- Municipal Speed Area - 30 MPH (48 KPH)
- Business or Residential Area - 25 to 30 MPH (40 to 48 KPH)
- Rural Interstate - 70 MPH (112 KPH)
- Limited Access Highways - 70 MPH (112 KPH)
- All Other Roads and Highways - 55 MPH (88 KPH)
- School Zones - 20 MPH (32 KPH)
Remember that speed limits show the fastest speed you may drive under good conditions. You are responsible for adjusting your driving speed to the road conditions. For example, if the weather is bad or there is a lot of traffic, you must drive more slowly than the posted speed. The safe speed is the one that allows you to have complete control of your vehicle.
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. For example, when the posted speed limit is 70 MPH (112 KPH), the minimum speed limit is 55 MPH (88 KPH).
BUCKLE UP
The number one rule while driving in the State of Florida is to "Buckle up for Safety." If you want to avoid a hefty fine and keep yourself and your passengers safe always wear your seat belt.
PROTECTING CHILDREN PASSENGERS
ALL CHILDREN 5 YEARS OLD OR YOUNGER MUST USE A RESTRAINT DEVICE WHEN RIDING IN A MOTOR VEHICLE.
The law requires every driver to properly 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. For children aged 4 through 5 years, a separate carrier, an integrated child seat or a seat belt may be used. All infant carriers and car seats must be crash-tested and approved by the U.S. Government. Children should be secure in the rear seat. Never secure a child in the front passenger side, especially if your vehicle has an air bag.
What is the Best Child Seat?
- One that fits your child.
- One that fits your vehicle.
- One that you will use correctly every time.
Leaving Children Unattended or Unsupervised in Motor Vehicles
Do not leave children unattended or unsupervised in a motor vehicle, and never leave a child unattended for any period of time if the motor of the vehicle is running or if the health of the child is in danger.
WARNING: WHEN IT'S HOT OUTSIDE, 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 F (34 C), the inside of a car could be 122 F (50 C) in just half an hour, or 132 F (56 C) after an hour.
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.
SCHOOL CROSSINGS
Crossing guards are posted in areas where it is unsafe for children to cross alone. When you see a guard, reduce your speed as you near, as a school and children are in the area. Watch for school zone posted speed and stop if necessary at the marked stop line but never in the cross walk. Obey signals from any crossing guard. It is the driver's responsibility to do everything possible to avoid colliding with pedestrians. Remember, children are unpredictable. Do your part to make every crossing a safe crossing.
PEDESTRIANS, BICYCLISTS AND BLIND PERSONS
It is the motorist's responsibility to do everything possible to avoid colliding with any pedestrians. Bicyclists, skaters and skateboarders in a crosswalk or driveway are considered pedestrians. Turning motorists must yield to pedestrians crossing the street or driveway at any marked mid-block crossing, driveway or intersections without traffic signals.
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.
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 (or a white cane with a red tip), vehicles must come to a complete stop.
EMERGENCY VEHICLES
Pedestrians and drivers must yield the right-of-way to law enforcement cars, fire engines and other emergency vehicles using sirens and/or flashing lights. Pull over to the closest edge of the roadway right away and stop until the emergency vehicle has passed. Do not block intersections.
When driving on interstate highways or other highways with two or more lanes traveling in the direction of the emergency vehicle, and except when otherwise directed by a law enforcement officer, drivers approaching a law enforcement or other authorized emergency vehicle parked on a roadway with their emergency lights activated, will be required to leave the lane closest to the emergency vehicle, as soon as it is safe to do so.
When approaching a law enforcement or other authorized emergency vehicle parked on a two-lane roadway with their emergency lights activated, and except when otherwise directed by a law enforcement officer, drivers will be required to slow to a speed that is 20 MPH (32 KPH) than the posted speed limit when the posted speed limit is 25 MPH (40 KPH) or greater; or travel at 5 MPH (8 KPH) when the posted speed limit is 20 MPH (32 KPH) or less.
FLORIDA DRIVERS HANDBOOK
The information provided above can be found in the Florida Driver's Handbook, published by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. To view an online copy of this handbook click here.
ADDITIONAL TIPS
- Drinking and driving is against the law. You will be arrested if pulled over while under the influence. To avoid ruining your vacation please drink responsibly.
- Due to year-round mild weather conditions in Florida, oil deposits build up on all of our state's roadways. When mixed with a little rain, a condition known as "Florida Ice" is created. Please be extremely cautious when driving in the rain.
- If you become lost, go to the nearest well-lighted public place to read your map or ask for directions.
- Always take your parking garage/lot ticket with you. Leaving it in the car allows a thief to exit the parking lot.
- If your car contains an anti-theft device, remember to activate it.
- Keep doors locked while driving. When parked, remember to do the same and take the keys with you.
- When traveling or leaving a parked vehicle, lock any packages in the trunk.
- If you are bumped from behind or flashed by headlights, or see someone who indicates he/she needs help, do not stop. Drive to the nearest, well-lighted public area and dial the police at 911.
- If someone suspicious approaches your vehicle while stopped at a traffic light, blow the horn.
- Park in well-lighted areas and check the interior of the car and surrounding areas before entering the car.
