VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. — As Gov. Ron DeSantis considers signing into law a new measure to ban cruising in the left lane of highways, a Traffic Inbox viewer wants to know why we need the legislation.

What You Need To Know

  • Florida lawmakers approved State Bill 258, a bill to ban cruising in the left lane of highways

  • Tom Peterson says Statute 316.081 already prohibits left lane cruising

  • Florida Sen. Keith Perry says State Bill 258 takes out some of the ambiguity in the current statute

  • Gov. Ron DeSantis still needs to sign the bill before it can become law

“I was kind of interested because there already is a law. Florida Statute 316.081 talks about when it’s ok to drive in the left lane,” said Tom Peterson of Volusia County.

Peterson is right. Statute 316.081 requires driving on the right side of the roadway unless trying to pass another vehicle. Knowingly staying in the left lane when a faster vehicle is looking to pass could get you a ticket.

“Any idea why this is coming up again or why this is being re-introduced?” asked Peterson.

Spectrum News 13 asked the sponsor of Senate Bill 258, State Sen. Keith Perry (R-Gainesville).

“It’s already on the books that you cannot knowingly impede traffic,” said Perry. “That’s hard to prove in court, so this is a real simple bill that says ‘Hey, the left lane is for passing, if you’re not passing somebody get in the right lane.’”

Perry says his measure takes out some of the ambiguity. Drivers on highways with at least two lanes in the same direction and a speed limit of 65 miles per hour or higher can only use that left lane if they’re passing.

“The goal is not to give out tickets, the goal is to have the public educated on this and let traffic move the way it should be,” said Perry.

Perry hopes it reduces instances of road rage from those trying to get around those left lane lovers.

“There are people that consciously hang out in the left lane. They cruise around in the left lane and they are impeding the flow of traffic,” said Peterson.

Peterson says he’s all for that.

“If there’s a way we can clarify it, make it easier to know, to understand, to enforce. Then there is a benefit to doing that,” he said.

Left lane drivers could get a $158 ticket.

The legislation passed both the Florida House and Senate during session. It’s still waiting for the governor’s signature before it can become law next year.

If you have a traffic trouble spot, let us know about it.