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Is there a Florida Law on passing or overtaking a vehicle? The simple answer is Yes. Pursuant to Section 316.083, Florida Statutes, the driver of a vehicle overtaking another vehicle proceeding in the same direction shall pass to the left thereof at a safe distance, and shall not again drive to the right side of the roadway until safely clear of the overtaken vehicle. The driver of a vehicle overtaking a bicycle or other nonmotorized vehicle must pass the bicycle or other nonmotorized vehicle at a safe distance of not less than 3 feet between the vehicle and the bicycle or other nonmotorized vehicle.
The statute further provides that except when overtaking and passing on the right is permitted, the driver of an overtaken vehicle shall give way to the right in favor of the overtaking vehicle, on audible signal or upon the visible blinking of the headlamps of the overtaking vehicle if such overtaking is being attempted at nighttime, and shall not increase the speed of his or her vehicle until completely passed by the overtaking vehicle.
See Section 3416.083, Florida Statutes – Overtaking and passing a vehicle.
It is important for drivers in the State of Florida to follow these rules and other rules of the road. Safety should be put at a priority anytime that a driver is on the road. If it is safe to pass another vehicle, do so with caution and at a safe speed. If there is any question about passing another vehicle, be smart and wait for a better opportunity to pass. If you ultimately cannot safely pass the vehicle safely, you might be a few minutes late but this is a much be alternative then getting in a Florida automobile accident.