5/2/08-A bill has died that sought to give law enforcement more authority to ticket drivers who block traffic, even if they are driving the speed limit in the left lane. A failure to stay to the right would have been included as one of the offenses that make up “aggressive careless driving.”
Sponsored by Rep. Aaron Bean, R-Fernandina Beach, HB1177 remained in a committee when the session ended, effectively killing it for the year.
The bill was intended to combat aggressive driving, or “road rage,” on the state’s multilane highways by reducing the number of drivers in the far left-hand lane.
Dubbed the “Highway Safety Act,” the bill would have prohibited travelers from driving in the left lane of a multi-lane highway when they are about to be overtaken by another vehicle.
The bill also would have put the number of driving offenses that must be committed at one time to constitute “aggressive careless driving” at three.
Violators would have faced a $100 fine in addition to any other fines. Repeat offenders would have faced as much as a $500 fine and a mandatory court appearance. Drivers also would have received points for each offense committed.
A similar bill – S658 – also died.

4/21/08-The House Infrastructure Committee advanced a bill to the House Economic Expansion and Infrastructure Council that would give law enforcement more authority to ticket drivers who block traffic, even if they are driving the speed limit in the left lane. A failure to stay to the right would be included as one of the offenses that make up “aggressive careless driving.”
Sponsored by Rep. Aaron Bean, R-Fernandina Beach, HB1177 is intended to combat aggressive driving, or “road rage,” on the state’s multilane highways by reducing the number of drivers in the far left-hand lane.
Dubbed the “Highway Safety Act,” the bill would prohibit travelers from driving in the left lane of a multi-lane highway when they are about to be overtaken by another vehicle.
The bill also would put the number of driving offenses that must be committed at one time to constitute “aggressive careless driving” at three.
Violators would face a $100 fine in addition to any other fines. Repeat offenders would face as much as a $500 fine and a mandatory court appearance. Drivers also would receive points for each offense committed.
For bill status, call (850) 488-4371. In Florida, call 1-800-342-1827.