What left-lane highway drivers need to know about a bill heading to DeSantis’ desk

Florida drivers who cruise in the left lane of a highway could get ticketed under a bill that is headed to Gov. Ron DeSantis.

The legislation, HB 317, says drivers cannot operate in the “furthermost left-hand lane” of any road, street or highway with a speed limit of at least 65 miles per hour unless they are passing another vehicle or preparing to exit the roadway. It got final approval from lawmakers on Thursday.

The bill excludes left-hand turn lanes or high-occupancy-vehicle lanes.

Current law says that a driver in the far left lane should move over if they “reasonably” know they are being overtaken by a faster driver.

The new proposal would keep the same noncriminal traffic ticket, which can vary from $60 to $158 because of fees and surcharges, according to a bill analysis.

Florida senators voted for the change unanimously Thursday. House members voted 113-3 in favor of it earlier this month.

Lawmakers tried to pass the measure last year, but it stalled in the House. Rep. Jenna Persons-Mulicka, R-Fort Myers, sponsored it both years.

While running the bill last year, Persons-Mulicka said she hoped the change will lead to less gridlock, less weaving in and out of lanes and less road rage.

This story was originally published February 22, 2024 at 2:10 PM.