A new bill filed in the Florida Senate would penalize drivers who stay in the left lane on certain roadways.
The bill was filed last week by Rep. Jenna Persons-Mulicka and would carry penalties for drivers who stay in the left lane without the intent to pass another vehicle.
There is already an existing Florida law that states slower traffic should move right, but this would be different.
"A driver may not continuously operate a motor vehicle in the furthermost left-hand lane, except when overtaking and passing another vehicle, when preparing to exit the road, street, or highway, or when otherwise directed by an official traffic control device," the bill said in part.
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The statute would only apply on roads, streets or highways with two or more lanes and a posted speed limit of at least 65 mph.
Drivers who are stopped for the violation would receive a non-criminal traffic infraction, punishable as a moving violation.
The exceptions to the proposed rule are emergency vehicles, maintenance crews on the highway, and during construction projects.
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Drivers would receive a ticket if they are caught violating the rule but enforcement may be tricky.
“I hope that they recognize that this really is a safety issue and will start enforcing it," said Mark Gold, the CEO of the Ticket Clinic. "If people get the message that they are going to get ticketed for it, they’ll get out of the way for faster-moving traffic and everybody will be the better for it.”
If passed, the bill would take effect on Jan. 1, 2024.
