Unsafe lane change / improper passing
Florida Statute § 316.085
Summary verified against the 2026 Florida Statutes: October 1, 2026.
Quick Summary
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.
Summary sources
Classification, Points & Penalties
Classification, Points & Penalties
- Category
- Lane Use
- Type
- Moving
- Civil / Criminal
- Civil
- Offense Classification
- Moving infraction
- Points
- 3
- Fine / Penalty
- $60 base moving penalty; speeding/enhanced-zone schedules may differ
Base fines are not the total payable amount. Costs, enforcement method, crash consequences, prior history, and court disposition can change penalties or points. A reported zero does not rule out license suspension or revocation.
Court & Enforcement
Court & Enforcement
- Mandatory Court
- No, generally
- NTA Eligible
- N/A — civil citation
- Custodial Arrest
- No — civil infraction (absent separate lawful basis)
NTA means notice to appear. Eligibility is conditional; these fields do not independently authorize arrest. Confirm the exact statutory track, lawful arrest authority, traffic procedure, and agency policy.
Arrest authority guideCivil infractions resulting in death or serious bodily injury require a hearing under §318.19.