Important Florida Laws

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It is important to know the laws in the state that you are visiting. All Florida traffic laws are important, but the following laws have sometimes been ignored by residents and visitors and this often results in a traffic violation, points on your license, a fine, or worse-a death or injury to people involved.  I want you to have a good experience when visiting Florida.  I don't want you to go home having had a bad experience on the road with a traffic violation (and possible increased insurance rates) or a bad injury or accident to you, your family, friends or others. Please drive safely and remember these laws.  These and more Florida motor vehicle law information is available at www.dmvflorida.org 
  
Florida Seat Belt Law 
Florida has seat belt laws to help prevent the driver or other passengers in the vehicle (car, truck, or van) from being thrown within or outside of the vehicle if a crash or quick stop occurs.  All passengers in the front seat must wear a seat belt.  It is a good idea for backseat passengers to also wear a seat belt.

Confirm that children are in the correct vehicle child-restraint seat

All passengers in the front or back who are under the age of 18 are required to wear a seat belt.  In addition, children ages 3 and younger must be secured in a federally approved child-restraint seat and children ages 4 through 5 must be secured by either a federally approved child restraint seat or a safety belt.  Florida safety belt laws apply at all times, regardless if you are on a short trip in the neighborhood or a long driving vacation.  A good rule to follow:  Always wear your seat belt when in a motor vehicle.

School or Construction Zone Speed Limits

When you see an orange construction sign, slow down

Exceeding the speed limit in a Florida school or construction zone will result in the largest fine that you can receive for speeding in Florida.  Fines are doubled for speeding in these zones.  Get caught speeding in a construction or school zone and the fine may well be over $500.  Around most Florida schools the speed limit is 20 MPH.

Adults and children can be hurt near a school zone

You should see a sign with a flashing light to indicate that you are entering a school zone and you should see a sign to let you know that you have left a school zone.  The reason for low speed limits in a school zone are obvious:  children may be crossing the street nearby or riding bikes to school, parents may be picking up or dropping off children and school buses may be loading or unloading children.  In a construction zone, workers may be hurt by cars speeding near road work.  In addition, the construction area may have dangerous traffic patterns due to roadwork that require a lower speed.  Look for orange signs that indicate nearby construction. Focus on driving, avoid distractions and you will notice these warning signs.  

Florida Move Over Law
This law requires drivers to move over a lane or slow down 20 MPH below the speed limit to protect law enforcement and emergency vehicle workers from being hit by vehicles passing them at high speed.  If you are not in the lane closest to the stopped emergency vehicle, be prepared to allow vehicles in that lane to move over into your lane.  If you fail to move over or slow down, you can be issued a ticket, can receive 3 points on your license, and have to pay a fine.  More importantly, if you do not move over, you could hurt an emergency worker.  Remember to vacate the lane closest to the stationary emergency vehicle, tow truck, sanitation, or utility vehicle.  

Road Rage
It is important to take a calm approach to driving in Florida, but some people do not, and this can result in drivers and passengers being killed in Florida. Aggressive drivers may exceed the posted speed limit, tailgate the driver in front of them, and explode with anger when another driver does something which slows them down (i.e. cuts in front of them or forgets to use their turn signal).  If you spot aggressive or dangerous driving, have your passenger write down the license plate information, date, time, and road that you are on and contact the Florida Highway Patrol by dialing *FHP on your cellphone when it is safe to make a call.  There are bad drivers in Florida (and other states) and the best people to handle it are law enforcement professionals.  

Texting and Driving

Wait until you have finished driving to text

Whether you are in Florida or anywhere else, don't text and drive. In Florida it is against the law to text and drive.  If you are texting behind the wheel, even when stopped at a red light, you are a distracted driver. Distracted drivers can be hurt, killed or can hurt or kill others on the road.   Let your message wait until you are able to safely stop your car away from traffic.  This may prevent a serious accident.  

Stay safe on Florida roads and enjoy your visit to the Sunshine state.  If you have questions about these or other Florida laws, let's talk.  Contact me at Diane at DianeAcken.com