It may have been many years since you took your Florida driving test to get your driver’s license. Even still, you should remember that you should not pass on the right. In most situations, Florida laws on passing on the right make this an illegal action that is generally punishable with a ticket. Since your chances of getting into an accident are higher by passing on the right, you should fully understand what the laws say about this action.
Englander Peebles is a personal injury law firm based in Florida with a focus on providing legal representation to injured victims in car accidents and other personal injury scenarios. Our dedicated team helps clients recover compensation for their injuries in auto accidents. This informative article explains Florida laws on passing on the right and how it could affect your personal injury lawsuit.
Passing on the Right in Florida: What You Need to Know
Passing on the right in Florida is only permitted in certain instances. However, even if you’re passing on the left, you must take the right steps to do so safely. You must make sure that you are abiding by the rules of the road.
In Florida, you are never permitted to pass in a no-passing zone. Passing on the left or the right is also forbidden when going around curves or there is a single solid road line. Additionally, there are detailed laws about not passing school buses when they are stopped with their flashing red lights and stop signs extended.
If it is a safe and permissible place to pass on the left, all drivers need to keep a safe distance between their vehicle and the car they are passing. Checking your blind spots and mirrors is the proper protocol. Even if you have advanced technology in your vehicle, it is always smart to double-check to make sure you are clear.
You are required to use your turn signal before making this maneuver, and laws dictate that you should honk lightly to signal that you are passing. Often, many people do not properly pass even in situations that permit this driving action. It is a smart move to reevaluate how you pass other vehicles on the road and make sure that you are obeying the rules. If you have been passing other vehicles on the right side, you may be violating Florida’s traffic laws.
Is Passing on the Right Permitted in Florida?
You may be wondering, “When is passing on the right permitted in Florida?” Florida laws for passing on the right allow you to make this action in certain circumstances. When the vehicle you are attempting to pass is about to make a left turn, you have permission to pass it on the right.
If you are driving on a road that has two or more lanes of traffic that are flowing in each direction, such as a major highway, you are allowed to pass on the right. The rules for passing on the right also do not apply if you are on a road that only goes in one direction. In this instance, you may pass on the right if there are no obstructions.
You should understand that to abide by Florida laws on passing on the right, you should never drive off the road. It is unacceptable to drive on the shoulder of the road to pass another vehicle.
What Are the Consequences for Passing on the Right in Florida?
Passing on the right in Florida is dangerous, and law enforcement will most likely pull a driver over if they see them break this traffic law. If a car accident is the result of passing on the right, it will be noted in the police report. The driver responsible for passing on the right when they are forbidden from doing so may face civil and criminal penalties.
The police are rightfully strict about passing on the right or left of a school bus. Sadly, many fatalities have occurred when people fail to stop in these situations. This is why huge fines are imposed for these infractions.
If you were in a car accident that was caused by a driver who negligently passed your vehicle on the right, you may be able to pursue compensation. Generally, your car insurance policy will only cover up to $10,000.00 of your medical bills. Should your injuries be serious, you can hold the other driver liable.
While your goal on the road should be to drive safely and follow traffic laws, many people are either unaware of these rules or may have simply forgotten. Even when you drive cautiously, you may have a run-in with a negligent driver. If that leads to a car accident injury, contact Englander Peebles to learn more about your legal options.