To begin with, improper passing charges fall under Florida Statutes 316.083 and 316.085. In fact, impatient driving is the leading cause of most improper passing tickets. Because most impatient drivers do not follow the proper protocol when changing lanes.
In all honesty, if you drive you will pass another driver. But, when can you pass that car legally? Typically, you can pass on the left if you do not endanger other drivers. Unfortunately, passing on the right is not the same.
Three Types of Improper Passing
Considering, passing on the right is the most common improper passing citation. Actually, there are three ways a driver can receive a ticket for improper passing. Notably, these include the following:
- Passing on the Right – This usually occurs on a four-lane road when a vehicle is traveling too slowly in the left lane. Both vehicles are in violation of the law under these circumstances.
- Blind Passing – This occurs on curves or hills when passing in the oncoming traffic lane. And, the passing driver can’t see on-coming traffic at a safe distance.
- Dangerous Passing – This offense involves cutting another vehicle off after making a pass. At one time or another, we’ve all gotten cut off by another driver.
Avoid an Improper Passing Ticket
Despite, passing on the right being illegal Florida has exceptions to the rule. Furthermore, the law accepts these exceptions as safe driving tactics. Thus, the exceptions for passing on the right include.
- Car Making a left turn – So, if the car in front of you makes a left turn you can pass on the right. But, you must use a legal lane on the right, and you cannot cut off on-coming traffic.
- Passing Slower Traffic on Right – Additionally, you can pass on the right while driving a busy road or highway with two or more lanes of traffic. In the same way, passing a car making a left you can use the right lane of the highway. As long as, the left lane has traffic, you don’t obstruct on-coming traffic, and you do not cause an accident.
- One-Way Street Passing on Right – Also, it is legal to pass on a one-way road that has more than one lane. Still, you can only pass when it is safe to pass without speeding or causing an accident.
Proper Ways To Pass
Granted, passing other cars is dangerous. Especially, on two-lane roads and during the late hours of the night. All in all, there are proper ways to pass or overtake while driving. In fact, Florida statute 316.083 outlines how a drive can pass another legally. Hence, we listed some techniques for passing safely.
- Use Your Signal – First, you should always use your directional signal to or show your lane change. But, if your signal does not work you can use proper hand signals.
- Passing on Left – Second, when passing on the left you must make sure it is safe to pass. Then, once safe use your signal to enter the left lane. After you have safely passed the other car then you use your directional signal to reenter the lane.
- Passing Bicycles – Third, you must give a 3-foot radius around a cyclist when passing. As well as, following other safe practices. Like, using your signal, don’t cut off traffic, and give yourself an ample amount of time to pass.
- Give Way to Passing Cars – By the same token, when a car wants to pass or overtake your car you should give way. Thus, you should use your directional signal to move to the right lane making sure you do not obstruct on-coming traffic. Yet, you do not need to give way to a passing vehicle when it is legal to pass on the right.
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