5 Things You Might Not Be Aware Of
No One Reads the Handbook
When is the last time you brushed up on your Florida driving statutes? Probably not recently. While most states have similar rules of the road, drivers should be aware of local laws. In Florida, we have a few that might slip through the cracks, even for long-time residents.
1. Driving Too Slowly
This can be as dangerous as speeding, and in Florida it can result in a $121 citation. Here is the official statute from the State of Florida:
No person shall drive a motor vehicle at such a slow speed as to impede or block the normal and reasonable movement of traffic, except when reduced speed is necessary for safe operation or in compliance with law.
According to Master Deputy Gregory Rittger of the Orange County Sheriff's Office, “If you are in the far-most left lane, you cannot remain there if a vehicle is trying to overtake you. If there is traffic passing you on your right, out your passenger side, that’s a problem.”
This can be as dangerous as speeding, and in Florida it can result in a $121 citation. Here is the official statute from the State of Florida:
No person shall drive a motor vehicle at such a slow speed as to impede or block the normal and reasonable movement of traffic, except when reduced speed is necessary for safe operation or in compliance with law.
According to Master Deputy Gregory Rittger of the Orange County Sheriff's Office, “If you are in the far-most left lane, you cannot remain there if a vehicle is trying to overtake you. If there is traffic passing you on your right, out your passenger side, that’s a problem.”
2. The Move Over Law
In the state of Florida, if you're driving on a highway you are required to move over one lane if you approach an emergency or law enforcement vehicle parked on the side of the road. The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles states that "if you are not able to safely move over, you must slow down to a speed of 20 MPH below the posted speed limit unless directed otherwise by a law enforcement officer."
This law also includes the following guidelines:
On a two-lane roadway, you are required to slow to a speed that is 20 miles per hour less than the posted speed limit. If the speed limit is 20 miles per hour or less, you must slow down to five miles per hour.
In the state of Florida, if you're driving on a highway you are required to move over one lane if you approach an emergency or law enforcement vehicle parked on the side of the road. The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles states that "if you are not able to safely move over, you must slow down to a speed of 20 MPH below the posted speed limit unless directed otherwise by a law enforcement officer."
This law also includes the following guidelines:
On a two-lane roadway, you are required to slow to a speed that is 20 miles per hour less than the posted speed limit. If the speed limit is 20 miles per hour or less, you must slow down to five miles per hour.
3. Texting While Driving
This is now a primary offense in the state of Florida. We wrote about this May of 2019 when Governer DeSantis passed the law.
First comes $30 fine, but no points are added to your driving record. The second and subsequent offenses within 5 years brings a $60 fine and 3 points added to your driving record.
According to Florida Today:
Police officers can only stop a driver for texting and driving when the car is in motion. Officers cannot stop someone seen texting at a stop light or toll booth. However, a driver could be cited for impeding the flow of traffic if they are required to be in motion and are distracted by their phone. Again, FHP recommends drivers wait to reach their destination before texting.
This is now a primary offense in the state of Florida. We wrote about this May of 2019 when Governer DeSantis passed the law.
First comes $30 fine, but no points are added to your driving record. The second and subsequent offenses within 5 years brings a $60 fine and 3 points added to your driving record.
According to Florida Today:
Police officers can only stop a driver for texting and driving when the car is in motion. Officers cannot stop someone seen texting at a stop light or toll booth. However, a driver could be cited for impeding the flow of traffic if they are required to be in motion and are distracted by their phone. Again, FHP recommends drivers wait to reach their destination before texting.
4. Tolls That Don't Accept Cash
The Miami section of the Florida Turnpike is all electronic and does’t accept cash . SunPass or Toll-By-Plate are the only payment options. The same applies for the following areas:
Learn more at visitflorida.com.
The Miami section of the Florida Turnpike is all electronic and does’t accept cash . SunPass or Toll-By-Plate are the only payment options. The same applies for the following areas:
- Mid-Bay Connector (Destin)
- Veterans Expressway (Tampa)
- Selman Expressway (Tampa)
- Sawgrass Expressway (Fort Lauderdale)
- Exit 49/Hollywood Boulevard (Broward County)
- Exit 53/Griffin Road (Broward County)
- Exit 62/Commercial Blvd (Broward County)
- Milepost 63/Cypress Creek Mainline Toll Plaza (Broward County)
- Exit 67/Coconut Creek Parkway (Broward County)
- Exit 69/Sample Road (Broward County)
Learn more at visitflorida.com.
5. Driving Hours for Teens
Those 15 years of age who are with a licensed driver 21 years or older can only drive during the day for the first three months. After that, hours are extended to 10 PM. Those 16 years of age can drive between 6 AM and 11 PM. Those of 17 years of ages can drive between 5 AM and 1 AM.
Those 15 years of age who are with a licensed driver 21 years or older can only drive during the day for the first three months. After that, hours are extended to 10 PM. Those 16 years of age can drive between 6 AM and 11 PM. Those of 17 years of ages can drive between 5 AM and 1 AM.
Now What?
Just be wise. Drive defensively, and keep your eyes on the road. Don't text. Move over if someone is riding your tail. Be aware of your surroundings, and know where you're going before you get in the car. As an auto accident attorney in Jacksonville, FL, I've witnessed my fair share of traffic incidents that could have absolutely been avoided, so please drive safely.
Just be wise. Drive defensively, and keep your eyes on the road. Don't text. Move over if someone is riding your tail. Be aware of your surroundings, and know where you're going before you get in the car. As an auto accident attorney in Jacksonville, FL, I've witnessed my fair share of traffic incidents that could have absolutely been avoided, so please drive safely.