ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – One Central Florida agency is warning drivers against camping in the left lane.
In a release this month, the Orange County Sheriff’s Office released body-camera footage of deputies engaging with these supposed left-lane campers, with one in particular warning a driver that the left-most lane is “for passing only.”
“We hear the comments about left lane drivers,” the release reads. “Most people don’t realize that OCSO deputies enforce Florida’s Left Lane Law. During stops like these, deputies explain why cruising in the left lane is not just frustrating for other drivers — but dangerous for everyone.”
The video shows several drivers receiving citations, with one getting a ticket for over $160.
“The left lane, you’re only allowed to com into, pass a car, and then get out of it,” one deputy can be heard saying.
WHAT DOES FLORIDA LAW ACTUALLY SAY?
According to the so-called “Left Lane Law” referenced by the OCSO, vehicles are supposed to drive along the “right half” of the roadway, though there are some exceptions.
For example, the left-hand lane can be used to pass other cars, or when there’s an obstruction in the road that necessitates doing so.
But when it comes to the far-left lane on many highways, drivers are expected to move over if they’re being overtaken by a faster vehicle (unless the driver is getting ready for a left-hand turn at an intersection).
In short: “Drive in the right lane and pass on the left.”
[RELATED: Sheriff’s office vehicle seen flashing lights at left-lane driver]
If drivers are found to be left-lane camping and impeding traffic as a result, they leave themselves open to being fined up to over $150.
Despite the civil penalties, though, it’s an issue that still pops up all over Florida.
CAN WE DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT?
Lawmakers actually tried to do this back in 2024 with House Bill 317.
Under that bill, the left lane must be used to pass other drivers on roads, streets or highways with at least two lanes and a posted speed limit of 65 mph.
And if it had been signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis, it would have taken effect on Jan. 1, 2025 — well over a year ago. However, DeSantis ultimately vetoed the proposal.
He provided the following reason for why he chose to do so:
“With limited exceptions, this bill prohibits the driver of a motor vehicle from driving in the furthest left-hand lane of any road in Florida with two or more lanes and a posted speed limit of at least 65 miles per hour. Violators would be guilty of a moving violation and subject to a fine of up to $158.
The language of this bill is too broad and could lead to drivers in Florida being pulled over, ticketed, and fined for driving in the furthest left lane even if they are not impeding the flow of traffic or if there are few or no other cars in the immediate area.
In addition, the bill could potentially increase congestion in Florida’s urban areas as drivers may decide to not utilize the furthest left-hand lane at all for fear of being ticketed.
For these reasons, I withhold my approval of HB 317 and do hereby veto the same.”
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (2024)
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