Every state in the country has its own set of driving laws that govern the safety of the people, pedestrians and other vehicles on the road. The state of Florida is no different. You need to know the various driving and traffic laws in this state if you intend to be a safe driver.
v Safety Belts: The passengers and the driver will have to wear their respective seat belts, if the passenger is 18 or more and is found not to be wearing a seat belt, he/she will be fined. Children under 3years will have to be restrained with federally approved safety devices. There are various kinds of child restraint devices ranging from removable to integrated, and you can choose whichever is suitable for you. Seat belts are given much importance as you are twice more likely to survive an accident with seat belts than without.
The following people are relieved from wearing seat belts:
- Buses for schools
- Home delivery newspaper employees
- Motorcycles, bicycles, mopeds and trucks weighing more than 26,000 pounds.
- Any person who has been instructed by the physician not to wear seat belts for medical reasons.
v Speed limits: Many drivers are convicted for speeding than any other offense.
Standard Speed Limits
- Municipal areas:30
- Rural Interstate:70
- Business/ Residential areas: 30
- Limited Access Highways:70
- School Areas:20
- All other roads and Highways: 55
Driving too slow is also an offense. If the speed limit is 70 the minimum speed you would be required to drive is around 55.
v Turn Signals: Signal at least 100ft before you get to the turning point, last minute turns are dangerous and may lead to collision. Turn signals are used when you plan to overtake a vehicle or if you are changing lanes. If your vehicle is legally stopped or repaired on a highway, you can use your four-way emergency flashers. It is illegal to show hand signals to indicate that vehicles behind you can pass.
v Traffic Lanes: Always keep to the right side of the lane while driving in two-way lanes, even on four-way lanes keep to your right except in cases of over-taking. Diamond signs on the median on the left side on some interstate roads indicate that they are reserved for car pooling vehicles. You are on the wrong side of the road if you see that the red reflectors on the road are facing you, you could have a collision and it is important that you pull over.
v Parking: If you are parking on a public road, move away from the traffic as far as possible, if there is a curb pull over as close as possible, If it is a roadside shoulder, pull on as far as possible. After you park, make sure your car is properly locked and is immovable. The law requires you to lock your car and take the keys with you
- Privileges: Persons with mobility impairments do not have to pay parking fees on public streets and highways and they can park in places specially reserved for them.
- Parking is not allowed in the following places:
a) On crosswalks and sidewalks
b) In front of driveways
c) Double parking is not allowed
d) Where curbs are painted yellow i.e. No parking signs
e) Within 15 ft of fire hydrant
f) On any bridge, tunnels or overpass
g) In such a way that it creates a block or hazard to other vehicles or people.
