Driving in Florida

As an insured, licensed driver in Florida, there are few laws and regulations that you should keep in my mind so that you remain legal on the road. Certainly there are more than those that we've outlined here, but these are the top 6.

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Renew Your Florida License or Plates

Online registration and renewals are available based on eligibility. Check renewal options at the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles.

Clean Emissions

Though Florida eliminated its emissions testing for motor vehicles back in July 2000, the state still does its best to encourage clean emissions. Drivers who own an Inherently Low Emission Vehicle or a hybrid vehicle are permitted to drive in High Occupancy Vehicle lanes at any time - even if the driver is the sole passenger in the car.

Using Laser and Radar Detectors

Under federal law, the use or possession of radar and laser detectors is illegal in all commercial vehicles over 10,000 pounds and on military bases. For all other purposes, radar and laser detectors are legal in Florida.

Child Restraint Law

Children ages birth to 5 years old must be in a federally approved child passenger restraint system to help protect them while driving. Children 3 years old and under the device must be a separate carrier or a vehicle manufacturer's integrated child seat. A separate carrier, integrated child seat or seat belt may be used for 4- and 5-year-olds. Drivers who do not have children properly restrained will be fined, get 3 points added to his license and may have to participate in a child restraint safety program.

Seat Belt Law

Florida requires safety belt use. Drivers and front seat passengers must wear their seat belts. These people are exempt from the law:

1. Children subject to the child safety restraint law
2. Letter carriers
3. People with an affidavit from a physician stating their medical conditions that prevents seat belt use
4. An employee of a solid waste or recyclable collection service.
5. Those people riding in the living quarters of a recreational vehicle.
6. Driver and passengers in vehicles not required to be equipped with safety belts under federal law.

Alcohol Laws & Penalties

Under Florida law, it is illegal to operate a vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) level of .08 or above. Consumption of alcohol is not allowed in vehicles, either parked or moving. Open containers of alcohol, including those that have been closed again, are prohibited in all vehicles.

Penalties for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, depending on whether it's a first or repeated offense, range from a mandatory fine of no less than $500, probation, mandatory community service, possible imprisonment, vehicle impoundment and 180-day license revocation, to an up to 5-year jail sentence, a mandatory fine of $2,000 or more, community service and permanent license revocation. More than three convictions in a 10-year period or cause serious bodily injury and you are looking at a third degree felony: up to $5,000 fine, jail time, no license and more.

Many auto insurance companies in Florida will raise your rates or cancel or non-renew your insurance if you're convicted of an operating a vehicle under the influence. Conviction for excessive violations, license suspension, or major violations also carries the risk of the Florida Department of Transportation requiring you to submit an SR-22 filing for three to five years, to prove that you're maintaining car insurance.