A new bill in Florida aimed at protecting road safety could be approved and become law, official sources reported.
The HB-317 or Interstate Safety was unanimously passed by the state legislature and now only requires Governor Ron DeSantis’s signature to be recognized.
The need for this arises from the aim to improve safety on highways, as reckless driving led to nearly 250 people dying or becoming disabled in 2023 in that part of the United States.
The recklessness that caused the accidents was overtaking another car from the right side.
Therefore, HB-317 proposes that the use of the left lane on highways be prohibited, with exceptions for overtaking or exiting, and if the speed limit does not exceed 65 mph.
Violating the directive would result in a fine of up to $158.
If DeSantis turns it into law, Florida will join other eight states: Illinois, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Massachusetts, New Jersey, and West Virginia, which already have a similar rule.
This project appears to be an urgent need in terms of road safety because “In 2023 alone, there were 4027 violations as a direct infraction of passing on the right,” said the project’s sponsor, Keith Perry, a Republican from Gainesville.
Among other aspects, HB-317 proposes the following:
On a road, street, or highway with two or more lanes and where the speed limit is at least 100 kilometers per hour, drivers may not drive a motor vehicle in the leftmost lane.
The rule exempts if overtaking and passing another vehicle, preparing to exit, or as indicated by traffic control.
It would not apply to emergency vehicles, maintenance, or construction vehicles, and to lanes for high-occupancy vehicles.
If officially enacted into law by Governor Ron DeSantis, it is estimated to come into effect at the beginning of 2025.
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