Here at Welcome Homes USA we want to make sure you travel to and from your day trips safe and sound. Some traffic rules and regulations here in Florida may be unfamiliar to visitors from abroad and it is worth acquainting yourself with some of these laws to make your journeys stress free.
Check this website for more information about VISITOR TOOL PASS
TRAFFIC LIGHT
- If you are wondering why you are getting the odd motorist giving you a gentle ‘bib’ at lights, it is worth knowing that you can turn right on a red traffic light if the way is clear, unless there is a sign displaying ‘NO TURN ON RED’
- A red arrow is just like a red light, you may turn right if the way is clear.
- A yellow arrow means traffic in that direction will soon get a red arrow to stop, but a left flashing yellow arrow means left turns are allowed but yield to oncoming traffic who have a green light!
- A flashing red light is the same as a stop, it is just emphasizing the intersection is a dangerous one so keep an extra eye out!
- A flashing yellow light means proceed with caution, and is used just before dangerous intersections or to alert you to a warning sign such as a school crossing or sharp curve.
- A yellow cross means the lane signal is going to change to a red cross and you must leave the lane.
If you see red reflectors (cats eyes) facing you in the lane lines, you are on the wrongs side of the road! Move over immediately. If you see red reflectors on the lines on the edge of the road you are on the wrong freeway ramp. Pull over immediately! Red reflectors always mean you are facing the traffic the wrong way and could have a head-on collision.
SPEED LIMITS – FLORIDA ‘STANDARD’
Municipal speed areas – 30MPH
Business or residential areas – 30MPH
Rural Interstate – 70 MPH (if posted)
Limited access highways – 70MPH
All other roads and highways – 55 MPH
School zones – 20 MPH
You can be issued a ticket for driving too slowly! When the posted speed limit is 70 mph, the minimum speed if 50mph!
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 You must remain stopped until all children are clear of the roadway ad the bus’ stop arm is withdrawn.
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 barriers. You must always stop if you are moving in the same direction as the bus and you must remain stopped until the bus stop arm is withdrawn.
TRAFFIC LAWS
All children five years of age or younger must use a restraint device when traveling in a motor vehicle and always secured in the rear seat. Infant carriers or children’s car seats must be used for children up to three years of age. For children aged four through five, a separate carrier, an integrated child seat or a seat belt may be used.
The Move Over Law dictates that when police, emergency workers and tow-truck drivers are stopped along a roadway, on a two lane roadway, you must slow to a speed that is 20 MPH less than the posted speed limit. If you are traveling on a road with multiple lanes in the same direction and you approach these vehicles/workers, you must vacate the lane closest to that vehicle as soon as it is safe to do so. If it is not safe to do so you must slow to 20 MPH below the posted speed limit. You may receive a fine and points if you violate this law.
When there are two or more lanes of traffic moving in the same direction, it is legal to pass on the right in Florida (undertaking to us Brits), so keep an extra eye out when moving back into the right lane.
No one has the right of way in Florida! The law only states who must give up the right of way. Every driver, motorcyclist, moped rider, bicyclist and pedestrian must do everything possible to avoid a crash.
STOP SIGNS Always come to a complete stop at the marked stop line. If there is no stop line, stop before entering the crosswalk on the nearside intersection. At a 4-Way stop sign traffic from all four directions must stop. The first vehicle to reach the intersection should move forward first. If two vehicles reach the intersection at the same time, the driver on the left yields to the driver on the right.
DRINKING AND DRIVING
Florida has tough policies on drink driving. Persons arrested for driving under the influence (DUA) with alcohol levels of 0.08% or higher can face criminal prosecution.
This sign means you are near a school. Watch out for children.
Advance warning sign when approaching a highway-rail intersection.