Lane Use & Following
Search names, statutes, classifications, penalties, points, and enforcement notes.
10 offenses
Commercial vehicle following too closely
Florida Statute § 316.0895(2)
Outside business/residential districts, a motor truck or vehicle towing another vehicle/trailer may not follow within 300 feet of another motor truck or towing combination. This does not prohibit overtaking/passing and does not apply in a lane specially designated for trucks or slow vehicles. Confirm both vehicle types, location, distance, and purpose. The rule is not limited to vehicles requiring a CDL; caravans also have a separate spacing requirement, except funeral processions.
Driving on sidewalk/bicycle path
Florida Statute § 316.1995
Non-human-powered vehicles generally may not be driven on sidewalks, sidewalk areas, or bicycle paths except on a permanent or authorized temporary driveway. Statutory/local authorizations for specified electric bicycles, scooters, golf carts, and other permitted uses can change the result, and motorized wheelchairs are excluded. Confirm the vehicle/device class, path type, and applicable local authorization before treating all powered devices as prohibited.
Fail to drive on right half of roadway
Florida Statute § 316.081
On a roadway wide enough for two-way traffic, vehicles generally must use the right half. Exceptions include lawful passing, an obstruction requiring a left-side movement with yielding to oncoming traffic, designated three-lane operation, and one-way traffic. Slower traffic generally belongs in the right lane except when passing or preparing a left turn. On multilane roads, a driver who knows or should know a faster vehicle is overtaking from behind must leave the far-left lane unless passing or preparing a left turn. Identify the applicable duty and exception.
Failure to maintain lane
Florida Statute § 316.089(1)
On a roadway with clearly marked lanes, a vehicle must remain as nearly as practicable within one lane and may leave it only after the driver determines the movement can be made safely. Document the markings, actual lane departure, traffic or other safety consequences, and circumstances affecting practicability, such as an obstruction. Apply the statutory safety and practicability qualifications rather than treating every touch of a lane line as automatically unlawful.
Following too closely
Florida Statute § 316.0895(1)
A driver must not follow another vehicle more closely than is reasonable and prudent for speed, traffic, and highway conditions. Document following distance or time gap together with speed, visibility, surface, and available reaction/stopping room. The statute does not set a universal seconds rule for ordinary vehicles. A collision is not required, and the mere occurrence of a rear-end crash does not replace assessment of the following conduct and conditions.
Improper driving on divided highway
Florida Statute § 316.090
On a highway divided by a median, physical barrier, or clearly indicated dividing section, vehicles must use the right-hand roadway unless traffic-control devices or police permit otherwise. Drivers may not travel over, across, or within the divider except through an established opening, crossover, or intersection, or with specific public authorization. Document the divider, crossing location, and lack of an authorized opening or direction.
Improper use of center lane
Florida Statute § 316.089(2)
On a three-lane roadway carrying traffic in both directions, the center lane may be used only for a safe pass of same-direction traffic, preparation for a left turn, or travel in a direction exclusively assigned by traffic-control devices. Establish the three-lane/two-way layout and the purpose of the center-lane use. A general travel lane must not be assumed from an unoccupied center lane; record opposing traffic, markings, and any permitted turn or pass.
Unauthorized vehicle/use on limited access facility
Florida Statute § 316.091
Enter or leave a limited-access roadway only at established public entrances and exits. Bicycles, motor-driven cycles, animal-drawn vehicles, and vehicles incompatible with safe traffic flow are generally prohibited; animals may not be ridden there. Human-powered travel on the roadway or shoulder is allowed only under the specified signed and marked bicycle-lane exception. Officially designated shoulder-use traffic can also be authorized. Identify the facility, vehicle type, access point, and controlling signs before citing.
Unsafe lane change / improper passing
Florida Statute § 316.085
Before passing left into opposing traffic, a driver must have a clear view and sufficient open distance to complete the pass without interfering with either vehicle. Return to an authorized lane as soon as practicable and before coming within 200 feet of an oncoming vehicle. Before changing course or lanes, the driver must determine that no vehicle is approaching or passing on that side and that the movement can be completed safely. Record the conflicting traffic and unsafe movement, not simply that a lane change occurred.
Wrong way on one-way roadway
Florida Statute § 316.088
On a roadway designated for one-way travel, drive only in the direction and during the times shown by official traffic-control devices. A vehicle going around a rotary traffic island must pass to the island's right. Document the direction of travel, applicable signs or markings, and any time restriction. The designation must apply to the roadway or lane where the vehicle was driven.