It is always important to know the rules of the road, and it is never a bad time to get a refresher on the rules that exist to keep you and other drivers safe, and far away from legal liability.
In this blog we will address basic, yet important laws when it comes to driving in Florida. Some of these laws may not be obvious to those without children, or just those at large, but all of these laws are important. Whether you’re a new driver overall or new to driving in Florida, this blog will be helpful to you.
Top Florida Laws to Keep in Mind & What They Mean
Seatbelt Law
In Florida, all front seat drivers and passengers must use a seat belt in every vehicle, even where that vehicle has an airbag.
Furthermore, regardless of where they are sitting, each person under the age 18 years must wear a seatbelt or use a secure car seat while the vehicle is being operated.
Child Restraint Laws
If a child five years old or younger is in the vehicle, the driver must secure the child by putting in a federally approved car seat. For children older than three a separate carrier, integrated child seat, or booster seat is acceptable, and the type of restraint should be chosen based on what is needed for the child.
The Move Over Law
When you are driving past a stopped law enforcement, emergency, sanitation, or other utility vehicle, you are required, by law, to move to the far lane away from the vehicles.
If you are on a two-lane road, you must slow your speed to 20 miles under the speed limit. If the speed limit is already under 20 mph, you must slow down to 5 mph. This is a lesser known but extremely important law for both your own safety, and those who are stopped.
No Fault State
In Florida, in the event of a car accident, the no fault law means that both drivers first turn to their own insurance company to make claims for damages, regardless of who is at fault. This allows both parties to pay for their treatments quicker.
Intersection Laws
The most important thing to remember about intersections is that you must yield the right of way to vehicles already in the intersection. This means that you must always check to make sure the intersection is clear before going into the intersection even if your light is green. This law extends to pedestrians utilizing a crosswalk as well. Take special caution when making a right hand turn on red.
Left-Turn Laws
Turning left can be dangerous especially at busy intersections. In Florida you can generally only turn left in certain circumstances. At a light, you should only turn left when you have a green arrow or a flashing caution arrow. Where a light is not present it is important to take extra caution, and always make sure the intersection is clear before proceeding.
Using Car Signals
You are required in Florida to use your signals when switching lanes or turning. In addition, using these signals is important because it makes your driving experience safer, and safer for those drivers around you.
Why Are Knowing These Laws Important?
Whenever you are driving on the road, it is always important to be aware of the laws that govern the roadways you are driving on. Knowing more obscure laws is equally important when you are new at driving, as they can help you stay safe on the road, and keep you away from legal liability.
Furthermore, if you are ever in an accident, knowing what these laws are will be extremely helpful in determining whether you have a case, or whether or not you may be at fault for any damages that are present in the accident.
Even if you only vaguely know the laws, it is better than nothing. Many persons on the road don’t know any of these laws at all and find themselves in danger and under the crosshairs of legal liability.
Still, the law can be complicated. If you’re ever in an accident, a personal injury can come in handy because they are extremely familiar with the ins and outs of all of the local and state laws. They can make sure to protect you and can better inform you as to what exactly your legal standing is for any case you find yourself in.
Knowing the driving laws in Florida is important to being a safe driver, and to keeping others on the road safe. However, if you ever find yourself in an accident, make sure to contact a reputable personal injury attorney to evaluate your case.
Bulluck Law Group knows the laws in Florida and has years of experience with car accident cases. Contact us for a free consultation today.