STATE NEWS

Proposed Florida bill targets drivers who camp out in the left lane

The bill would set fines of up to $158 for using the left lane on highways with speed limits of 65 mph or higher unless drivers are attempting to pass other motorists.

  • By The News Service of Florida
  • | 1:25 p.m. December 7, 2023
Cars on the highway. Photo from Adobe Stock
Cars on the highway. Photo from Adobe Stock
hxdyl - stock.adobe.com
  • State Government
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A proposal that would restrict drivers from cruising in highway left lanes sped through a House panel on Thursday, Dec. 7. 

With little comment, the House Transportation & Modals Subcommittee unanimously approved a bill (HB 317) that would apply to drivers on highways with at least two lanes in the same direction and speed limits of 65 mph or higher. 

"All of us who travel back and forth to Tallahassee experience frustration on the major highways and frustration caused by drivers impeding the flow of traffic in the left lane," bill sponsor Jenna Persons-Mulicka, R-Fort Myers, said. “This creates a dangerous situation, when drivers unnecessarily camp out in the left lane. It leads to blocking traffic flow, less predictability, more encounters, more passing maneuvers and more opportunities for accidents.” 

 

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