County it will cost violators $164 and three points on their driver license if ticketed. To be reasonable the law has two common sense exemptions where one may continue to drive in the left lane for a short period of time.

  • You are not required to move over to be passed if you are passing someone yourself.
  • You are not required to move over to be passed if you are about to make a left hand turn at a nearby intersection.

Short of those exemptions, it is now illegal to continually drive in the left lane when others are behind you. If approached from behind (regardless of speed) you mustmove over and allow other’s to pass you.

Experts in traffic and transportation say that if followed, this law will significantly reduce road rage issues, and allow for more efficient travel for all. Public awareness is the key to success."

Comments (1) -

  • If the speed limit is 50 and you are driving in the left lane, how can it be illegal?  If you are going over the speed limit , wouldn’t that be illegal?  I thought going over the speed limit warrants a ticket?

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