When Is Passing on the Right Permitted in Florida?

July 30, 2024 | Sagi Shaked | Florida Law

According to DMV Florida, millions of traffic violation tickets are written in Florida every year. Passing on the right side of another vehicle is just one of the acts that lead to these citations. It is a dangerous maneuver that can lead to a car accident or cause injury to pedestrians and cyclists.

Though there are times in which passing on the right is permitted, such occasions are quite rare. In any case, understanding when right-side passing is allowed will help you become a safer driver and avoid violations.

What Does Florida Law Say?

Many drivers are surprised to learn there are times when passing a car on the right is legal. According to Florida Law Chapter 316 Section 084, passing on the right is permitted only under the following conditions:

When the vehicle being passed is making (or in the process of making) a left-hand turn
If there are two or more lines of traffic flowing in each direction and no parked vehicles obstructing the roadway
On a one-way street with two or more lines of flowing traffic and no parked cars obstructing traffic

Keep in mind that even in areas and situations where right-side passing is permissible, all reasonable safety standards must be upheld. At no time may a driver drive off the paved road or the main-traveled portion of a road to pass another vehicle.

Penalties for Illegal Right-Side Passing

Passing on the right can cause catastrophic accidents that put the lives of motorists and pedestrians in danger. In response, Florida levies large fines for these violations.

For example, the fine for passing a bus on the left starts at $200, while the fine for passing on the right starts at $400. If right-side passing results in an auto accident, victims of the crash can sue the driver for negligence.

Safe Passing in Florida

Florida’s driving laws are designed to keep traffic flowing and reduce the number of auto accidents. Under all circumstances, use these tips to pass other motorists safely:

Check your blind spots and mirrors
Make sure the passing lane is clear
Use your turn signals and honk lightly if you feel it’s necessary to draw attention to your intent to pass
Make sure that there is enough room in front of the car you are passing
Never pass in a no-passing zone
Never pass while driving around a curve
Never pass over a solid line

Don’t let frustration over slow traffic or other conditions tempt you to pass unsafely. One mistake could lead to a horrific auto crash that leaves you or a loved one seriously injured or killed.

Right Side Passing Is Permitted, But Only Sometimes

Is it illegal to pass on the right? Not always, and you might go for decades without ever encountering a situation that requires you to do so. Emergencies aren’t excuses for breaking the law, but if passing on the right is necessary to help avoid a collision, the details of the situation will be fairly considered if you are ticketed.

Contact Our Car Accident Law Firm in Miami, FL

If you’ve been injured in an accident in Miami, FL and need legal help, contact our Miami car accident lawyers at Shaked Law Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation.

Shaked Law Personal Injury Lawyers
20900 NE 30th Ave Suite 715
Aventura, FL 33180
(305) 937-0191