May25

Florida Driving Laws You Should Know

a man is texting while driving

Florida is home to more than 21 million residents and welcomes millions of U.S. and international visitors every year. It’s not surprising that many Florida roads are among the busiest in the country. Whether you are a lifetime resident of the Sunshine State or just passing through, it’s smart to brush up on Florida driving laws.

The legal team at Chiumento Law has compiled the following list of important driving laws for Florida residents and visitors alike. If you have been injured in a car accident in Florida and have legal questions, contact Chiumento Law to discuss your legal rights.

Who Is Eligible to Drive in Florida?

If you are a U.S. driver with a valid license from another state, you are eligible to drive while visiting Florida. If you are a newer driver who has only had a learner’s permit for three months or less, you may only drive during the day, and only then with a licensed driver who is 21 years old or older is with you.

If you are visiting Florida from outside of the U.S., you must obtain an international driving permit before you can drive on state roads. You can contact the national automobile association in your home country to apply for one.

Distracted Driving Statutes in Florida

In 2019, Florida adopted a law that made texting while driving a primary offense. This means Florida law enforcement officers can pull you over just for texting and driving, even if you’re not committing any other traffic violations. The law is intended to curb distracted driving and encourage drivers to put down their phones and focus on the task of driving. In Volusia County, there were 1,308 accidents involving distracted drivers in 2020, according to the Florida Department of Motor Vehicles.

Under state law, “texting” refers to any activity that requires manual typing or number entry of multiple letters or numbers on a handheld mobile phone to text, email, or instant message.

The ban does not apply to talking on a mobile phone while driving, as long as it does not require the entry of multiple letters or numbers. Any type of manual distraction can increase your risk of having an accident. It’s best to consider a hands-free device if you must talk on the phone as you drive.

As of January 2020, motorists in Florida can be ticketed for not using a cell phone in a hands-free manner when passing through a school zone or highway work zone.

Passing and Allowing Others to Pass

If you intend to pass another vehicle in Florida, state law requires you to:

  • Activate your turn signal before changing lanes.
  • Pass to the left-hand side of the vehicle at a safe distance.
  • Flash your headlights at night to let the other driver know that you are passing.
  • Refrain from moving back to the right lane after passing until you can see the tires of the other vehicle in your rearview mirror.
  • Use your turn signal to indicate that you are moving back into the right lane.

Don’t’ try to pass more than one vehicle at a time. It’s against the law to exceed the speed limit while passing.

Do not pass on hills or curves where you cannot see at least 500 feet ahead.

If another driver is in the process of overtaking and passing you, the law prohibits you from increasing your speed to prevent the other driver from passing. You should move to the right-hand edge of your lane to give the other driver plenty of room and a good view of the road.

Traffic Signals and What They Mean

Here are some of the most common traffic signals in Florida and what they mean for you as a driver:

  • Four-way stop – At a four-way stop, vehicles from all four directions must come to a stop before proceeding through the intersection. Drivers proceed through a four-way intersection in the order of their arrival at the intersection. If one or more other drivers arrive simultaneously, always yield to the driver on the right.four way intersection
  • Solid red light – Any time you approach a solid red light, come to a complete stop and remain stopped until the light changes. Once you reach a complete stop, you can turn right on red, as long as the way is clear and there is not a sign indicating No Turn on Red.
  • Flashing red light – Flashing red lights are used to designate dangerous intersections. When you see flashing red lights at an intersection, treat the flashing red light the same way you would treat stop signs. Proceed when it’s safe.
  • Red arrow – A solid red arrow indicates that you cannot turn in the direction of the arrow. If the arrow is facing left, do not turn left until a green light or arrow appears. If it’s facing right, it’s not acceptable to turn right on red as usual.
  • Solid yellow light – A solid yellow light appears when a traffic light is about to turn red. When you see a solid yellow light, you should stop if you can do so safely.
  • Flashing yellow light – Flashing yellow lights are also used at or near dangerous intersections and to alert drivers to warning signs such as school crossings. When you see flashing yellow lights, you should proceed with caution.
  • Solid yellow arrow – A solid yellow arrow means that a green arrow is about to turn red. If you can do so safely, it’s best to stop and wait for a new green arrow.
  • Flashing yellow arrow – A flashing yellow arrow means that you can turn in the direction of the arrow, but oncoming traffic has a green light. You must yield to oncoming drivers and pedestrians before turning.

If you approach an intersection with no functioning traffic signal and no police directing traffic, you should treat the intersection as though it’s a three- or a four-way stop.

Common Violations of Florida Driving Laws

Some of the most common traffic violations that occur in Florida include:

  • Turn signal violations – Motorists must signal at least 100 feet before turning or changing lanes, but many do so only as an afterthought or not at all.
  • Rolling stop violations – Drivers must come to a complete stop at red lights and stop signs. Many drivers simply slow down and roll through stop signs, increasing the risk of car collisions or pedestrian accidents.
  • Tailgating violationsFlorida law requires drivers to follow behind other road users at a safe distance taking into account traffic and road conditions. However, many Florida drivers follow other vehicles too closely, a common cause of rear-end wrecks.
  • Speeding violations – Speed limit signs indicate the maximum safe speed in favorable weather and driving conditions. Drivers are responsible for adjusting their speed to account for traffic and weather. Speeding is dangerous and reduces the amount of time a driver has to avoid an accident situation.
  • Seat belt violations – Drivers and passengers must wear seat belts at all times while driving in Florida.

Contact a Trusted Car Accident Attorney in Florida

If you have been injured in a Florida car accident and another driver was at fault, you may have a right to seek compensation from the other driver. The experienced car accident attorneys of Chiumento Law can offer professional guidance. By working with a skilled personal injury lawyer, you have a better chance of achieving a favorable resolution of your claim than if you try to negotiate on your own. Call us today at (386) 445-8900 or contact us online to get started with your free initial case review.

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