A invoice within the Florida legislature goals to make it simpler for legislation enforcement to penalize drivers cruising within the left lane.
Sponsored by Republican Rep. Jenna Individuals-Mulicka, Home Invoice 421 makes it punishable by superb to stay within the farthest left lane on any highway, avenue or freeway with two or extra lanes heading in the identical route with a posted velocity restrict of a minimum of 65 mph.
“A driver may not continuously operate a motor vehicle in the furthermost left-hand lane, except when overtaking and passing another vehicle, when preparing to exit the road, street, or highway, or when otherwise directed by an official traffic control device,” the invoice mentioned partially
The invoice doesn’t apply to approved emergency automobiles, upkeep and development crews, carpool lanes or left-side exit lanes.
SOUTH CAROLINA BILL INCREASING FINE FOR LEFT LANE SLOW DRIVERS GETS QUICK TRACTION
Present Florida legislation states that left-lane drivers should transfer over in the event that they fairly know a sooner motorist is overtaking them – and it applies to any roadway. The one exceptions are when a driver is making a left-hand flip or if they’re passing one other automobile.
Individuals-Mulicka mentioned HB421 would make it clear to drivers that the left lane is solely for passing and make it simpler for police to implement that legislation. An similar invoice, SB 464, was additionally launched within the Florida Senate on March 7.
In line with the invoice, drivers who violate the legislation will obtain a non-criminal visitors infraction and a superb of as much as $158.
ARKANSAS CRACKS DOWN ON SLOW LEFT-LANE DRIVERS
In an earlier interview, Tampa police advised FOX 13 that drivers who constantly cruise within the left lane can frustrate others on the highway, which can lead to unsafe conditions.
“A lot of people want to get in that lane and drive the speed limit, but that’s not what that lane is for. And it drives people absolutely crazy when they get in that lane and people are driving the speed limit,” Tamps police mentioned. “That lane is used for passing.”
Tampa officer Roy Paz mentioned a number of motorists appear to have a tough time with the legislation, particularly in the event that they’re driving the velocity restrict within the left lane, and are being approached by somebody clearly rushing.
“They say, ‘Well, you know what? If I’m driving the speed limit…I shouldn’t have to move anywhere,'” Paz mentioned. “Well, that’s not what the law says. The law says regardless of their speed if another car comes up, you’re supposed to move over and let that person pass.”
He added that it is not solely the “courteous thing to do, but it’s the law.”
The Transportation & Modals Subcommittee handed the measure unanimously on Wednesday.
If signed into legislation by Gov. Ron DeSantis, it would go into impact in January 2024.
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