TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – The days of cruising in the left lane down Interstate 4 may soon be over in Florida.
HB 317 is headed for a full vote in the Florida House this week. The bill would ban driving in the farthest left lane on a road with two or more lanes and a posted speed limit of at least 65 miles per hour. The drivers would be allowed in that lane if they are passing another vehicle, entering an HOV lane, or preparing to make a left turn.
Those “left-lane campers” could receive a moving violation leading to a fine of up to $158.
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Currently, it’s legal to drive in the left lane, provided no one wants to drive faster than you are to pass a vehicle in another lane.
The sponsor of the bill, State Rep. Jenna Persons-Mulicka, R-Fort Lauderdale, said the bill is meant to deal with drivers disrupting the flow of traffic in the left lane and causing frustration, especially on the highways.
HB 317 is scheduled for a second reading and debate on Thursday. A companion bill in the Florida Senate is also headed for a debate and vote before the full chamber.
Last month, News 6′s Trooper Steve Montiero showed why it’s important to keep the left lane clear in one of his “Trooper Steve on Patrol” segments.
“Doing what you’re supposed to be doing helps traffic,” Montiero said. “Because if you’re in that left lane trying to be the referee of the road, or something like that, you are slowing things down.”
At least eight states have similar laws, according to a Florida Legislative analysis.
If the bill were to become law, it would go into effect Jan. 1, 2025.
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