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Will driving in the left lane on Florida highways be banned? What to know about changes

If you like to cruise in the left lane, you may have to stop — or pay a fine.

Florida lawmakers have proposed laws that would change the way left-lane traffic flows on major highways: The left lane would be restricted to passing cars only. States including Louisiana, New Jersey and Illinois have adopted similar measures.

READ MORE: Are you irked by slow drivers in the left lane of Florida highways? This bill is for you

Here’s what to know about current left-lane driving laws and how they may change in the coming months.

Laws on the books

Moving over: Left-lane drivers on a highway are required to move over if they know, or reasonably should know, that they are being overtaken by a faster driver.

Below speed limit: Florida law also requires those driving below the speed limit stay in the right-hand lanes — except when passing a car or preparing to turn left. Trucks are banned from cruising in the left or inside travel lanes.

Proposed changes

Passing only: Under the bills, drivers would be forbidden from staying in the left lane unless they’re passing another car or getting on a left-side exit ramp.

Higher-speed highways: The rule would only apply on roads or highways with a speed limit of at least 65 mph. Carpool lanes, however, would be exempt.

Fine: If you’re caught zipping in the left lane, you could face a noncriminal traffic infraction with a fine of up to $158.

What the lawmaker says

For Sen. Keith Perry, who drafted the bill, the intent is to have people use the left line as a passing lane.

“The intention is not to keep people out of the left lane,” Perry said. “The intention is to keep them out of the left lane with traffic.”

Perry pointed to the Autobahn, a highway system without speed limits in Germany that has two rules: You can’t stay in the left lane and can’t pass on the right.

“When you have people who are going slow in one lane, fast in the other lane, as long as it’s moving, it can be fairly safe,” he said.

The senator’s inspiration for the bill came from everyday commutes around Florida. He believes it would make roads safer for everyone.

“I don’t think it’s going to cure road rage, but I just don’t think we need to give people any more reason to get upset why they’re driving.”

What’s next?

In the Senate: The Senate bill was approved by the Transportation committee but is pending review by the Fiscal Policy committee and the Appropriations Committee on Transportation, Tourism and Economic Development.

In the House: The House version of the bill was deemed favorable by the Transportation and Modals Subcommittee earlier this month. It’s now in line for review in the Infrastructure Strategies Committee.

Enforcement: If the measure passes the state Legislature, traffic enforcement on Florida’s roadways will begin on Jan. 1, 2024.