Mark Roman | March 23, 2023 | Car Accidents
Moving violations in Florida include a variety of illegal maneuvers that can result in accidents and injuries. Across the state, specific laws and statutes regulate the practice of passing cars from the right to ensure the safety of motorists and passengers. Failing to comply with these laws can result in serious consequences, including car accidents.
Passing on the right involves overtaking a vehicle on the right side, which is typically not used as the designated passing lane. This maneuver can be risky because drivers rarely expect vehicles to pass them on the right.
Furthermore, blind spots and reduced visibility can make this practice even more dangerous, and the likelihood of a crash increases when speed and road conditions are considered.
Passing on the Right Statistics
According to research data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), passing on the right contributes to a significant number of accidents annually in the United States.
Furthermore, a Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) study determined that right-lane passing was a significant contributing factor in two-lane road crashes.
While not all fatalities are caused by passing or overtaking cars on the right, these moving violations contribute to car accidents nationwide and should be avoided as much as possible.
Florida Laws and Exceptions
Florida law prohibits passing on the right under most circumstances. According to current traffic statutes, a driver may only overtake and pass a vehicle on the right in specific situations.
When the Vehicle Being Passed Is Making a Left Turn
In this situation, a driver can pass on the right to avoid getting stuck behind a car waiting to make a left turn.
Multiple Lanes Traveling in the Same Direction
A driver can pass on the right in a multi-lane roadway when the vehicle being passed is in the left lane and there is enough space for two or more cars going each way.
When a Driver Is on a One-Way Road
A driver can pass on the right on a one-way road where there are no hazards or oncoming vehicles obstructing the space on the right.
In Multi-Lane Roads with High Traffic Congestion
A driver can pass on the right in this situation, but only if it is safe to do so and the driver does not exceed the speed limit.
Passing on the right under any other circumstances is illegal in Florida. As such, violating these safety laws can result in significant legal consequences.
Legal Consequences of Passing on the Right
The legal consequences of passing on the right in Florida include expensive fines and a tarnished record. According to Florida moving violation statutes, the penalty for passing on the right can range from $60 to $100 for a first-time offense. Subsequent offenses can result in higher fines and may also result in points on the driver’s license.
In addition to the legal consequences, passing on the right can also result in severe accidents and injuries. When drivers are not expecting someone to pass them on the right, they may not be able to react quickly enough to avoid a collision. Blind spots and reduced visibility can increase the risk of an accident.
Avoiding Right-Hand Passing
In one recent year, Florida had at least 341,299 traffic accidents and 3,332 fatalities related to car crashes. Traffic laws exist to keep motorists safe. While most accidents are caused by other factors, like distracted driving and DUI, moving violations are still a cause for concern.
If you were injured by a driver engaging in illegal or reckless passing, Florida’s personal injury laws are on your side. Contact a car crash attorney today to learn more about your options.
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