- What Is the Florida Left Lane Law?
- Penalties for Violating the Left Lane Law
- Can You Get a Ticket for Driving Slowly in the Left Lane?
- New and Proposed Changes to Florida's Left Lane Law
- How the Law Applies to Trucks and Larger Vehicles
- Is Passing on the Right Legal in Florida?
- How the Left Lane Law Affects Auto Accident Claims
- Need Legal Help?
What is the Florida left lane law and what happens if you break it? Quick Answer
Florida’s left lane law generally says you must keep right and use the left lane mainly for passing, avoiding road obstructions, or making a left turn. If you drive slowly in the left lane or fail to move over for a faster vehicle, you may get a moving violation ticket, have points added to your license, and your violation might affect any later car accident claim.
Summary
- In Florida, the left lane is generally reserved for passing
- You should only use the left lane to pass, avoid hazards or to turn left
- Passing on the right is typically legal as long as it’s safe
Have you ever been stuck behind a slow car in the left lane? In Florida, too-slow drivers in the left lane aren’t just frustrating—they’re also breaking the law. Take a closer look at the Florida left lane law.
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What Is the Florida Left Lane Law?
Florida statutes clearly state that drivers must stay on the right side of the roadway unless they’re passing another car or avoiding an obstruction in the road. If you’re in the far left lane and see that another vehicle is trying to pass, you must move to the right lane. This doesn’t apply if you’re preparing to make a left turn.
Penalties for Violating the Left Lane Law
If you violate the left lane law in Florida, you may receive a $161 fine and have three points added to your driver’s license.
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Can You Get a Ticket for Driving Slowly in the Left Lane?
In Florida, any moving violation can be ticketed. Since driving slowly in the left lane is technically a moving violation, you may receive a ticket.
New and Proposed Changes to Florida's Left Lane Law
In 2024, Florida’s House of Representatives passed HB 317, a bill to enhance penalties for drivers who violate the left lane law. It was designed to stop drivers on highways from “cruising” in the left lane. The bill was ultimately vetoed by the governor.
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How the Law Applies to Trucks and Larger Vehicles
Florida law prohibits commercial trucks from driving in the left lane. It allows RVs and tour buses to use the left lane, though.
Is Passing on the Right Legal in Florida?
In Florida, you may only pass a car on the right under the following circumstances:
- The vehicle you’re passing is making a left turn.
- There are at least two lanes of traffic moving in the same direction.
- You’re on a one-way street and have enough space to pass safely.
You should only pass on the right when it is safe to do so. If you pass under dangerous circumstances, you could receive a ticket, even if the pass is otherwise legal.
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How the Left Lane Law Affects Auto Accident Claims
Under the Florida traffic laws, if you were involved in a crash while violating Florida’s left lane law, that violation may impact your insurance claim or car accident lawsuit. You could be held partially at fault for the accident, and that may lead to reduced compensation.
Need Legal Help?
Whether you’re dealing with a traffic ticket or looking for a Florida workers compensation lawyer, ConsumerShield can help you find the legal assistance you need. We match consumers in Florida and around the country with experienced local lawyers. Contact us for a free case assessment to get started today.
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Frequently Asked Questions
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No. Florida treats these violations as non-criminal traffic infractions.
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You could still get a ticket. Florida requires you to move to the right lane if you know or “reasonably should have known” someone was trying to pass you.
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If you’re in a crash while violating Florida’s left lane law, insurers and courts may generally treat that violation as evidence that you contributed to the accident. In that situation, you could typically be found partially at fault, which may reduce the compensation you might recover in a car accident lawsuit or insurance claim.
