New Florida bill would ban left-lane cruising

A new bill released in the Florida legislature very last week would make cruising in the still left lane of a divided highway illegal. Presently, the legislation enables motorists to use the still left lane for cruising provided that no faster traffic is approaching from the rear the new legislation would mirror the “hold suitable other than to move” rules in other states that extra stringently implement protected lane self-discipline. 

Rep. Jenna Folks-Mulicka’s proposed monthly bill is refreshingly basic it would need amending only two traces of Florida’s freeway code and would place the onus on drivers to exit the passing lane following overtaking slower targeted traffic. The latest wording enables motorists to cruise in the left lane as prolonged as they want, provided they do not believe they are impeding a lot quicker targeted traffic:  

316.081 (3): On a highway, street, or freeway acquiring two or additional lanes making it possible for movement in the identical course, a driver could not keep on to operate a motor car or truck in the furthermost left-hand lane if the driver is aware or fairly should know that he or she is remaining overtaken in that lane from the rear by a motor motor vehicle traveling at a larger level of speed. This subsection does not apply to drivers running a vehicle that is overtaking one more car or truck continuing in the very same direction, or is preparing for a still left change at an intersection.

Strictly talking, this helps make it illegal to “camp” in the remaining lane, on the other hand the “is aware of or moderately need to know” language is a loophole huge adequate to healthy an off-white Mercury Grand Marquis executing 10 under the limit. The present language is ambiguous adequate that the the Florida Division of Highway Safety has a webpage committed to educating drivers on the nuances of still left-lane cruising. 

The proposed new language would go through as follows: 

On a street, street, or freeway acquiring two or additional lanes allowing movement in the identical path with a posted speed restrict of at least 65 miles for each hour, a driver may possibly not consistently run a motor car in the furthermost still left hand lane, apart from when overtaking and passing a further automobile, when getting ready to exit the road, avenue, or highway, or when if not directed by an official site visitors manage product. This subsection does not apply to licensed emergency automobiles and motor vehicles engaged in freeway maintenance or development.

The new language continue to makes it possible for some leniency for exclusive situation (America still has a lot of left exits), but explicitly spells out the actuality that the still left lane is for overtaking only, not for cruising. Velieve it or not, there is certainly opposition these types of as a driver named Paul, who understandably would not give his previous title. Paul suggests he drives in the left lane to keep absent from the massive rigs: “I push like I generate. I suggest, I generate a small about the pace limit, but I’m not gonna go get into people trucks so that some other male can get on my bumper,” explained Paul. His consider on being out of the remaining lane? “Hell no.”

Even if the new wording passes, it would choose a concerted energy by the Florida Freeway Patrol to enforce it.

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