Florida has a robust system of interstates and highways to help you get around easily. However, it’s always good to know the rules of the road before embarking on a road trip whether it’s in 2019 or beyond. Before you go, you should also be aware that there are toll roads in Florida but you can easily pay electronically or at toll plazas.
Driving Rules & Regulations in Florida
Here are some useful rules and tips that you should know before you start your trip.
General & Safety
- Florida law requires the use of seat belts for all drivers and passengers in all motorized vehicles.
- The state has a mandatory child restraint law for passengers under 16 years of age. Children under 4 must use approved car safety seats.
- If you hear or see an emergency vehicle or police car with sirens and lights flashing, you must signal and pull over to the side of the road until they have passed. If in traffic, move as far over to the the right side of the road as possible to leave room for the vehicle to go through.
- Most roundabouts do not require stopping, which allows vehicles to move continuously through intersections at the same low speed. Roundabouts are designed to move all traffic through a counterclockwise direction. Vehicles approaching the roundabout yield to circulating traffic; however, drivers must obey all signs to determine the correct right-of-way in the roundabout.
- Florida requires that you have your headlights on whenever you are using your windshield wipers.
- Drunk driving in Florida is considered a breath or blood alcohol level of .08 or above or refusal to submit to a chemical test. If found to be drunk, there is a mandatory suspension period without a license.
Turning & Overtaking
- Drive in the right lane and pass on the left. If there are three lanes, use the right lane for lower speed driving, the left for passing.
- You can turn right on red at most intersections in Florida after coming to a stop, but only if there is not a “NO TURN ON RED” sign.
Right of Way
You must yield the right-of-way to all other traffic and pedestrians at stop signs. Move forward only when the road is clear. At four-way stops, the first vehicle to stop 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. An open intersection is one without traffic control signs or signals. When you enter one, you must yield the right-of-way if:
- A vehicle is already in the intersection.
- You enter or cross a state highway from a secondary road.
- You enter a paved road from an unpaved road.
- You plan to make a left turn and a vehicle is approaching from the opposite direction.
- When two cars enter an open intersection at the same time, the driver on the left must yield to the driver on the right.
Speed Limits
The speed limits in Florida are generally the same as in other states. The lower end of the range is generally for trucks or other larger vehicles. In urban areas there’s often a slower speed limit in school zones when children are present.
| Within city limits: | 20-50 mph |
|---|---|
| Undivided rural road: | 55-60 mph |
| Divided rural road: | 55-65 mph |
| Freeway within city limits: | 45-70 mph |
| Freeway outside city limits: | 70 mph |
Car Rental with Sixt
Florida is a great place to visit year round, although the weather is a bit more bearable in the winter months. No matter when you go you can visit Walt Disney World outside Orlando for the ultimate family adventure or Busch Gardens Tampa Bay for rollercoasters and wildlife. For some sun you can go to Miami Beach, Daytona Beach, or Panama City Beach. We have locations throughout Florida making your car rental more convenient.
