Driving laws help keep everyone safe on the road, and that includes rules about which lanes drivers can use. One common question people ask is whether trucks or other large vehicles are allowed to drive in the left lane in Florida. The answer depends on the road, vehicle type, and current traffic laws. Florida has specific rules for left lane driving, and there are even new laws being proposed that could change things in the future.

This guide explains what the law says, what drivers need to know about using the left lane, and how it could affect accident claims.

What Is the Left Lane Law in Florida?

Florida Statutes § 316.081 says drivers must stay in the right lane unless they are passing another car, avoiding something in the road, driving on a one-way street, or on a road with three or more lanes. If you’re driving slower than the flow of traffic, the law requires you to move to the right lane.

In other words, the left lane is mostly for passing. If a driver is cruising slowly in the left lane, they could be breaking the law—even if they are going the speed limit.

Can You Get a Ticket for Driving Slowly in the Left Lane?

Yes. Florida treats this as a moving, noncriminal traffic violation. If a driver stays in the left lane without a good reason, they can be pulled over and ticketed. Law enforcement looks for vehicles that block traffic by not moving over to the right.

This rule applies to all drivers, including those in trucks. If a truck is moving slowly in the left lane and not passing, that can lead to a citation.

Florida Truck Lane Laws

Truck drivers have additional rules on some highways in Florida. On certain rural interstate roads, large trucks are not allowed to use the far-left lane at all. These rules are based on the size and weight of the truck, the number of axles, and the type of road.

Here are some roads where trucks must stay out of the left lane:

• I-95 in South Florida

• I-75 from the Georgia border to the Florida Turnpike

• I-4 from Kissimmee to Tampa and from Tampa to Osprey

• Parts of the Florida Turnpike

On these highways, trucks must stay in the right or middle lanes. Truck lane laws are meant to reduce congestion, prevent crashes, and make traffic flow more smoothly.

Violating these truck lane rules is also a moving traffic infraction under Florida Statutes § 316.074.

What Is the New Left Lane Law in Florida?

There are two new bills in Florida aimed at updating the current left lane law: House Bill 317 and Senate Bill 258. Both were filed in late 2023 and, if passed, will go into effect on January 1, 2025.

These bills say that drivers should not stay in the far-left lane on roads with two or more lanes going in the same direction and a speed limit of 65 mph or more. The only exceptions are:

• Passing another car

• Preparing to exit the highway

• Following a road sign or signal

• Driving in a high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) lane

• Emergency or road maintenance vehicles

If the bills become law, they will make it easier for police to issue tickets to drivers who clog up the left lane. It also aims to reduce aggressive driving caused by slower drivers blocking faster traffic.

Is It Legal to Pass on the Right in Florida?

Yes, but it’s not the safest option. Florida law allows drivers to pass on the right, but only when the car in front is turning left, or when there are two or more lanes in the same direction.

Even though it’s legal in some cases, passing on the right is risky. Drivers may not expect it, and it can lead to sideswipe crashes, especially if someone decides to merge without looking.

Why Passing on the Right Can Be Dangerous

Passing on the right may seem like a fast way to get around a slow driver, but it increases the risk of accidents. Larger vehicles like trucks and SUVs have bigger blind spots, making it harder for drivers to see cars passing on the right.

When drivers suddenly switch lanes to the right to pass, it can surprise others and cause unsafe moves. These situations often lead to rear-end crashes, sideswipes, or more serious collisions, especially at high speeds.

How Left Lane Laws Affect Accident Claims

When a car crash happens, one thing lawyers and insurance companies look at is whether anyone broke a traffic law. If a driver was improperly using the left lane—like blocking traffic or failing to move over—that can play a role in who’s found at fault.

In Florida, breaking a traffic law can be used as evidence of negligence. If someone is hurt in a crash and the other driver was violating a lane-use law, that could make it easier to win a personal injury claim.

Truck drivers also face higher standards since they operate larger, more dangerous vehicles. If a truck was in the wrong lane and caused an accident, the injured party may be able to hold the driver and their employer responsible.

Talk to a Lawyer If You’ve Been in a Crash

If you were hurt in a traffic accident involving improper lane use—by a truck or another driver—you may be able to get compensation for your injuries. This can include money for medical bills, lost pay, pain and suffering, and more.

Understanding Florida’s left lane laws is helpful, but it can get confusing when claims involve multiple cars or commercial trucks. Speaking with a legal professional can help you figure out your options.

Call (800) 790-5641 to speak with someone at D2 Law. We can look at your case, explain your rights, and help you move forward.