Is the left-lane bill dead? If signed, it would reserve the far-left lane on many Florida roads solely for passing and exiting. Florida’s governor is still unsure whether he’ll put his name on the document.
Governor Ron DeSantis has only vetoed one bill so far this year. That social media ban was later amended and ultimately signed by DeSantis. But since then, lawmakers have gone home, and the governor has signaled he has doubts about the left-lane legislation, meaning the policy’s path may be bumpy.
Lawmakers passed HB 317 nearly unanimously over a month ago. Since then, it still hasn’t reached the governor’s desk.
If it becomes law, the far-left lanes on most Florida highways would be for passing and exiting only. It would apply only to multi-lane roads with two or more lanes and a speed limit of 65 mph or higher. Those who violate the rule could face a fine of over $150.
“I knew that bill was percolating,” DeSantis said in late February. “I saw they passed it. I’m actually going to talk to our highway patrol folks.”
The last time we spoke with DeSantis about the bill, his signature didn’t seem certain. The governor wanted to consult with authorities and officials from the Florida Department of Transportation before putting pen to paper.
“I’m going to talk to the people,” DeSantis said in Pensacola. “See if they think it would be a benefit, both in terms of safety and enforcement. We want people to get where they’re going as quickly and safely as possible. But also law enforcement—that’s going to be for these guys… Is that going to radically change how they do their jobs?”
The governor’s communications team said Friday they had no update on whether DeSantis had made a decision. That’s how bill supporters kept hope alive.
“I think part of his concern may be how to enforce it,” said Senator Keith Perry, a Republican from Gainesville. “Well, that’s true with any traffic law.”
Perry sponsors the bill and said he had faith it could eventually put the governor in the driver’s seat.
“It’s illegal to pass on the right,” he said. “We’re breaking the law every time we pass on the right. But more importantly, it’s a safety issue.”
A recent study by Arizona-based law firm Suzuki Law Offices found Florida is one of the deadliest states when it comes to lane changes, ranking fifth nationwide. The data is based on information from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
While we never really know when a bill will arrive, once it does, the governor will have some time to reflect on it. If signed, the changes will take effect in January of next year.
Image: Wflx
