TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – A bill that would have banned left-lane “campers” on Florida highways will not become law after Gov. Ron DeSantis vetoed it and two other bills Friday.
The bill, HB 317, would have banned drivers from driving in the left lane on any road in the state with two or more lanes and a posted speed limit of at least 65 miles per hour, with some exceptions.
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Violators would have faced a fine up to $158.
HB 317 had passed almost unanimously in the Florida House and Senate earlier this year. Sponsors said the bill would have improved highway safety and kept the lane clear for passing drivers, hopefully reducing traffic disruptions and frustrations. At least eight states have similar laws.
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But DeSantis worried the bill would lead to drivers being pulled over and fined for driving in the left lane even if they are not impeding traffic flow.
“In addition, the bill could potentially increase congestion in Florida’s urban areas as drivers may decide to not utilize the furthest left-hand lane at all for fear of being ticketed,” DeSantis wrote in his veto letter.
DeSantis also vetoed SB 494, which would have required universities to waive certain examination requirements for a service member applying to a graduate program. DeSantis wrote in his veto letter that the goal was laudable, but called standardized tests a necessary component of a “rigorous, merit-based admissions process.”
The third bill DeSantis vetoed, HB 821, revised maximum stormwater management user fees for people in the Melbourne-Tillman Water Control District in Brevard County. DeSantis said he was concerned it would lead to higher fees for customers.
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