The recently introduced Florida HB 317 bill aims to transform the left lanes on highways into passing-only lanes, imposing penalties for non-compliance.
If you find it infuriating when drivers occupy the left lane on highways, the Florida Legislature might offer a solution with a new legislation proposal.
HB 317, also known as the Interstate Safety bill, has found sponsorship in Rep. Jenna Persons-Mulicka, R-Fort Myers. This bill intends to penalize individuals who use the far-left lane on roads with speed limits exceeding 65 mph for purposes other than overtaking other vehicles, with specific exceptions.
Rep. Jenna Persons-Mulicka expressed her concerns about the congestion caused by drivers camping in the left lane, emphasizing the dangers associated with this practice, including disrupted traffic flow, reduced predictability, increased passing maneuvers, and a higher likelihood of accidents.
The Transportation & Modals subcommittee granted approval for the bill last week, subsequently referring it to the Infrastructure Strategies committee. Simultaneously, an almost identical Senate bill, SB 258, sponsored by Gainesville Sen. Keith Perry, R-District 9, has been directed to the Transportation, Criminal Justice, and Rules committees for deliberation during the upcoming 2024 legislative session, commencing on January 9.
Now, let's delve into the specifics of HB 317.
What exactly does HB 317 entail? Does it prohibit driving in the left lane in Florida?
The proposed bill would forbid driving in the far-left lane on roads with two or more lanes and a speed limit of at least 65 mph unless:
1. You are in the process of overtaking and passing another vehicle.
2. You are preparing to exit the road, street, or highway.
3. You receive explicit instructions from law enforcement or an official traffic control device.
It's crucial to note that this restriction does not extend to emergency, maintenance, or construction vehicles. Additionally, drivers would still retain the right to use the left lane for avoiding road obstructions.
What if the left lane is designated for high-occupancy (HOV) use?
In cases where the left lane serves as a high-occupancy (HOV) lane or a designated turn lane, the far-left lane would be the one directly to the right of it.
What are the potential fines for violating the left lane rule under this bill?
HB 317 proposes non-criminal moving violation fines that can reach a maximum of $158.
Has a similar initiative been attempted previously?
Yes, indeed, on at least three occasions within the Florida Legislature. Two comparable bills were introduced during the 2023 session but failed to secure approval in both the Senate and the House.
In a Senate analysis from the previous year, concerns were raised regarding potential confusion among motorists due to the existing "Move Over Act," which mandates drivers to either shift lanes if possible or reduce speed when approaching stationary law enforcement and emergency vehicles, sanitation and utility vehicles, and tow trucks. Notably, the "Move Over Act" was expanded in the current year to include stalled or stationary vehicles, effective from January 1, 2024.
Is it currently legal to drive in the left lane in Florida?
Yes, it is legal, as long as no other vehicle is traveling at a higher speed than yours. According to Florida Statute 316.081, drivers are obliged to vacate the left lane if a faster-moving vehicle approaches from behind. Failure to comply results in a noncriminal moving violation. However, this statute does not prohibit continuous travel in the left lane otherwise.
Lastly, are there other states with laws regarding left-lane or 'keep right' driving?
Indeed, every state has certain restrictions concerning left-lane usage, often related to driving speeds relative to other vehicles, yielding to faster drivers, or preventing traffic blockages. For example, in Illinois, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Massachusetts, New Jersey, and West Virginia, it is unlawful to occupy the left lane except for turning left or overtaking other vehicles, as reported by AutoInsurance.org.
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