Basic Driving Rule for the State of Florida
Safety Belts:
Florida law requires all occupants of cars, pickup trucks, and vans who are 6 years of age or older to wear seat belts, regardless of seating position. Passengers 16 and older can be fined individually for violating this provision. Drivers will be held responsible and fined for passengers 15 years old and younger who are found unrestrained.
Protecting Children:
The law requires every driver to secure children five years of age or younger in child restraint devices riding in a passenger car, van, or pick-up truck, regardless of whether the vehicle is registered in this state. Infant carriers or children's car seats must be used for children three years old and younger. Children's car seats or safety belts may be used for four- and five-year-olds.All infant carriers and car seats must be crash-tested and approved by the U.S. Government.children being carried on or riding bicycles should wear properly fitted bicycle helmets.
Do Not Leave Children Unattended!
On a hot summer day, the interior of a car can get dangerously hot. One study found that with the windows up and the temperature outside at 94 degrees, the inside of a car could be 122 degrees in just half an hour, or 132 degrees after an hour.
Florida Speed Limits:
-- Business or Residential Area 25 - 30 mph
-- Rural Interstate Limited Access Highways 70 mph
-- All Other Roads and Highways 25 - 55 mph
-- The 55 MPH maximum speed limit is still in effect in Florida except where otherwise posted. Speedlimits are 70 MPH on some rural interstate highways. Speed limits may be changed on other multi-lane highways. Drivers should not assume because the area appears to be rural, the limit is 70 MPH. Observe and obey the posted speed signs as there may be frequent changes from area to area along the selected highways.
Driving Too Slowly is also Against the Law:
Drive with the flow of traffic (within the speed limit). You should not drive so slowly that you block other vehicles moving at normal, safe speeds. You can be issued a ticket for driving too slowly.
Open Intersections:
An open intersection is one without traffic control signs or signals. When you enter one, you must yield the right-of-way if:
-- A vehicle is already in the intersection.
-- You enter or cross a state highway from a secondary road.
-- You enter a paved road from an unpaved road.
-- You plan to make a left turn and a vehicle is approaching from the opposite direction.
-- When two cars enter an open intersection at the same time, the driver on the left must yield to the driver on the right.
Roundabouts:
Roundabouts are a new type of intersection, which improves traffic flow and reduces traffic crashes. Most roundabouts do not require stopping, which allows vehicles to move continuously through intersections at the same low speed. Roundabouts are designed to move all traffic through a counterclockwise direction. Vehicles approaching the roundabout yield to circulating traffic; however, drivers must obey all signs to determine the correct right-of-way in the roundabout.
Bicyclists:
In Florida, the bicycle is legally defined as a vehicle. Bicyclists using a public roadway are considered operators of motor vehicles and are responsible for observing traffic laws. With few exceptions, there is only one road and it is up to motorists and bicyclists to treat each other with care and respect. Adherence to the law is the foundation of respect.
Blind Persons:
The primary traveling aids for a person who is blind are often either a white cane or a trained guide dog. Independent travel involves some risk that can be greatly reduced when you, the driver, are aware of the use and meaning of a white cane or guide dog. Drivers must always yield the right-of-way to persons who are blind. When a pedestrian is crossing a street or highway guided by a dog or carrying a white cane vehicles must come to a complete stop.
School Buses:
On a two-way street or highway, all drivers moving in either direction must stop for a stopped school bus which is picking up or dropping off children. You must remain stopped until all children are clear of the roadway and the bus signal has been withdrawn. Violation of this law is considered a moving violation and is subject to a mandatory hearing. If the highway is divided by a raised barrier or an unpaved median at least five feet wide, you do not have to stop if you are moving in the opposite direction of the bus. Painted lines or pavement markings are not considered to be barriers. If you are moving in the same direction as the bus, you must always stop - and not go forward until the bus stop signal has been withdrawn.
Traffic Lanes
Always drive on the right side of a two-lane highway except when passing. If the road has four or more lanes with two-way traffic, drive in the right lanes except when overtaking and passing. Left lanes on some interstate roads are reserved for car pool vehicles with two or more occupants in the car - watch for diamond signs in the median. The center lane of a three-lane or five-lane highway is used only for turning left. If you see red reflectors facing you on the lane lines, you are on the wrong side of the road. Get into the proper lane immediately! If you see red reflectors on the lines on the edge of the road, you are on the wrong freeway ramp. Pull over immediately! Red reflectors always mean you are facing traffic the wrong way and could have a head-on collision.
Where Parking is not Allowed:
--On the roadway side of another parked vehicle (double parking).
--On crosswalks.
--On sidewalks.
--In front of driveways.
--By curbs painted yellow or where "No Parking" signs are posted.
--Within intersections.
--Within 15 feet of a fire hydrant.
--Within 20 feet of an intersection.
--Within 20 feet of the entrance to a fire, ambulance or rescue squad station.
--Within 50 feet of a railroad crossing.
--On the hard surface of a highway where parking spaces are not marked.
--On any bridge or overpass or in any tunnel.
--Within 30 feet of a rural mail box on a state highway between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m.
--Within 30 feet of any flashing signal, stop sign or traffic signal.
--In such a way that you block or create a hazard for other vehicles.
Parking Lights
Parking lights must be used at night on any vehicle parked on a roadway or shoulder outside of cities and towns. Directional signals must not be flashed on one side only on a parked or disabled vehicle. Use your emergency flashers. Driving with parking lights only (in place of headlights) is against the law.
Parking Privilege for Disabled
Disabled persons do not have to pay parking fees on any public street, highway, or metered space. Their vehicles must display a valid parking placard from the rearview mirror or on the front dash. These may be obtained from a tag agent or tax collector's office and must be renewed every four years.They must park in spaces reserved for the disabled when possible. These spaces are marked by the wheelchair symbol and "Parking by Disabled Permit Only" signs. Vehicles illegally parked in spaces reserved for the handicapped will be ticketed and may be towed away.
Animals and Horses
Wild and domestic animals may move unpredictably towards or across the travel path of an approaching motor vehicle. When an animal is seen in the road or on the road shoulder, you should slow down and, if necessary, yield the right-of-way. Be especially careful in rural areas at night. Often an animal's eyes shining in the headlight beams will be seen first. Use reasonable care when approaching a person who is riding or leading an animal upon the roadway or shoulder of the road. Horses have poor side vision and are easily frightened by loud noises or sudden movements.
Fog or Smoke
It is best not to drive in fog or smoke. If you must, slow down, turn on your low beam headlights, and be ready for a fast stop. Use windshield wipers in heavy fog. If the fog or smoke becomes so thick that you cannot see well enough to keep driving, pull all the way off the pavement and stop. Turn on your emergency flashers.
Rain
The first few drops of rain mean danger. Roads are most slippery just after the rain begins, because oil dropped from cars has not been washed away. Slow down and plan for at least two times the normal stopping distance.In a heavy rain, your tires can ride on a thin film of water, like skis. This is called hydroplaning. When your tires are not touching the road, you can easily lose control and skid. Keep your tires on the road by slowing down when it rains, and by having tires with the right air pressure and good tread.
Reduced Visibility
You must turn on your low beam (dim) headlights when driving at any time between sunset and sunrise including the twilight hours between sunset and sunrise including the twilight hours between sunset and full night or between full night and sunrise. You must also use these lights during any rain, smoke or fog. Parking lights do not meet requirements of this law.
Breakdowns
If possible, park where the disabled vehicle can be seen for 200 feet in each direction. Move the vehicle so all four wheels are off the pavement. Turn on your emergency flashers.Get all passengers out on the side away from traffic. Tie a white cloth on the left door handle or antenna. Raise the hood.
