ORLANDO, Fla. – If you’ve ever found yourself cruising at the posted speed limit in the left lane of a two-lane road while speed demons fly past you on the right, you might be wondering — is this even legal?
The short answer: Yes, but that doesn’t mean it’s a good idea.
Florida law requires drivers to stay in the right lane unless passing, even if they’re driving at the speed limit.
This is because the left lane is meant for overtaking slower traffic, not for maintaining speed.
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In fact, Florida Statute 316.081 states that drivers should keep right unless they’re passing another vehicle or preparing for a left turn.
So while you may not get a ticket for going the speed limit in the left lane, you can get cited for impeding the flow of traffic if faster vehicles are stacking up behind you.
Beyond legality, it’s simply safer and more efficient to stay right unless passing. Slower-moving left-lane drivers create congestion, lead to risky passing maneuvers, and contribute to road rage.
So, while you can hold your ground in the left lane, the better move is to keep right and let the speedsters pass — preferably without a police officer waiting for them a mile down the road.
If you have a traffic question for Trooper Steve, submit it here.