Traffic Rules for Florida Drivers
Many driving laws are common sense, which means they are often the same across states. However, while you may be familiar with the laws in your state, other states may have different rules that you need to follow when driving on the roads. If you are planning to visit or move to Florida, below are some of the traffic rules that may differ from those in other states.
Permits and licenses
Learner licenses are for drivers aged 15-17 who must always have a licensed driver aged 21 seated closest to them while driving. In addition, these drivers may only drive during daylight hours for the first three months. After 3 months, they can drive until 10 pm.
Licensed drivers aged 16 are not allowed to drive from 11am to 6pm unless they have a 21-year-old licensed driver with them or are driving to or from work.
Licensed drivers aged 17 cannot drive from 1 pm to 5 pm without a driver's license at the age of 21. This does not apply to commuting to and from work.
Seat belts
All drivers and passengers in the front seat must wear seat belts.
All passengers under the age of 18 must wear seat belts.
Children under the age of four must be in a child seat.
Children four and five years old must be in either a booster seat or an appropriate child seat.
Children aged four or five may only wear a seat belt if the driver is not an immediate family member and the carriage is due to an emergency or a favor.
Necessary equipment
All vehicles must have an intact windshield and working windshield wipers.
White license plate lighting is mandatory on all vehicles.
Silencers must ensure that engine sounds cannot be heard at a distance of 50 feet.
Fundamental rules
Headphones/Headsets - Drivers are not allowed to wear headphones or headphones.
texting - Drivers are not allowed to text while driving.
slower cars - Drivers who are overtaken by a vehicle moving at a higher speed in the left lane are required by law to change lanes. In addition, it is forbidden by law to obstruct the movement of vehicles by moving too slowly. On highways with a 70 mph speed limit, the lowest speed limit is 50 mph.
Front seat - Children under 13 must ride in the back seat.
Children without supervision - Children under the age of six must not be left unattended in a running vehicle for any period of time or for more than 15 minutes if the vehicle is not running. This only applies if the child's health is not in danger.
Ramp Signals - Florida uses ramp signals to control the flow of vehicles on expressways. Drivers cannot enter the expressway until the green light is on.
Drawbridge signals - If a yellow signal flashes on a drawbridge, drivers must be prepared to stop. If the red light is on, the drawbridge is in use and drivers must stop.
Red reflectors Florida uses red reflectors to warn drivers when they are driving down the street in the wrong direction. If the red reflectors are facing the driver, then he is driving in the wrong direction.
Oven - It is illegal to leave the keys in the car when it is parked.
Parking lights - It is against the law to drive with the parking lights on, not the headlights.
right of way — All drivers, pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists must give way if failure to do so could result in an accident or injury. Funeral processions always have the right of way.
move over - Drivers are required to leave one lane between them and emergency or other vehicles with flashing lights. If it is not safe to cross, drivers must slow down to 20 mph.
Headlamps - Headlights are required in the presence of smoke, rain or fog. If windshield wipers are required for visibility, the headlights must also be on.
Insurance — Drivers must have insurance against injury and liability for property damage. If a policy is canceled without the immediate introduction of another, the license plates of the vehicle must be surrendered.
Garbage - It is forbidden to dump garbage weighing less than 15 pounds on the roadway.
tobacco - Tobacco use by minors will result in the loss of a driver's license.
Following these traffic rules for Florida drivers will allow you to stay legal while driving across the state. If you need more information, check out the Florida Driver's License Guide.
