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DeSantis axes bill that would've cracked down on left lane driving

The governor vetoed three bills on Friday including a House Bill that would prevent people from driving in the left lane.

TAMPA, Fla. — Gov. Ron DeSantis axed a bill that would've prohibited people from driving in the left lane.

House Bill 317 would make it illegal for cars to be in the furthest left-hand lane on a road, street or highway that has two or more lanes with a speed limit of 65 mph.

Drivers would've only been able to use that lane to overtake and pass another vehicle or to exit the road. 

It would be a noncriminal traffic infraction with the base fine being $60, but with additional fees and charges the total penalty could be $158. 

The bill had many supporters with it being voted on 37-0 in the Senate and 113-3 in the House.

"The language of this bill is too broad and could lead to drivers in Florida being pulled over, ticketed, and fined for driving in the furthest left lane even if they are not impeding the flow of traffic or if there are few or no other cars in the immediate are," DeSantis wrote in his veto letter.

He also said it could increase congestion on the roadways since cars may be afraid of using the left lane.

He vetoed the bill on Friday along with two others: 

  • HB 821 – Melbourne-Tillman Water Control District, Brevard County
  • SB 494 – Graduate Program Admissions

The governor also signed 14 bills into law including one that provides $20 million to victims of physical, mental and sexual abuse they endured as children in state custody between 1940 and 1975 at two facilities. 

He also signed a controversial bill that allows people to shoot a bear on their property in self-defense. Shooters will have to notify the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission within 24 hours of killing the animals and they can't keep or sell the carcasses, according to the bill's text. 

You can read more about the bills he signed here

   

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