It is illegal to drive too slowly in the left lane in Florida. The far left lane should only be used for passing or for turning left. Driving too slow in the left lane can result in getting a traffic ticket and any associated penalties.
Although Florida’s left lane law applies to all drivers, many may not be aware of this rule. If you have injuries from an accident due to someone driving too slowly in the left lane, you can talk to a Fort Lauderdale car accident lawyer about suing to recover your injury-related losses.
Florida’s Left Lane Law
Florida Statutes 316.081, also called the left lane law, requires that all drivers stay in the right traffic lane except when:
- Overtaking and passing another vehicle
- Obstructions make driving in the left lane necessary
- Driving on a one-way street
Florida law requires drivers to move out of the left lane if they are being overtaken by a faster vehicle, even if they are already driving the speed limit. While recent attempts to ban left-lane “cruising” entirely on high-speed roads have been proposed in the legislature, the current requirement remains focused on yielding to faster traffic to prevent impeding the flow.
On roads with more than two lanes in the same direction, drivers must keep the far-left lane clear of traffic. The law does not apply to emergency vehicles operating in their official capacities, such as ambulances or police vehicles.
When Can I Drive in the Left Lane?
Drivers are supposed to use the left lane only for overtaking and passing traffic. When overtaking, vehicles must first signal their intention to move left with a blinker. They must then signal with their right blinker before moving back into the right traffic lanes.
Drivers can also drive in the left lane before they make a left turn. Similar to above, the driver must signal properly before moving into the left lane for turns.
The law doesn’t explicitly state how long or far a person can ride in the left lane before overtaking or turning. However, you must move over if a faster vehicle catches up from behind with the intention of overtaking.
Penalties for Driving Too Slowly in the Left Lane
Violating Florida’s left lane law is a noncriminal traffic infraction that is punishable by a fine of $75 or more and up to three points on a driver’s license. If the infraction puts the driver over the points threshold, a ticket could result in a license suspension.
Additionally, violating this law could make the driver liable for any accident they cause. Fault is determined in car accidents by looking for negligence, and violating traffic laws by driving too long in the left lane would count.
If a negligent driver causes an accident, they can be responsible for paying the victim’s medical bills, lost work income, pain and suffering, and other injury-related losses.
Can I Ever Pass in the Right Lane?
Florida designates the left lane strictly for passing, but what about the right? Can you ever overtake a vehicle in the right lane instead of the left?
The answer is yes—Florida law allows for passing and overtaking in the right traffic lanes in the following circumstances:
- The overtaken vehicle is about to make a left turn
- The vehicles are on a one- or two-way street, and there is enough room to pass on the right
Any driver trying to pass and overtake on the right must do so safely and not drive off the pavement or the main parts of the road used for traveling. Similar to driving in the left lane, unsafely passing in the right lane is a noncriminal traffic offence punishable by a fine and license points.
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Is the Left Lane Law Enforced?
The left lane law is an official bill passed by the Florida legislature, but enforcement is relatively rare. However, even if it’s unlikely that a person will get a ticket for driving too slowly in the left lane, you should still stay out of the lane to avoid potential liability for accidents.
Florida Restricts the Lanes Trucks Can Drive in
The above laws apply specifically to passenger vehicles, but Florida has some different rules for large commercial trucks and tractor-trailers. Commercial vehicles are generally prohibited from entering the left traffic lane and must reserve it for automobiles. This rule applies to Florida’s six-lane highways, mostly in rural areas.
Blakeley Law Firm: Fort Lauderdale Personal Injury Lawyer
You can be cited if you stay in the left lane and impede traffic when a faster vehicle approaches and it’s safe to move right. Those who violate this law can be financially liable if they cause accidents. If you’ve been injured by a negligent driver ignoring traffic laws, you owe it to yourself to seek options for financial compensation for your losses.
Contact our offices today to speak to a Fort Lauderdale personal injury lawyer from Blakeley Law Firm. Consultations are free, and you pay nothing unless you win your case, so you have nothing to lose by getting in touch.
