Florida - Traffic
If you want to rent a car in Florida you need a valid driver license in your home country and you have to be turned the age of 21. Usually there will be an additional charge for drivers under 25 years old.
An international driver license is not required to rent a car. However, it is recommended to have one. Sometimes in police controls or accidents the police officers want to see an international driver license. The international driver license is only valid together with the license of the home country.
Traffic control signals:
| Red: | Stop! At most intersections, after stopping, you may turn right on red if the way is clear. Some intersections display a “NO TURN ON RED” sign, which you must obey. |
| Yellow: | The light will soon be red. |
| Green: | Go – but only if the intersection is clear. |
4-way Stop:
This sign means that there are four stop signs at this intersection. Traffic from all four directions must stop. The first vehicle to reach the intersection 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.
Speed limits:
| Residential Areas: | 20-40 miles/h |
| Limited Access Highways: | 70 miles/h |
| School Zones: | 20 miles/h and watch for school zone posted speed limits. Obey signals from any crossing guards. |
The maximum speed limit is usually located on the right side of the road traffic. Observe and obey the posted speed signs as there may be frequent changes from area to area along the selected roads and highways.
Other important traffic rules:
- School busses: On a two way street or highway, all drivers moving in either direction must stop for a stopped school bus which is picking up or dropping off children. You must remain stopped until all children are clear of the roadway and the bus signal is withdrawn. If the highway is divided by a raised barrier or an unpaved median at least five feet wide, you do not have to stop if you are moving in the opposite direction of the bus. You must always stop if you are moving in the same direction as the bus and you must remain stopped until the bus stop signal is withdrawn.
- The driver and front seat passengers must wear belts. All children 5 years of age or younger must use a restraint device when riding in a motor vehicle.
- Passing on the right is only legal when there are two or more traffic moving in the same direction or the vehicle you are passing is making a left turn.
- Controls the police on the highway a vehicle in the emergency lane, the vehicles have to switch to the fast lane.
Drinking and Driving:
Because drinking alcohol and then driving is so dangerous, the penalties are very tough. People who drive after drinking risk heavy fines, higher insurance rates, loss of license and even jail sentences. To be on the safe side transport any alcohol safely in the trunk!
This was just a small selection of applicable rules in Florida. All currently valid laws and applicable regulations for driving a vehicle in Florida, see the „Official Florida Driver’s Handbook“ for the current year.