Longboat Key Traffic Information Press Release

A recent change was made to the Florida State Traffic Statutes.  Specifically when  passing a bicycle, the motorist is required to pass at a safe distance of three (3)  feet or more between the vehicle and the bicycle.

F.S.S. 316.083 - OVERTAKING AND PASSING A VEHICLE

          The following rules shall govern the overtaking and passing of vehicles proceeding in the
              same direction, subject to those limitations, exceptions, and special rules hereinafter stated:

1. The driver of a vehicle overtaking another vehicle proceeding in the same direction
     shall give an appropriate signal as provided for in  s.316.156, 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 non-motorized vehicle must pass the bicycle or other non-motorized
     vehicle at a safe distance of not less than 3 feet between the vehicle and
    the bicycle or other non-motorized vehicle.

2. 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 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.

3.  A violation of this section is a non-criminal traffic infraction, punishable as a
     moving   violation as provided in chapter 318.

1.    The winter residents of the island are adding to our daily traffic flow and
        sometimes they are traveling at a pace that does not reach the posted 
        SPEED LIMIT OF 45 MPH.  I receive telephone calls from residents that 
        ask me to remind all our residents to not drive at  slower than posted speeds
        when the conditions merit normal traffic flow patterns.

Please Drive Safely

Thanks,

Al Hogle - Longboat Key Chief of Police