So the next time you hit the road, don't forget to get back in the right-hand lane after passing another car. For most of us, this is cause for celebration. It is not legal in the state of Missouri to drive in the left lane unless you are passing another car. Misusing the left lane leads to traffic congestion and road rage, according to FHP. Below are all the states where you could potentially receive a ticket for driving in the left lane, as of today. If youre moving slower than the other traffic, even if its at the speed limit, youre still at risk of being ticketed. The left lane law in Colorado states that anyone driving on the left side of a freeway that isn't trying to pass a car in another lane or make a left turn will be subject to a $100 fine. The next paragraph explains that all motorists should merge to the right if the vehicle behind them is traveling at a higher rate of speed. We include average rates for the major companies as well. The next thing you know, youre being pulled over by the police. Fine of up to $100. Why does the present continuous form of "mimic" become "mimicking"? Across the state line in Arkansas, a rule in place since early August also addresses left lane use. The new law goes into effect as a means of combating road rage. After passing someone and safely clearing the vehicle passed, a driver must move back into the right This information may be different than what you see when you visit an insurance provider, insurance agency, or insurance company website. Police take highway safety very seriously, and part of that is monitoring the passing lane. OOIDA is questioning NHTSAs claim that it cannot mandate information collection for its AV TEST Initiative. The new law states that left lane travel is only permitted when passing or overtaking another vehicle. Its for any double lane road, Sergeant Doug Mackenzie, Traffic Sargent for Indian River County Sheriffs Office, toldSebastian Daily. It is as the trooper suggests infuriating to attempt to pass slower traffic in the middle lane, only to be held up by a left lane parker dawdling along at 62 miles per hour. Last week, we asked the left lane question on ourSebastian DailyFacebook Page. Higher-speed highways: The rule would only apply on roads or highways with a speed limit of at least 65 mph. ago I mean he was passing people? The left lane is for passing. Other countries have figured out that the left lane is for passing. According toFlorida Statute, motorists should be in the right-hand lane if they are traveling at the normal traffic speed. How long does a speeding ticket affect your auto insurance? Ron DeSantis, the bill will go into effect in January 2024. Pennsylvania and Washington allow use of the left lane to pass, allow traffic to merge, or "when traveling at a speed greater than the traffic flow." Share. While not all states are as aggressive about it as Georgia, every state in the U.S. has some sort of law stating that the left lane is for passing only. Regardless of the law in South Dakota, can we all agree to adopt the BestRide Code of Lane Discipline? Understanding the slowpoke law isnt the only key to driving safely. According to the newly revised Florida State Statute 316.081, "a driver may not continue to operate a motor vehicle in the furthermost left-hand lane if the driver knows or reasonably should know that he or she is being overtaken in that lane from the rear by a motor vehicle traveling at a higher rate of speed." It does not apply to authorized emergency vehicles, maintenance and construction crews, carpool lanes, or left-side exit lanes. He also agreed that the left lane is for passing, but its more enforced on highways like the Florida Turnpike and Interstate I-95. Starting the Prompt Design Site: A New Home in our Stack Exchange Neighborhood, Statement from SO: June 5, 2023 Moderator Action. Drivers must not continue to drive a vehicle in the far left lane when being overtaken by a faster moving vehicle, unless the driver . LL. Its now in line for review in the Infrastructure Strategies Committee. This is dangerous and can lead to major accidents and traffic jams. It's frustrating and can lead to unsafe situations. Perry pointed to the Autobahn, a highway system without speed limits in Germany that has two rules: You cant stay in the left lane and cant pass on the right. This rule is important for making the streets a safer place and likely a rule that the states with the best drivers are already following. Is he draining the swamp or mired in it? Studies have found driving the speed limit when it causes other cars to switch lanes repeatedly is actually more dangerous than speeding, with some law enforcement officers giving tickets to those slowpoke drivers. The left lane is a passing lane. Lets take a look at the ins and outs of driving in the left lane. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save. Another state to revise its left lane rule is South Carolina. I dont think its going to cure road rage, but I just dont think we need to give people any more reason to get upset why theyre driving.. Slowpokes in the left lane can raise the accident-risk for other drivers And believe you me, drivers on 429 in the right lane take full advantage of that variance. On top of that, when a slower vehicle is traveling in the left lane, it can cause other drivers to have to maneuver around them. They raise the very good point thatIf everyone would practice lane courtesy, driving would be more enjoyable, our roads would be safer, congestion would be reduced, and we would even save money on gas!. Travel Stack Exchange is a question and answer site for road warriors and seasoned travelers. Lawmakers in the Sunshine State revised a law in 2014 that punishes slow left lane drivers with a minimum fine of $121. That's not . In five states, you are required to move right if youre blocking traffic What do the dashes close to each other near French freeway exits mean? The new law focuses on notifications for the public about the lane use rules. Other states are even more strict. This is only permissible, however, when there is more than one car traveling in the same direction. In Quebec, the law bans driving in the leftmost lane on highways with limits over 80 kilometres an hour unless you're passing or turning left. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything auto insurance related. Copyright 2023 Land Line Magazine & Land Line Now. Is left lane driving allowed in your state? In practice, all lanes are used during . In the state of Florida, if the road you're driving on has 2 or more lanes heading in the same direction, you can only use the far left lane for passing. According to MIT, every state has a law regarding proper lane usage, but they differ in the specifics. Lt. Bueno said this issue is a growing problem in every . Florida left lane bill: Illegal to stay left unless passing wesh Related Topics Florida United States of America North America Place 63-3-603 (d) May not use left-hand lane on interstate highways, freeways, or expressways within urbanized areas of the state having three or more lanes. Rep. Jenna Persons-Mulicka, R-Fort Myers, filed House Bill 421, saying it would make it easier for police to enforce and clearer to drivers that the left lane is for passing only. In those states, drivers must remain in the right lanes except for passing, regardless of how many lanes of traffic are available, except when obeying Move Over laws enacted to help avoid collisions with emergency vehicles stopped in the breakdown lane. That depends on your state. We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about auto insurance. When left lanes are used only for passing, however, the risk of collision is decreased since drivers can pass multiple cars at once and quickly resume their place on the right-hand side. We prioritize stories, ensuring residents are connected to the local community. So, whats the point of these laws? This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. And it drives people absolutely crazy when they get in that lane and people are driving the speed limit," Tampa police told FOX 13 in a 2016 interview. HB 421, entitled "Driving on the furthermost left-hand lane of a roadway," is. Left lane for passing means you should return to the right lane whenever possible and reasonable, such that other cars may pass you in a predictable way. He was right: in my home state, I generally sit in the left lane for ages when I'm going a long way, since I drive rather fast. What are the dangers of left-lane driving? Fines are limited to $25. Rachel Bodine graduated from college with a BA in English. As of July 2017, you can receive a $100 fine for driving too slow in the left lane or for driving in the left lane without turning left or passing another car. Florida law, therefore, limits when a driver can use the left lane: only to pass, avoid an obstacle, or when there is not a faster vehicle approaching from behind on a multi-lane highway. But then there are motorists who dont merge when theyre holding up traffic. If youre interested in becoming a better driver, check out the defensive driving courses offered online at DriveSafe Online. A similar idea did not make it through the last legislative session, but the sponsor of the bill says theyve made some slight changes that might give it a better chance this year. Then we spoke with Darrel Rivers, Public Information Officer for the Vero Beach Police Department, and he said motorists could use the right lane to pass as long as there are single broken lines.. Our partnerships dont influence our content. Once the driver passes another vehicle, they must merge to the right on US1. In the event of a collision, having adequate coverage often makes the difference between speedy recoveries and financial ruin. Heres what to know about current left-lane driving laws and how they may change in the coming months. Most notably, the specification about driving speed would be eliminated. Currently, the law allows drivers to use the left lane for cruising . Five states prohibit you from driving in the left lane if youre going less than the, Six states require you to move to the right if traffic is blocked by your being in the left lane, Eight states prohibit left lane driving unless you are passing or turning left, Twenty-seven states require you to stay right if youre moving slower than the other cars around you. Cologne and Frankfurt), Help me identify this capacitor to fix my monitor. According to Florida Statute 316.081, a driver must move over if they reasonably know they are being overtaken by a faster motorist. State statute has limited left lane use on roadways with at least two lanes of traffic in the same direction. To prepare yourself for the possibility of getting into an accident, take a look at our article, What to Do After an Auto Accident, for more detailed instructions that can save you money if youre involved in a collision. PREVIOUS: Tampa police: Left lanes are for passing vehicles, per Florida law. Claim A Pair Of Free Tickets To See The New Movie Sound of Freedom, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. You'll Avoid Tickets And Fines A 2019 revision to the rule clarified that while traveling on an interstate it is against the law to stay left more than 1.5 miles without completely passing another vehicle. Enforcement: If the measure passes the state Legislature, traffic enforcement on Floridas roadways will begin on Jan. 1, 2024. All rights reserved. We are not affiliated with any one auto insurance provider and cannot guarantee quotes from any single provider. Florida: Yield: 316.081(2) and (3) Slower traffic keep right and all traffic yield left lane to traffic approaching from behind . Part of the issue is the wide disparity in laws and enforcement in the 50 states. She has since worked as a Feature Writer in the insurance industry and gained a deep knowledge of state and countrywide insurance laws and rates. Podcast: Action soon on broker transparency? Yes, both driving too slow and driving too fast in the left lane can lead to a traffic ticket. A Florida lawmaker is introducing a new bill that would make it illegal to drive continuously in the left lane unless you're passing other traffic. Touchberry said that if a vehicle is driving below the posted speed limit sign in the left lane, they shouldmerge rightif they are not planning to make a left turn. The fact is, you can pretty much guarantee that theres someone else whos going faster than you at any given point in time. 2023 FOX Television Stations, until SUN 12:00 AM EDT, Coastal Hillsborough County, Inland Hillsborough County, Tampa police told FOX 13 in a 2016 interview, Grady Judd: Suspect high on meth shot graveyard dead after opening fire on SWAT team, 1 hostage rescued, Armed suspect accused of shooting at Tampa officers killed when they return fire: TPD, Here are the major laws going into effect in Florida on July 1, Suspect arrested after man was shot, killed outside Tampa home, police say, Glass falls from Regions Bank building, prompting downtown Tampa road closure: Police. States including Louisiana, New Jersey and Illinois have adopted similar measures. Members of the Supreme Court's conservative majority, including Chief Justice John Roberts, had long signaled skepticism about affirmative action. The Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association and the National Motorists Association say that blocking the left lane, whether intentional or not, results in reduced road safety and efficiency. This subsection does not apply to drivers operating a vehicle that is overtaking another vehicle proceeding in the same direction or is preparing for a left turn at an intersection, section 3 of the statute reads. - On a highway with three or more lanes, use the right lane to enter and exit the highway, and use the left lane for passing only. The eight states where its illegal to drive in the left lane except for turning left or passing are Illinois, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Massachusetts, New Jersey, and West Virginia. State keep right laws or the left lane law dictates proper use of the passing lane. No, left lane driving is prohibited in many states. In the state of Florida, if the road you're driving on has 2 or more lanes heading in the same direction, you can only use the far left lane for passing. She was participating in a charity event. They can also prevent drivers from developing road rage, which can lead to dangerous accidents. On top of this, its important to note that some police will ticket you even if youre going the speed limit in the left lane. For all other calls, dial 772-202-4029. "Yes. As states around the country revise their rules on left lane use, pursuit underway in the Florida Legislature would do the same. These have "yes" in the "keep right" column. Sebastian Daily is a local newspaper known for delivering hometown news and breaking headlines in Sebastian, Florida. But if House Bill 421 were to become law, the Sunshine State would join just eight others where cruising in the left lane is illegal except when passing slower traffic. When you have people who are going slow in one lane, fast in the other lane, as long as its moving, it can be fairly safe, he said. Our opinions are our own. This not only makes the motorway a safer place for everyone involved but also decreases the frequency of drops in speed and disrupted trafficflow. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything auto insurance related. Fine of up to $300. 2023 www.goupstate.com. Keith Goble | As states around the country revise their rules on left lane use, pursuit underway in the Florida Legislature would do the same. TPD Officer Roy Paz said the only exemptions are if a driver is making a left-hand turn or if they're passing another vehicle. "Its not only the courteous thing to do, but its the law," Paz added. - On a two-lane highway, stay in the right lane, except to pass or to use a left exit. Drivers in violation will receive a non-criminal traffic infraction with a fine of up to $158. There would be exceptions, such as bad weather and other conditions that make driving the left lane necessary. If youve ever encountered one of these slowpoke drivers people driving in the left lane slowly you know theyre dangerous, even more so than the people going 10 miles per hour over the speed limit. Many states, the left lane is only for passing - you can and many have received tickets for driving on a completely empty road in the left lane. Although every state has some type of restriction regarding the left lane, these restrictions vary greatly. I mentioned to Touchberry that there are people who ride the left lane, driving slower than the posted speed limit, and we see it all the time in Micco and Sebastian on US1. left lane if a faster vehicle is approaching. Its a commuting problem weve all experienced at some point: A car in the far left lane cruising at a glacial pace, causing a traffic jam behind it. He believes it would make roads safer for everyone. Because some auto insurance companies will penalize a driver differently for that offense, we can give you quick options that fit your personal needs, rather than just for the average driver in your area. The left lane is a passing lane. 2023 NexLearn, LLC. 56 is common in the right lane. Worst States for Traffic-Related Fatalities (2023), Delivery Driver Auto Insurance: Rates & Requirements (2023), Best Teen Audiobooks for Road Trips (2023), Most Dangerous and Safest States for Drivers (2023), In five states, you are required to move right if youre blocking traffic, Slowpokes in the left lane can raise the accident-risk for other drivers, Tickets for slow driving can result in an auto insurance rate bump, Every state in America has a keep right law with different penalties, 4 states: You are required to stay right with several exceptions, 5 states: Left lane driving is prohibited if going under the speed limit, 6 states: You are required to move right if you are blocking traffic, 8 states: Left lane travel is prohibited except for turning and passing, 27 states: You are required to stay right if youre driving slower than the cars around you.