Florida Traffic Law FAQ

You can legally cross double yellow lines in most states to make left turns into driveways, parking lots, or side streets. You cannot cross them to pass other vehicles. Some states also allow crossing when directed by law enforcement or for emergency vehicles. Always check your specific state laws as exceptions may vary. Example: You're driving on a two-lane road with double yellow lines. You need to turn left into your driveway or a restaurant parking lot. This is legal - you can cross the double yellow lines to complete the turn. However, if there's a slow-moving tractor ahead and you're tempted to cross the double yellow lines to pass it, that would be illegal and could result in a citation.

Florida requires all drivers to carry Personal Injury Protection (PIP) and Property Damage Liability (PDL) insurance. PIP covers your medical expenses regardless of who caused the accident. Minimum coverage: $10,000 PIP and $10,000 PDL. You cannot sue for pain and suffering unless injuries are serious/permanent. Driving without insurance: license suspension, $150 reinstatement fee, SR-22 requirement. Florida is one of few no-fault states.

Reduce your speed by at least 5-10 mph in light rain and more significantly in heavy rain. Most states require drivers to adjust speed to conditions regardless of posted limits. Hydroplaning typically occurs at speeds above 35 mph on wet roads. Increase following distance to at least 4-6 seconds in wet conditions.

RVs over 26,001 pounds may require a commercial driver's license (CDL) in some states. Many states restrict RVs from the left lane on multi-lane highways. RV drivers must observe lower speed limits on some roads, typically 10 mph less than cars. Some tunnels and bridges have height, weight, or length restrictions. Always check your RV's dimensions before route planning.

Most states don't require a special license for trailers under 10,000 pounds. Trailers must have working lights, reflectors, and safety chains. Some states require separate registration and license plates. Trailers over certain widths (typically 8 feet) may require additional mirrors. Maximum combined length is usually 65 feet. Always check your vehicle's towing capacity.

Permits are required for vehicles exceeding state maximums: typically over 8.5 feet wide, 13.5-14 feet tall, 53-65 feet long, or over 80,000 pounds. Some states require permits for loads extending beyond vehicle dimensions. Permits specify allowed routes and travel times (often daytime only). Pilot cars may be required for extra-wide or long loads. Apply through state DOT.

Most states have Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) programs with three stages: learner's permit, intermediate license, and full license. Restrictions typically include nighttime driving curfews (often 11 PM-5 AM), passenger limitations (usually no non-family passengers under 20), and zero tolerance for alcohol. These restrictions generally last until age 18. Violations can delay progression to full license.

Teen driver curfews vary by state but commonly restrict driving between 11 PM-5 AM or midnight-6 AM during the intermediate license phase. Exceptions usually include driving to/from work, school activities, or with a licensed adult 21+. California restricts drivers under 18 from driving between 11 PM-5 AM. New York restricts junior license holders from 9 PM-5 AM. Check your state's specific GDL laws. Real scenarios: Sarah, 17, has a provisional license in California. Her movie ends at 10:45 PM. She needs to be home by 11 PM or have a parent pick her up - violating curfew could result in a $35 fine and 1-year license extension. Exception example: Jake, 16, works at a restaurant until midnight. He can drive home legally if he has a signed work permit letter from his employer. Important: Being "almost home" at 11:01 PM is still a violation - many teen drivers have received citations just minutes after curfew begins.

Requirements vary significantly by state. Some states require in-person renewal (no online/mail) after age 70 or 75. Several states require vision tests at every renewal after a certain age. Illinois requires road tests for drivers 75+. California requires in-person renewal starting at age 70. Some states mandate more frequent renewals (every 2-5 years instead of 8-10) for older drivers.

Minimum age is typically 15-16 years. Must pass a written knowledge test on traffic laws and signs. Requires parental consent if under 18. Must hold permit for a minimum period (6-12 months) before applying for a license. During permit phase, must complete supervised driving hours (typically 40-60 hours, including night driving). Must always drive with licensed adult 21+ in the vehicle.

You must stop when a school bus has flashing red lights and an extended stop sign arm, regardless of direction, unless on a divided highway with a physical barrier or median. Remain stopped until lights stop flashing and arm retracts. Passing a stopped school bus can result in fines of $250-$1,000, points, and possible license suspension. Some states use bus cameras to catch violators. Scenario breakdown: On a two-lane residential street, a school bus stops ahead with flashing red lights. You MUST stop, whether you're behind the bus or approaching from the opposite direction. On a four-lane highway with a painted center line (no physical barrier), you must also stop both directions. However, on a divided highway with a concrete median barrier, only traffic traveling in the same direction as the bus must stop - opposite direction traffic may proceed with caution. A Texas driver learned this the hard way: passing a stopped school bus resulted in a $1,000 fine, 2 points, and mandatory court appearance.

Unpaid tolls result in violations sent to the registered vehicle owner. Initial toll plus administrative fees (typically $25-$100 per violation) are charged. Continued non-payment leads to increased penalties, DMV registration holds, and potential collection actions. Many states use automated license plate readers. Some states add points to your license. Multiple violations can result in misdemeanor charges.

Florida uses SunPass electronic toll collection on most toll roads, turnpikes, and expressways. SunPass transponders automatically deduct tolls from prepaid accounts. Toll-by-Plate captures license plates and bills registered owners (with higher fees). Most toll roads are cashless. No transponder = Toll-by-Plate invoice with admin fees. Unpaid tolls result in violations: $100+ fees. SunPass offers 25% discount vs. Toll-by-Plate. Rental cars charge daily transponder fees.

Requirements vary by state but generally follow AAP guidelines: rear-facing until age 2 or outgrown seat limits, forward-facing with harness until age 4-7, booster seat until age 8-12 or 4'9" tall, then seat belt. Most states require car seats until age 8 or specific height/weight. Violations result in fines of $50-$500 and may require attending safety classes. Proper installation is critical.

Florida requires headlights from sunset to sunrise, and whenever windshield wipers are in use (rain/fog/snow). Parking lights alone are insufficient. High beams must be dimmed within 500 feet of oncoming traffic or 300 feet when following another vehicle. Daytime running lights don't count as headlights because they don't activate taillights. Violations: $100+ fine. "Wipers on, lights on" strictly enforced during Florida's frequent rain.