Title: Motor Vehicles Using the Furthermost Left-hand Lane

Summary: Prohibiting a driver from operating a motor vehicle in the furthermost left-hand lane on specified roadways; providing exceptions; requiring the Department of Transportation to make certain designations and install specified signage, etc.

Full Text:
An act relating to motor vehicles using the furthermost left-hand lane; amending s. 316.081, F.S.; defining the term  furthermost left-hand lane ; prohibiting a driver from operating a motor vehicle in the furthermost left-hand lane on specified roadways; providing exceptions; providing applicability; requiring the Department of Transportation to make certain designations and install specified signage; providing an effective date. Be It Enacted by the Legislature of the State of Florida: Section 1. Subsection (3) of section 316.081, Florida Statutes, is amended to read: 316.081 Driving on right side of roadway; exceptions.  (3)  As used in this subsection, the term  furthermost left hand lane  means the farthest, most left-hand lane, unless such left-hand lane is a high-occupancy-vehicle lane as defined in s. 316.0741, or is a designated left-turn lane, in which case the furthermost left-hand lane is the lane immediately to the right of the high-occupancy-vehicle lane or the left-turn lane. (a)  On a road, street, or highway having two or more lanes allowing movement in the same direction, 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. This paragraph 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. (b) On a designated road, street, or highway with two or more lanes allowing movement in the same direction and with a posted speed limit of at least miles per hour, a driver may not operate a motor vehicle in the furthermost left-hand lane when other vehicular traffic is present, except when: 1. Overtaking and passing another vehicle; 2. Preparing to exit the road, street, or highway; 3. Required by s. 316.126; 4. Otherwise directed by an official traffic control device; or 5. Environmental or traffic conditions dictate. This paragraph does not apply to drivers operating authorized emergency vehicles or drivers operating vehicles engaged in highway maintenance or construction operations. (c) The Department of Transportation shall designate the portions of any roadway for which paragraph (b) applies and install the appropriate signage advising motorists of the requirements of paragraph (b). Section 2. This act shall take effect January 1, 2026.