Can you be fined for driving in the left lane? Are trucks allowed? What Florida law says

What’s the purpose of the left lane?

Some drivers seem to treat it as their personal racetrack, zooming by at 90. Others clog up the lane going whatever speed they see fit, no matter how many cars are lined up behind them.

Here’s what to know about Florida law and driving in the left lane:

Left lane law

Drivers cannot continue to be in the leftmost lane if they “know or reasonably should know” that they are being overtaken from behind by a faster vehicle.

The Florida law applies on roads, streets and highways with more than two lanes headed in the same direction.

If drivers are preparing for a left turn at an intersection, or if they are using the lane to pass other drivers, the law doesn’t apply.

Earlier this year, Florida lawmakers considered restricting cars from driving in the left lane altogether. The bills, HB 421 and SB 464, would have made the left lane of highways solely a passing lane. But neither bill passed.

What happens if you get pulled over?

A violation of the left-lane law is a noncriminal traffic infraction, which is punishable as a moving violation. Fines for moving violations are typically $75 or more.

When in doubt, it’s probably best to move out of the leftmost lane when someone wants to pass.

What about trucks in the left lane?

The rules are different for trucks.

Trucks cannot drive in the left or inside travel lane of specific stretches of interstate highways that have six lanes. If they do, the minimum fine is $121 and three points will be assessed to the driver’s commercial driver license.

The law is enforced on sections of I-4, I-75, I-95, and Florida’s Turnpike. The Florida Department of Transportation maintains an interactive map of the truck restrictions.

Tour buses and recreational vehicles are no considered commercial trucks, so they can use the left lane.

This story was originally published August 23, 2023 at 5:00 AM.