ROAD RAGE BILL PASSES
Requires an operator of a motor vehicle to yield the left lane when being overtaken on a multilane highway

measure well-liked by heavy-footed drivers frustrated by the slow drivers blocking the left lane and portrayed as way to ease road rage incidents accelerated Tuesday, advancing through the Senate Judiciary Committee 8-1. Sen. Mike Fasano, R-New Port Richey, was the only “no” vote, although Committee Chairman Joe Negron said he wasn’t a fan, but liked some of the elements in the measure, which is carrying several other road-related issues as well. The bill (SB 482) would require drivers to yield the left lane to faster drivers coming up behind them by moving over to the right out of the way. In noting that he doesn’t really like the road rage bill, Negron reminisced that the bill passed a few years ago but was vetoed by then-Gov. Jeb Bush. “He wasn’t driving his own car then,” responded the bill’s sponsor, Sen. Mike Bennett, R-Bradenton.

The bill defines the term “road rage.” Requires an operator of a motor vehicle to yield the left lane when being overtaken on a multilane highway. Revises the number of specified acts necessary to qualify as an aggressive careless driver. Authorizes actions for civil damages against motor vehicle dealers, etc. EFFECTIVE DATE: 10/01/2010.