CS for CS for SB 332 - Highway Safety Summary

• Reorganizes and expands definitions in Florida traffic law, including new terms like "bicycle lane" and "vulnerable user of a public roadway" (pedestrians, cyclists, scooter operators, riders of animals, and operators of farm tractors or wheelchairs).

• Requires motor vehicles to maintain a minimum 3-foot safe distance when passing bicycles or other vulnerable users, and exempts bicycles in bicycle lanes from certain right-side passing restrictions.

• Allows groups of four or more bicycles to proceed together through stop signs after coming to a full stop, with motor vehicle operators required to allow the entire group through the intersection.

• Establishes enhanced penalties for traffic violations (s. 316.083, 316.151, 316.1925) that contribute to bodily injury of vulnerable users, with fines up to $2,500, and requires law enforcement to note such injuries on citations; makes these violations subject to mandatory hearings.

• Clarifies bicycle operation rights, including full lane use for left turns and exceptions to no-passing zones when necessary to maintain safe distance from vulnerable users.