Millions of tourists visit Florida every year. They come to enjoy our beautiful beaches, exciting theme parks, vibrant cities, and year-round sunshine. However, Florida’s driving laws are different from those of many other states. Before traveling to the Sunshine State, it is wise to familiarize yourself with common traffic laws.
If you are injured in a car accident in Fort Lauderdale that was caused by another party’s negligence or wrongdoing, you need the assistance of an experienced Florida personal injury attorney to protect your rights and help you recover the compensation you deserve.
At Rosen Injury Law, our Florida car accident lawyers have decades of experience helping injury victims recover maximum compensation, and we want to do the same for you. Call (954) 787-1500 or visit our contact page and schedule a free consultation to discuss your claim.
Valid Driver’s Licenses in Florida
One of the first questions tourists ask is whether their home driver’s license is valid in Florida. The answer depends on where you’re from and how long you’ll be visiting.
If you’re visiting from another U.S. state or territory, you can legally drive in Florida using your valid home state driver’s license for the duration of your visit. There’s no need to obtain any additional documentation. However, if you decide to become a Florida resident, you’ll need to get a Florida driver’s license within 30 days. You’re considered a resident if you enroll children in Florida public schools, register to vote in Florida, file for a homestead exemption, accept employment in the state, or reside in Florida for more than six consecutive months.
If you’re a young driver visiting Florida with a learner’s permit from another state, Florida will honor it, but you must comply with Florida’s learner’s permit restrictions. If your permit is less than three months old, you may only drive during daylight hours. After the first three months, you may drive until 10 p.m., but you must have a licensed driver at least 21 years old seated in the front passenger seat.
We Drive on the Right Side of the Road in Florida
If you are visiting from another country, you may be accustomed to driving on the left side of the road. However, Florida, like all other U.S. states, requires motor vehicle operators to drive on the right side of the road.
Florida Speed Limits
You will find speed limits posted on Florida highways and streets, and you should abide by them. If no sign is posted, most residential streets have a 30 mph speed limit, and two-lane highways in rural areas typically have a 55 mph speed limit. Interstate highways may allow speeds up to 70 miles per hour.
You should know that you could receive a citation in Florida if you are driving too slowly, as well as if you are moving too fast. This is because driving well below the speed limit is dangerous, as it disrupts traffic flow and can cause accidents.
No Texting While Driving in Florida
Florida takes distracted driving seriously. Under Florida’s Wireless Communications While Driving Law, texting while driving is a primary offense. You can be pulled over solely for texting, even if you are not violating any other traffic laws.
Florida’s Move Over Law
Florida’s Move Over Law was enacted to help protect emergency responders, law enforcement officers, road workers, and tow truck drivers. This law requires you to move out of the lane closest to those vehicles when they are stopped on the side of the road with their lights flashing, as soon as you can do so safely. If you are unable to move over, you must reduce your speed to at least 20 miles per hour below the speed limit, or to 5 miles per hour.
Right Turns At Red Lights in Florida
One traffic rule that sometimes confuses visitors is Florida’s right-turn-on-red law. Florida law allows drivers to turn right at a red light after coming to a complete stop, unless a sign prohibits it. If you do not see a “No Turn on Red” sign at an intersection, you should come to a complete stop, check for pedestrians, bicyclists, and oncoming traffic. If it is safe to do so, you may proceed with your right turn.
We Share the Road With Bicyclists in Florida
Florida is typically bicycle-friendly. Tourists should know that bicycles are considered vehicles under Florida law and have the same rights and responsibilities as motor vehicles on most roads.
You must share the road with bicyclists and give them the same respect as other drivers. Watch for bicycles when making right turns, as cyclists may be traveling straight in bike lanes while you’re turning across their path. Always check your mirrors and blind spots before turning.
Rosen Injury Law Is Here To Help When You Need Us
If you are injured in a car accident in Florida due to another party’s fault, you have the right to seek compensation for your damages. At Rosen Injury Law, our injury lawyers in and around Fort Lauderdale know Florida car accident laws inside and out. We have a proven record of securing maximum compensation for injury victims, and we want to do the same for you. Call (954) 787-1500 or visit our contact page and schedule a free consultation to discuss your claim.