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Friday, Jul 24, 2026

Is it legal to cruise in the left lane?

Clinton Engelberger | Suncoast Searchlight, Suncoast Searchlight
no

Florida law requires drivers on highways and multi-lane roads to keep the left lane clear to let faster vehicles pass in order to avoid impeding the flow of traffic.

State Statute 316.081(3) states that if a driver “knows or reasonably should know” that a vehicle behind them is driving faster, they should move out of the left lane. 

Exceptions to the law include if the driver is preparing for a left turn at an intersection, or if a driver is passing another vehicle heading in the same direction.

The law also doesn’t apply to emergency situations and traffic conditions that make it necessary to stay in the left lane.

Drivers that don’t move from the left lane could face a noncriminal traffic infraction, which carries a $60 base fine and three points on their driver’s license.

This fact brief is responsive to conversations such as this one.

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