ORLANDO, Fla. – News 6 traffic safety expert Trooper Steve Montiero answers viewer questions and shares tips about the rules of the road, helping Central Florida residents become better drivers by being better educated.
A News 6 viewer on Thursday asked, “Are you allowed to use the merge lane to pass slow or stopped traffic? Cars pass and then force their way back in. This happens at Dean Road and Cypress Springs Parkway (east of Orlando).”
Trooper Steve said he knew he’d get this question at some point because he witnesses it happening every day on Interstate 4.
“Drivers will approach slow or heavy traffic, and then move to the right side into a merge lane to pass traffic and then force their way back in,” he said. “This is illegal.”
The merge lane is not a passing lane!
“This lane is designated specifically for traffic attempting to enter your lanes of travel,” Trooper Steve said. “Passing on the right in a lane that is not yours would be considered improper passing. Believe it or not, you might think you’re making some progress but in reality, you are contributing to traffic congestion.”
So stop!
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