[CLees]

I have a question regarding the left lane on Florida highways. WHY IS IT USED AS A TRAVEL LANE HERE?!?!? In CT, where im from, the signs clearly designate the left lane as a passing lane only. You are supposed to pass the slower moving vehice(s) and then move back into the lane to the right. You can get pulled over(in CT), if you are spotted by a police officer, for commuting in the passing lane. I think in most states this is understood as common practice and is part of road manners. It keeps things moving steadily as well... In florida however, I not only see people commuting in the left lane, usually at a slow rate of speed(some who switch lanes to let you though and some who are oblivious..), but I've also noticed that the signs say "Slower Traffic Keep Right". Whether or not that is even followed regularly is disputable enough as it is but my question is... Is it even unlawful to commute, for an extended period of time, in the left lane here in Florida? If so, why do so many people do it? Could this be a sign of or contributing factor to the terrible driving that occurs down here?

Thx

[**NoodLes**]

Well here in Orlando, the only "real" freeway I consider to be legit is I-4. All the other roads here are toll roads, their not really considered freeways like in larger cities, therefore the rules don't really apply. Some sections here might as well be freeways, like the south access road to MCO, but I travel in the left lane all the time. If they want to pass me then they can go in the right lane, since they're not "officially" highways. And if I pay a toll, I will drive in whatever lane I want. That's how I see it.

[compelled to reply]

Originally Posted by **NoodLes**

Well here in Orlando, the only "real" freeway I consider to be legit is I-4. All the other roads here are toll roads, their not really considered freeways like in larger cities, therefore the rules don't really apply. Some sections here might as well be freeways, like the south access road to MCO, but I travel in the left lane all the time. If they want to pass me then they can go in the right lane, since they're not "officially" highways. And if I pay a toll, I will drive in whatever lane I want. That's how I see it.

Oh ok...

[mayorofnyc]

Aren't the roads in CT tolled as well??

[jambo101]

Originally Posted by **NoodLes**

. And if I pay a toll, I will drive in whatever lane I want. That's how I see it.

That attitude is gonna come back and bite you in the ---- as sooner or later some one with a similar dumb attitude takes issue with your rational and runs you off the road.

[annerk]

Originally Posted by **NoodLes**

Well here in Orlando, the only "real" freeway I consider to be legit is I-4. All the other roads here are toll roads, their not really considered freeways like in larger cities, therefore the rules don't really apply. Some sections here might as well be freeways, like the south access road to MCO, but I travel in the left lane all the time. If they want to pass me then they can go in the right lane, since they're not "officially" highways. And if I pay a toll, I will drive in whatever lane I want. That's how I see it.

It's all about you, isn't it?

[Granny Sue]

Originally Posted by CLees

I have a question regarding the left lane on Florida highways. WHY IS IT USED AS A TRAVEL LANE HERE?!?!? In CT, where im from, the signs clearly designate the left lane as a passing lane only. You are supposed to pass the slower moving vehice(s) and then move back into the lane to the right. You can get pulled over(in CT), if you are spotted by a police officer, for commuting in the passing lane. I think in most states this is understood as common practice and is part of road manners. It keeps things moving steadily as well... In florida however, I not only see people commuting in the left lane, usually at a slow rate of speed(some who switch lanes to let you though and some who are oblivious..), but I've also noticed that the signs say "Slower Traffic Keep Right". Whether or not that is even followed regularly is disputable enough as it is but my question is... Is it even unlawful to commute, for an extended period of time, in the left lane here in Florida? If so, why do so many people do it? Could this be a sign of or contributing factor to the terrible driving that occurs down here?

Thx

I have to comment on this one. We constantly make trips up and down I-95 and I-75. This situation is NOT unique to Florida.
Sorry.

[doggiebus]

OP - Its called lack of respect. People who use the left lane as a travel lane on the highways just don't care or respect the other drivers on the road. The left lane is suppose to be for passing. Yet some people just don't care, and force others around them. Cops don't do anything about it usually, I was behind a cop in the left lane one day, when we came up on a slow driver in the left lane, he went around him and then pulled in front of the slow driver and signaled to move over, the driver did. No ticket, no warning nothing. These drivers bother me, if you want to drive the speed limit or slower don't stay in the left lane on the highway.

[annerk]

If they'd start to enforce traffic laws with fines, FHP could become a profit center rather than a cost center for the state.

[CTGirlNoMore]

Originally Posted by mayorofnyc

Aren't the roads in CT tolled as well??

No, they are not. I think many years ago they were, but now they aren't.

Also, our normal highways don't have signs I see saying the left lane is for passing. People travel in them all the time.

We do have one "highway" - a 2 laner (well, on each side) known as the Berlin Turnpike, the Wilbur Cross, or Merritt Parkway depending what part of the state you are in. When you are on the Merritt Parkway, there are signs indicating left is for passing and to stay right.

Maybe that is what OP means here. When you are on the Berlin Turnpike, it is all stores and very busy in that sense. When get on the Merritt, it is more highway, with just exits.