TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Florida lawmakers are sending a bill to Gov. Ron DeSantis that stops motorists from cruising down the left lanes of the state’s highways.
HB 317 was passed unanimously by the Florida Senate Thursday, and the House had already passed the bill 113-3 last week, so now the only thing left is for the governor to sign the bill into law.
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.
Sponsors say the bill is meant to improve highway safety and deal with drivers disrupting the flow of traffic.
News 6′s Trooper Steve Montiero has done numerous stories over the years on why it’s important to keep the left lane clear, including in one of his “Trooper Steve on Patrol” segments last month.
At least eight states have similar laws, according to a Florida Legislative analysis.
If DeSantis signs the bill into law, it will go into effect Jan. 1, 2025.
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