Embarking on a journey through Florida’s extensive highways requires a comprehensive understanding of the state’s driving rules and laws. Let’s discuss Florida’s regulations so you can get around easily and quickly as a tourist or local commuter.
1. General and Safety Rules
It’s crucial to note that Florida has toll roads. You can easily pay tolls at toll plazas or electronically through Pay by Plate Toll Invoice, E-PASS, and cash. To pay by money, go to the toll attendant by following the advance signage, while for Pay By Plate and E-PASS, you can use any lane. If you see or hear police cars or emergency vehicles with flashing lights and sirens, signal and pull over to the side until they pass; if you’re in traffic, move to the far right side of the road. You must also stop for school buses with flashing lights and stop signs activated.
The state requires all passengers and drivers in motorized vehicles to wear seat belts. You must keep your headlights on when using windshield wipers. Since 2019, texting while driving has become a primary offense, and officers can pull you over if they witness you texting and driving (previously, officers cited drivers only if they committed another traffic offense). Florida also has mandatory child restraint laws for 16-year-old and younger passengers. Children between the ages of 4 and 5 must be in a separate carrier, booster, or integrated child seat. Kids under the age of 5 must be secured appropriately in federally approved crash-tested child restraint devices.
2. Red Light Violations
Red light cameras capture video and photo evidence of potential road intersection traffic violations to help reduce road accidents. They can record:
- Location
- License plate number
- Incident date and time
- Vehicle speed
- Time since the traffic light turned red.
If we get into defining legality of red light cameras, then yes, they are legal in Florida, as ruled in the Jimenez v. State case. The typical red light camera ticket can cost $158 in Florida, but it can rise to $262 if you don’t pay after the first mailed notification. Apart from fine increases and court costs that can occur, your license can also be suspended. These factors help determine if the ticket is a fake, a potential scam, or real:
- Misspellings
- Incorrect police logo
- Confused/wrong dates
- Out-of-state addresses
- State “Do not contact the court”
3. Driving Under the Influence (DUI) Laws
Driving under the influence of controlled substances, chemical substances, or alcohol is a major offense in Florida, proved by normal faculty impairment and breath or blood alcohol level (BAL) of .08 or above. Fines for the first conviction range from $500 to 1000, but in the presence of a minor or .15 or higher BAL, it can go up to $2000. For a second conviction, in the presence of minors or BAL above .15, it can be more than $4000. Additional penalties include imprisonment, joining a residential drug abuse or alcohol treatment program, vehicle impoundment or immobilization, and driver’s license revocation (first-time offense without bodily injury can revoke license for one year maximum).
Endnote
Florida’s intricate road network demands a thorough understanding of driving rules to ensure safe and lawful travel. Adherence to regulations is paramount, from toll payments and seat belt mandates to stringent DUI laws and red light camera surveillance. These guidelines foster road safety and prevent legal complications and financial penalties. Stay informed about Florida’s driving laws to seamlessly navigate the state’s highways, ensuring residents and visitors have a secure and lawful journey. Safe travels!
