Whether you are an experienced Florida driver or not, commuting in Florida can be both fun and overwhelming. Between the beaches to tourist attractions and everything in between, driving in Florida can be an adventure. However, driving in Florida can also become unbearable when stuck in a traffic jam or experiencing any kind of road delay. If you are getting behind the wheel on any Florida road, you should be aware of the following laws:
Florida Seat Belt Requirements
In the state of Florida, it is a requirement for the driver and all passengers of ALL motorized vehicles to have their seatbelts on. In section 316.614 of the Florida Statutes, it states that it is unlawful to operate a motor vehicle unless all front seat passengers and all passengers under the age of 18 have properly fastened safety belts and/or child restraint device(s). There are exceptions to Florida seat belt laws that do not apply to:
- Individuals certified by a physician to have a medical condition that may cause a seat belt to be dangerous or inappropriate.
- Newspaper delivery employees while working on their delivery routes.
- Solid waste employees while working on their routes.
Florida’s ‘Move Over Law’
In Florida’s ‘Move Over’ law, you are required to move over a lane (when you safely can) for stopped law enforcement, sanitation, tow trucks, utility vehicles, and wreckers. If you do not have the ability to safely move over to another lane, you can:
- Slow down 20 mph less than the speed limit on that road.
- Even if the speed limit is 20 mph, you must slow down to 5 mph.
Please keep in mind that a violation of section 316.126 in the Florida Statutes can result in a “noncriminal traffic infraction, punishable pursuant to chapter 318 as either a moving violation for infractions of subsection (1) or subsection (3) or as a pedestrian violation for infractions of subsection (2).”
The ‘Wireless Communications While Driving Law’
On July 1, 2019, the ‘Wireless Communications While Driving Law’ took effect after the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles partnered with law enforcement to begin the campaign – Put It Down: Focus on Driving. This law makes it a requirement for drivers to put their cellphones down and focus their eyes and attention on the road. Section 316.305, Florida Statutes allows law enforcement to issue citations to individuals who are texting and driving. It is important to consider that physically and manually using a cellphone for text messages, emails, instant messages while operating a motor vehicle can all be classified as “texting”. Section 316.306 also states that “communications devices in a handheld manner in school and work zones are prohibited.” Wireless communication devices are also prohibited in school crosswalks, school zones, or active work zone areas – where construction personnel are present.
Further Questions or Concerns? Call Rivera Law!
Failing to abide by these Florida traffic laws and getting a ticket that is not properly handled by our traffic ticket attorneys can get you three (3) points on your license. Unfortunately, if you have enough points on your license it can eventually result in the suspension of your license which further complicates the charges at hand. At Rivera Law, we work to ensure that you don’t pay for a ticket you don’t deserve and do not get unnecessary points on your license. Let us resolve your traffic ticket now! If you have further questions or concerns regarding Florida driving laws, Rivera Law has answers for you! Call our office at 561-651-9322 for a consultation today OR you can visit our website.
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