Florida House passes bill to crack down on left-lane drivers

A bill that aims to deter left-lane drivers on highways has cleared the Florida House and is on the Senate floor.

House Bill 317 prohibits drivers from driving in the left-hand lane on roads with two or more lanes that have a posted speed limit of 65 miles per hour or higher.

Certain exceptions include passing another vehicle, exiting off the road, or highway, and being directed by law enforcement.

This law would not apply to first responders, maintenance, or construction vehicles. With it being in the Senate, there is a possibility it could pass.

Crime and Safety Analyst Tom Hackney said when a new law is passed, there is usually a grace period or warning.

“Usually when they enact a law, there’s a grace period or, or something where typically a warning is issued. And then if there’s violations seen by officers on regular duty, they certainly can enforce it there,” Hackney said.

Drivers like Jana Aylesworth said she’s for and against this proposed bill as she’s been behind someone driving too slow in the left lane.

“I’m kind of split because you always hate people and driving slow in the left lane, but I don’t know that I would be opposed to it but it could take some of the stress off of having people ride your behind while you’re driving just trying to get to the next place,” Aylesworth said.

News4JAX Insiders like Shellyne had a different opinion.

“That causes more congestion with everyone in two lanes driving on each other’s bumpers which will cause more accidents,” Shellyne said. “I’d rather drive in the left lane and be out of the way of others driving too closely trying to change lanes too soon and without signals and cause an accident. Florida needs to learn then teach defensive driving.”

The bill passed in the House on Feb. 15 and is now on the Senate floor. If passed, drivers not following this law could receive up to a $158 fine.