Jacob Ogles
Legislation making it a ticketed offense for drivers to hang in the left lane was just kicked to the curb.
Gov. Ron DeSantis vetoed the bill (HB 317), which had passed on a 113-3 vote in the House and drew no opposing votes in the Senate.
The Republican Governor suggested that the proposed law would allow for unfair enforcement.
“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” reads a transmittal letter from the Governor.
“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.”
If approved, the measure would have enforced that the left lane on roadways with speed limits of 65 mph or more is for passing only.
Rep. Jenna Persons-Mulicka, a Fort Myers Republican, had championed the bill over several Legislative Sessions.
“If you have ever been frustrated by drivers camping out in the left lane on the interstate, then this is the bill for you,” Persons-Mulicka argued on the House floor.
She maintained after veto that the legislation addresses a genuine safety concern.
“I continue to hear from constituents on the need to improve Interstate safety,” Persons-Mulicka said. “Drivers who impede the flow of traffic in the left lane create a dangerous situation for all. We will keep working on this safety issue and I’m looking at how to make the legislation better for next year.”
The proposed restriction would only have applied to thoroughfares with two or more going lanes in the same direction. Motorists could still use the left lane to exit, turn or if directed by police or traffic control devices.
The only “no” votes the bill attracted during Session came from Democratic Reps. Christopher Benjamin of Miami Gardens, Dianne Hart of Tampa and Angie Nixon of Jacksonville.
“This new law will reduce all highways by one lane now, providing that the only time you can ride in the far-left lane will be to overtake someone and then return to the right lane,” Benjamin said.
___
Jesse Scheckner of Florida Politics contributed to this report.
5 comments
aggie
June 22, 2024 at 11:35 am
This is the least controversial law I’ve seen proposed in Florida in years and of course DeSantis kills it. Obviously he either doesn’t drive on the interstates or he’s the one doing 55 in the left lane with a 2 mile line of cars is stuck behind him just waiting for a chance to pass on the right. BTW, using the left lane for passing only used to be common sense on highways with 4 or more lanes. Some people (looking at you DeSantis!) just never learned driving etiquette or common courtesy.
Elvis Pitts "The Big Voice On The Right" American
June 22, 2024 at 12:04 pm
Aggie,
Thou shalt not Blastphime The Sage Wisdom of Ron The Ronald DeSantis.
You are hereby CHASTIZED.
Please Study my post of Sage Wisdom below to school yourself on how to address any and all future decisions of FLORIDAS BESTEST EVER GOVORNOR.
Theres still time to save yourself, Aggie, If you Renounce your Blastphmous Post above, I will lift your Painfull CHASTIZEMENT.
EPA
Charlene
June 22, 2024 at 2:38 pm
Working part-time, I earn more than $13,000 per month. I kept hearing how much money people could make online, so I decided to look into it. Well, it was all true, and it completely altered my life… This is what I do; you can learn more about it by visiting the website listed below.
Begin here>>>>>>>>> Payathome9.Com
Hung Wiil
June 23, 2024 at 3:31 pm
Aggie
This was a stupid bill and would only give cops more cover to harass motorists
Elvis Pitts "The Big Voice On The Right" American
June 22, 2024 at 11:56 am
Thank you Ron for vetoing this Nanny Law,
Because almost all Elected Officals liked it just means they are Nannies with that Nanny Mentality.
Shame on all of you both Republican and Democrat. We dont NEEEEED MORE GOVORNMENT.
STAND BY FOR SAGE WISDOM ….. ALL FLORIDA ELECTED OFFICALS THAT VOTED FOR THIS BILL ….. SIT DOWN AND SHUT UP.
Thanks again Ron,
Elvis
Comments are closed.