ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. \u2013 One Central Florida agency is warning drivers against camping in the left lane.<\/p>\n
In a release this month, the Orange County Sheriff\u2019s 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 \u201cfor passing only.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWe hear the comments about left lane drivers,\u201d the release reads. \u201cMost people don\u2019t realize that OCSO deputies enforce Florida\u2019s Left Lane Law. During stops like these, deputies explain why cruising in the left lane is not just frustrating for other drivers \u2014 but dangerous for everyone.\u201d<\/p>\n
The video shows several drivers receiving citations, with one getting a ticket for over $160.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe left lane, you\u2019re only allowed to com into, pass a car, and then get out of it,\u201d one deputy can be heard saying.<\/p>\n
WHAT DOES FLORIDA LAW ACTUALLY SAY?<\/p>\n
According to the so-called \u201cLeft Lane Law<\/a>\u201d referenced by the OCSO, vehicles are supposed to drive along the \u201cright half\u201d of the roadway, though there are some exceptions.<\/p>\n For example, the left-hand lane can be used to pass other cars, or when there\u2019s an obstruction in the road that necessitates doing so.<\/p>\n But when it comes to the far-left lane on many highways, drivers are expected to move over if they\u2019re being overtaken by a faster vehicle (unless the driver is getting ready for a left-hand turn at an intersection).<\/p>\n In short: \u201cDrive in the right lane and pass on the left.\u201d<\/a><\/p>\n [RELATED: Sheriff\u2019s office vehicle seen flashing lights at left-lane driver]<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Despite the civil penalties, though, it\u2019s an issue that still pops up all over Florida. <\/p>\n CAN WE DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT?<\/p>\n Lawmakers actually tried to do this back in 2024 with House Bill 317<\/a>.<\/p>\n 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. <\/p>\n