2013 florida drivers handbook

64
A SAFER FLO RID HIGHWAY SAFETY AND MOTOR VEHICLES OFFICIAL FLORIDA DRIVER'S HANDBOOK 2013 SAMPPLE Handbook provided at no cost to Florida taxpayers courtesy of My Florida Auto Insurance and The Florida Tax Collectors Service Corporation

Upload: bkaplan452

Post on 20-Jan-2016

118 views

Category:

Documents


3 download

DESCRIPTION

2013 Florida Drivers HandbookTable Of ContentsSECTION 1 DHSMV CONTACT INFORMATION DHSMV Contact Information 4Appointment Information 4 Emergency Contact Information 4Organ and Tissue Donor Program 4 Move Over Law 4DOT511 Program 4 Driving Transcripts 5 Crash Reports 5SECTION 2 THE FLORIDA DRIVER LICENSE Definitions 7 Classified Driver Licenses 7Who Needs a Florida License 8Who Does Not Need a Florida License 8 Identification Requirements 8Non U.S. Citizens 8Social Security Requirements 9Address Requirements 9Parental Consent 10Vision Requirements 10Examinations 10Restrictions and Endorsements 12Sexual Offenders/Predators & Career Offender 13Voluntary Contributions 13Fees 13SECTION 3 OBTAINING YOUR LICENSE I ID CARD Learner's License 15Original Class E License 15License Renewal 15License Replacement 16Motorcycle Only License 17Motorcycle Also License 17Identification Cards 17SECTION 4 DRIVING PRIVILEGERevocation. Suspension, & Cancellation 19The Point System 19Driving While Impaired 20Insurance Laws 22Crashes 23SECTION 5 DRIVING SAFETY Defensive Driving 25Safety Belts 25Protecting Children 26Speed Limits 26Right-of-Way 27Making Turns 28Passing 29Parking 30Expressway Driving 31Animals 32 Handling Emergencies 32SECTION 6 SHARING THE ROADPedestrians 35Bicycles 35Motorcycles 37 School Buses 37Trucks 38 Golf Carts 39SECTION 7 SIGNALS, SIGNS AND PAVEMENT MARKINGSTraffic Signals 40Traffic Signs 40Railroad Crossing Signs and Signals 43Drawbridge Signs and Signals 44Special Signs 45Pavement Markings 45SECTION 8 VEHICLE EQUIPMENT Equipment Standards 47Bumper Height Requirements 48Limitations on Towing 48Anti-lock Braking 49Vehicle Licensing 49SECTION 9 DRIVING SCHOOLS Traffic Law Substance Abuse Education 51Third Party Tesler – Driver License Exams 51Advanced Driver Improvement 51Basic Driver Improvement 51DUI 52Become an organ, tissue and eye donor.www.DonateLifeFlorida.orgHandbook provided at no cost to Florida taxpayers courtesy of My Florida Auto Insurance and The Florida Tax Collectors Service Corporation

TRANSCRIPT

Page 1: 2013 Florida Drivers Handbook

A SAFERF L OR I DAHIGHWAY SAFETY AND MOTOR VEHICLES

OFFICIALFLORIDA DRIVER'S

HANDBOOK2013

SAMPPLE

Handbook provided at no cost to Florida taxpayerscourtesy of My Florida Auto Insurance and

The Florida Tax Collectors Service Corporation

Page 2: 2013 Florida Drivers Handbook

BE AWARESHOW YOU CARE._

041 MILLION SURVIVORS OF CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE

PREVENT , u c , c i o A HUS EHEAL I / iG SO RVI VO RS

Help Make a Difference:• Support prevention and help raise awareness by purchasing a

Lauren's Kids specialty license plate• Check the box next to Prevent Child Sexual Abuse on

your driver's license or vehicle renewal form to donate $1 o rmore

P M •

Our Mission iabuse through s to prevent childhood sexualeducation and ahelp survivors heal With guidawareness. and to

nce and support.

IF YOU OR ANYONE YOU KNOW IS R VICTIM OF ABUSE, CALL THElc LAUREN'S KIDS 24-HOUR HOTLINE AT: 1-811-LKIDS-01

L R E I R E N S K I D S . O R G

Page 3: 2013 Florida Drivers Handbook

DisclaimerThe Florida Drivers Handbook covers many condensed andparaphrased points of Florida's laws and provides safetyadvice not covered in the laws. The handbook is not a legalauthority and should not be used in a court of law. TheFlorida Drivers Handbook is printed in volume and copiesalready obtained will not reflect any changes made byLegislature regarding fees or laws passed after the revisiondate.

Remember Driving Is A Privilege and Not A Right.Protect Yourself and Others By Knowing The Laws andDriving Safely.

WarningUnder section 322.212 (5), Florida Statutes, It Is a thirddegree felony to use a false or fictitious name in anyapplication for a driver license or identification card, or toknowingly make a false statement, knowingly conceal amaterial fact, or otherwise commit a fraud in any suchapplication.

Violators face immediate arrest and, upon conviction,penalties up to a maximum fine of S5.000 and imprisonmentup to 5 years.

The Department will suspend the driving privilege for oneyear of any person who makes a fraudulent application for aFlorida driver license.

Under section 322.36, Florida Statutes, it is unlawful for anyperson to authorize or knowingly permit a motor vehicle tobe operated by any person who does not hold a valid driverlicense.

Public RecordsFlorida law and sound records management practicesrequire the collection of certain personal information in thedriver licensing process. This personal information identifiesan individual and is used for records management, driverimprovement, financial responsibility, and law enforcementpurposes.

Failure to provide the required information will result in denialof a license or identification card. Falsification of informationmay result in prosecution. Florida law specifies that alldocuments or other material made or received in connectionwith the transaction of official business by any agency arepublic records. In addition to all documents, informationtaken from them is subject to public disclosure underFlorida's Public Records law. This personal information,including name, address and driver license number isconfidential by law, but may be given to law enforcementagencies, insurance companies, credit bureaus, lendinginstitutions, and any other entity exempted by statute.Medical information, social security number and emergencycontact information are further protected and may only bereleased as specifically authorized by Florida law.

The Division of Motorist Services strives to ensure theaccuracy of information obtained in the licensing processand makes every effort to correct any incorrect information in

its files. Incorrect information may be corrected by supplyingyour complete name, date of birth, driver license number,information on the nature of the error and proof that it is anerror to the Chief. Bureau of Records, Neil Kirkman Building,MS 89, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0575, or telephone (850)617-2000. Certain information, such as conviction reportsreceived from a court, can only be corrected uponnotification from the court that the report was in error.

Automobile insurance information is exempt from the PublicRecords Law. This information is provided to any partyinvolved in the crash, their attorney or insurance company,law enforcement agencies and officers of the court, afterreceiving a written request and copy of the crash report.

Important Law Changes• A l l crashes occurring on the public roadways of the

state, not requiring a long-form shall require the use of ashort-form or driver exchange form and submitted to theDepartment of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles.316 066(1)(c)(0

• Beginning October 1, 2012 a disabled parking permitmay only be renewed if the person provides a certificateof disability issued within the las t 1 2 months.320.0848(1)(d)

• Veterans not eligible for early renewal of the driverficense or identification card may make application forthe -V des igna ti on upon payment of a $2.00 fee as long

as the applicant is not conducting any other transactions.The replacement driver license or identification card feeis waived, however the service fee will apply. 322.051 &322.14

• Applicants for temporary commercial driving permitsmust possess a valid Florida driver license. 322.07

• In conjunction with s 316.212 F.S., golf carts may crossthe State Highway System if the posted speed limit is 45mph or less. In addition, golf carts and utility vehiclesmay operate on sidewalks adjacent to the state highwayonly if they yield to pedestrians and the sidewalk is atleast Steel wide. 316,2126(1)

• Parent o r legal guardians may not leave a childunattended in a motor vehicle for any period of time ifthe vehicle is running and the child appears to be indistress, 316.6135(1)(b)

• Th e department may issue an electronic title in lieu of apaper title. The department may collect electronic mailaddress and use electronic mail in lieu of the UnitedStates Postal Service except for notices regardingforfeiture of foreclosure. 319.40(2) & (3)

• A nonresident driver must have in hister possession avalid driver license from another state or territory of theU.S. or an international driving permit issued by hisihercountry of residence and a valid license from thatcountry. 322.04

• Specialty driver licenses may be created for Floridaprofessional sports learns. All branches of the militaryand all colleges and universities. The additional fee for aspecialty driver license is $25.00. 322.1415 & 322.21(1)

• I t is unlawful to alter a temporary license plate. 322.061

Page 4: 2013 Florida Drivers Handbook

The department may issue or renew an identificationcard to a person who presents evidence that he or she ishomeless without payment of the fee required in S.322.21. 322.051(1).

Message from the DirectorThe Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehiclestouches the lives of nearly every Floridian and visitor to ourgreat stale. All members of the Department are devoted toachieving our vision of a safer Florida, and we are proud toserve you. We are focused and committed to proactivelyprotecting ou r roadways; enhancing online services;increasing strategic relationships wi th stakeholders;improving customer service, measuring critical businessindicators and managing based on those results.

This driver's handbook provides some basic information youwill need to be a safe driver and understand Florida's trafficlaws and regulations. This knowledge, along with drivingexperience and your sense of responsibility while driving canhelp protect you, your family, your friends and other highwayusers.

As a Department, we will continue to make doing businesswith us easier, faster and better. Safe and consideratedriving is everyone's responsibility and we wish you manyyears of happy and safe driving.

Clayton Boyd Walden, DirectorDivision of Motorist Services

Every year, more than28,000 lives - like Julia's- are saved thanks toorgan donors. Hundredsof thousands more areenhanced by tissuedonaUon.

2

www.DonateLifeFlorida.org

Page 5: 2013 Florida Drivers Handbook

The Florida Tax Collectors Service Corporation

Thank You!On behalf of all the Florida Tax Collectors and theFlorida Department o f Highway Safety a nd MotorVehicles, we would like to thank all of our sponsorswho made it possible that we could publish thisbooklet at no cost to the citizens of the Great State ofFlorida!

A special thank you to My Florida Auto Insurancefor being the major sponsor of these manuals as wellas FloridaDMVbooklet.com.

OFFICIALFLORIDA DRIVER'S

HANDBOOK2013

The Hon. John Al DrewChairman of the BoardFlorida Tax Collectors Service Corp.

Access Class E, CDL and Motorcycle driverlicense handbooks by scanning this QR codewith your smart phone's QR reader.

Visit us online to download these publicationsat www.FloridaDMVbooldet.com.

For information about advertising in Floridadrivers license handbooks please email us at:[email protected].

Page 6: 2013 Florida Drivers Handbook

TABLE OF CONTENTS

SECTION 1 DHSMV CONTACT INFORMATIONDHSMV Contact InformationAppointment InformationEmergency Contact InformationOrgan and Tissue Donor ProgramMove Over LawDOT 511 ProgramDriving TranscriptsCrash Reports

SECTION 2 - THE FLORIDA DRIVER LICENSEDefinitions 7Classified Driver LicensesWho Needs a Florida LicenseWho Does Not Need a Florida LicenseIdentification RequirementsNon U.S. CitizensSocial Security RequirementsAddress RequirementsParental ConsentVision RequirementsExaminationsRestrictions and EndorsementsSexual Offenders/Predators & Career OffenderVoluntary ContributionsFees

SECTION 3-OBTAINING YOUR LICENSE I IDCARDLearner's LicenseOriginal Class E LicenseLicense RenewalLicense ReplacementMotorcycle Only LicenseMotorcycle Also LicenseIdentification Cards

SECTION 4-DRIVING PRIVILEGERevocation. Suspension, & CancellationThe Point SystemDriving While ImpairedInsurance LawsCrashes

SECTION 5-DRIVING SAFETYDefensive DrivingSafety BeltsProtecting ChildrenSpeed LimitsRight-of-WayMaking TurnsPassingParkingExpressway DrivingAnimalsHandling Emergencies

44444455

7888899

10101012131313

15151516171717

1919202223

2525262627282930313232

3

SECTION 6 SHARING THE ROADPedestriansBicyclesMotorcyclesSchool BusesTrucksGolf Carts

SECTION 7 SIGNALS, SIGNS AND PAVEMENTMARKINGSTraffic Signals 4 0Traffic Signs 4 0Railroad Crossing Signs and Signals 4 3Drawbridge Signs and Signals 4 4Special Signs 4 5Pavement Markings 4 5

SECTION 8-VEHICLE EQUIPMENTEquipment StandardsBumper Height RequirementsLimitations on TowingAnti-lock BrakingVehicle Licensing

SECTION 9–DRIVING SCHOOLSTraffic Law Substance Abuse EducationThird Party Tesler – Driver License ExamsAdvanced Driver ImprovementBasic Driver ImprovementDUI

353537373839

4748484949

5151515152

[3ecomeorgan, tissue

and eye donor.

Register today.

C r- 6

• / / /

DONATE

LIFE

www.DonateLifeFlorida.org

Page 7: 2013 Florida Drivers Handbook

Teen Drivers Save More With MynoridaAutp.com

insuranceMy Florida Auto Insurance is yourkey to getting the keys°Comprehensive coverage,28 years serving Florida driversand the best discountsfor teen drivers -all in one convenient place.Call us or go online today and letMyHoridaAuto.com get you the keys for less.Now Go Drive Florida.

AUTO'MY,FLORri liDA

nsuranceEnglish: 877-470-8682 • Espanol: 877-636-2545

MynoridaAuto.com

Page 8: 2013 Florida Drivers Handbook

Section 1DHSMV Contact Information

1.1 - Contact InformationCustomer Service CenterDHSMV Official Web SiteGather Go GetFind out what you need to bring withyou before you make the trip.DHSMV Virtual Office(online transactions)

(850) 617-2000www,fihsmv.govGatherGoGet.corn

(850)617-3995

GoRenew.com

1.2 - AppointmentsAppointments are recommended for any of the servicesprovided by the driver license offices. Appointmentscheduling and a listing of driver license offices are availableon our homepage a t hfips://services.firismv.goviOasisi,Schedule your appointment in advance and report at leastfive minutes before your scheduled time.

1.3 - Emergency Contact InformationIn an emergency situation could lawenforcement personnel contactsomeone for you?

(ECMThey could i f you had entered your information onto the

emergency contact information system. The system allowsFloridians t o voluntarily provide emergency contactinformation online, giving law enforcement immediate accessto this information and making it easier for them to speakwith someone quicker in case of emergency.

If you have a Florida driver license or identification card, youcan go online at https://servicesithsmv.goviecii and enteryour emergency contact information. This information isavailable to law enforcement officers through a secure, web-based system and, by law, can only be used in the event ofan emergency.

1.4 - Florida Organ and Tissue Donor ProgramDonate Li fe Florida i s the non-profit501(c)3 organization contracted by theState of Florida, Agency for Health CareAdministration to create and oversee thestate's organ, eye, and tissue donorregistry i n addition t o implementingeducational initiatives tailored to increaseunderstanding and support fo r donationdesignation.

DONNIE

LIFEc=807—u7t it

and donor

The Joshua Abbott Organ & Tissue Donor Registry wascreated in July 2009 to allow Floridians an easy, user-friendly means of joining the state's Registry. Floridians canjoin the Registry online at viww.DonateLifeFloridaorg, whenrenewing t h e i r dri v er l icense onl ine, o r whenobtaining/renewing their license at a local driver licenseoffice. Individuals can also request a registration form by

4

calling Donate Life Florida at 1-877-FL-SHARE (1-877-357-4273).Individuals that already have "organ donor" on their licensesare still encouraged to join the new Registry, ensuring theirwishes are documented.

Today, more than 100,000 children and adults awaitlifesaving organ transplants while hundreds of thousandsmore are in need of tissue transplants. Together, we canmake a difference,

How Can You Help?1, Learn the facts about organ, eye and tissue donation.2. Designate your wishes by joining the Joshua Abbott

Organ & Tissue Donor Registry atwww.DonateLifeFlorida.org.

3. Spread the word about the importance of donation anddonor designation with family and friends.

4. Get involved as a volunteer, contribute financially insupport of the Registry or statewide educationalinitiatives, or request a speaker by calling Donate LifeFlorida at 1-877-FL-SHARE

5. ALL OF THE ABOVE

- Florida's Move Over LawFlorida's Move Over Law protects l awenforcement officers, emergency workersand tow truck drivers slopped alongroadways whi le performing thei r jobs.Violating the Move Over Law puts bothyourself and a public safety professional at risk of injury ordeath and can result in fines and points on your license.

On a two-lane roadway, you are required to slow to aspeed that is 20 miles per hour less than the postedspeed limit.

• I f the speed limit is 20 miles per hour or less, you mustslow down to five miles per hour.If you are driving on an interstate or roadway withmultiple lanes of travel in the same direction, and youapproach an emergency or law enforcement vehicleparked along the roadway, you must vacate the laneclosest to that vehicle as soon as it is safe to do so, Ifyou are not able to safely move over, you must slowdown to a speed of 20 MPH below the posted speedlimit airless directed otherwise by a law enforcementofficer,

For more Information, please visit www.fihsmv.govillm.

1.6 - Florida Department of Transportation'sFree 511 Traffic Information ServiceThe Florida Department of Transportation's (MOT) free 511Traveler Information System provides real-l i tre tratficinformation i n English and Spanish for major Floridaroadways. The system is updated with information aboutcrashes, commuter travel times, congestion, lane closures.severe weather, construction and emergency evacuationinformation on Florida's interstate highways, toll roads, andother metropolitan roadways, Information is available on thephone by dialing 511, visiting FL511 .com, registering for

Page 9: 2013 Florida Drivers Handbook

personalized services, downloading the 511 app, or following511 on Twitter.Drivers are encouraged to find out about traffic conditionsbefore getting behind the wheel. FDOT's My Florida 511personalized services on FL511.com allows registered usersto customize routes and alerts to quickly retrieve travelinformation. Free personalized services include:

Custom Routes• Program frequently traveled routes using 511-covered

roads• Onc e 511 is dialed, callers can immediately hear

Information on their custom routes

Personalized Alerts• 5 1 1 will alert callers about unusual roadway conditions

on programmed routes• Program alerts by time, day and seventy of conditions• Receive alerts by e-mail, text message and/or phone call

(cell phone minutes and/or text message charges mayP A )

FOOT also offers a free 511 application (app) for the iPhone,Pad and Pod Touch in the iTunes App Store. The appprovides the same real-time traffic and travel timeInformation as the 511 phone system and FL511.com. The511 app uses the Phone's GPS tracking to provide userswith traffic information within mites of their location. Userscan set the app to provide information for a range of up to200 miles from their location or receive traffic informationbased on their registered My Florida 511 custom routes.Travel time information is also available based on locationand direction of travel. Users can also view traffic by clickingon traffic cameras associated with traffic incidents. Th eFlorida 511 app offers traffic updates in four ways. Anaudible recording of incidents• On-screen list of Incidents• M a p view displaying incidents• Traffi c camera views associated with incidents

Twitter users can now learn about roadway conditionsthrough 12 FL511 regional and major roadway Twitteraccounts that distribute traffic information from the 511traveler information system.

511 Features:• Traffi c information on all interstate highways, toll roads

and many other metropolitan roadways.• Commuter travel times and reports on crashes,

congestion and construction• Publ ic transit, airport and seaport Information• AMBER, Silver and LEO Alerts (Silver Alerts notify the

public when law enforcement agencies are searching formissing adults for citizens with cognitive impairmentsincluding Alzheimer's disease or other forms ofdementia. Law Enforcement Officer (LEO) Alerts non/the public when law enforcement officers are searchingfor an offender(s) who has seriously injured or killed alaw enforcement officer.)

• R.511.com provides travel information, traffic cameraviews and free personalized services, including

5

customized travel routes and email, text and phone callalerts.

• Voice-activated or touch-tone navigation• Th e 511 phone call and FL511 tom web site are

available In English and Spanish

1.7 - Driving TranscriptsYou may purchase an uncertified copy o f your drivingtranscript from the driver license and tax collector offices thatoffer driver license services. Certified copies of your drivingtranscript are available through the Clerk of the Court or theBureau of Records. To obtain a certified copy of a drivingtranscript in the mail, submit a written request that includesyour full name, date of birth or approximate age, socialsecurity number, Florida driver license number (if available)and the address where to send the record, along with theappropriate fee to:Bureau of RecordsP.O. Box 5775Tallahassee, Florida 32314-5775

If you wish to use next day delivery carriers, please sendyour request to:Bureau of Records2900 Apalachee Parkway, MS 90Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0575.Cost for records are:58 3 - y e a r$10 7 - y e a r (complete)S10 3 - y e a r or 7-year (certified)

Clerks of court and Tax Collectors may charge an additional$6.25 service fee.

You may pay by personal check or money order madepayable to the Division of Motorist Services. For high-volumerequests or corporate/business access to the driver licensedatabase, p l eas e v i s i t o u r w e b p a g e a twww.fihsmv.goviddliabsfract.html.

1.8 - Crash ReportsCrash reports may be obtained on-line. Crash reports arekept in the local districts for two years from the date of thecrash. Homicide reports are kept in the local districts for fiveyears from the date of crash.

To order a crash report ($10) older than 2 years, call (850)617-3416.

To order a traffic homicide report ($25) older than 5 years,call (850) 617-2306.

To order traffic homicide photographs, call (850) 617-3409.Photographs are St for 5"x7" or $1.50 for Fri 0.

NOTE: When requesting photographs, have at least two ofthe following pieces of information available when you placeyour request:

Dale of CrashCounty of CrashName of Fatality VictimTraffic Homicide Case Number

Page 10: 2013 Florida Drivers Handbook

1.8.1 — Crash Reports OnlineCrash reports can now be purchasedonline at buycrash.corn. Additionalfees may apply.

1.9 — On-Line License CheckVisit our web site at http://services.fihsmv.govIDLChecki totake advantage of the following services:

Driver License CheckOnline Insurance UpdateDriving School Eligibility CheckSocial Security Number UpdateParental Access of Minor Driving HistoryDriver License and ID Card Tracking System

DONATE

LIFE

6

Every day, 18 people diewithout the lifesavingtransplant they need.

Make the right move. Say"yes" to organ, t issueand eye donation and joinFlorida's organ, t issue andeye donor registry.

www.DonatelLifeFlorida.org

Page 11: 2013 Florida Drivers Handbook

Section 2The Florida Driver License

2.1 - DefinitionsBusiness District: An area where 50% or more of the landnext to the road is used for businesses.

Bicycle: Every vehicle propelled solely by human power.

Cancellation: The act of declaring a driver's license voidand terminated.

Certified Copy: A copy which is marked in some official wayto show that it is a true copy of the original document. To geta certified copy of a document, you must contact the agencythat issued the original document.

Child Restraints: Infant carriers or removable car seatsspecially designed to keep babies and young children frombeing injured in car crashes. A lap belt may be used as arestraint for children four years old or older.

Conviction: A judgment of guilt in a court. In a driver'srecord, suspended sentences, forfeitingientreasures o fbonds, and pleas of no contest count against the driver justas a conviction does.

Department: The Department of Highway Safety and MotorVehicles.

Endorsement: A special authorization which permits aperson to drive certain types of vehicles, transport certaintypes of property or transport a number of passengers.

Felony: Any criminal offense that is punishable under thelaws of this state, or that would be punishable if committed inthis state, by death or imprisonment in a state penitentiary."State penitentiary" includes state correctional facilities.

Immigrant: A 'Permanent Resident Alien' who is admittedto the United States as a lawful permanent resident.Immigrants are legally accorded the privilege of residingpermanently in the United States and are issued immigrantvisas or adjusted to permanent resident status by theUSCIS.

Intersection: Where two streets meet or cross

Motor Vehicle: Any self-propelled vehicle not operated uponrails or guide way, but not including any bicycle, motorizedscooter, electric personal assistive device, swamp buggy. ormoped. as defined in section 316.003, Florida Statutes.

Motorcycle: Any motor vehicle having a seal or saddle forthe use of the rider and designed to travel on not more thanthree wheels in contact with the ground, but excluding atractor or a moped.

Non-Immigrant: An alien who seeks temporary entry to theUnited States for a specific purpose and who has declaredones intention to stay only for a temporary period of time.

7

Pedestrian: Any person afoot.Resident: A person, who has his principal place of domicilein this state for a period of more than six consecutivemonths, has registered to vote, has made a statement ofdomicile pursuant to section 222.17, Florida Statutes, or hasfiled for homestead exemption on property in this state.

Residential District: An area where most of the land next tothe road is used for homes.

Restriction: A prohibition against operating certain types ofmotor vehicles or a requirement that a driver comply withcertain conditions when driving a motor vehicle.

Revocation: The termination of a licensee's privilege todrive a motor vehicle.

Suspension: The temporary withdrawal of a licensee'sprivilege to drive a motor vehicle.

U.S, Citizen: A person born in the U.S., Naturalized, or onewho has obtained a Certificate of Citizenship from theDepartment of State.

Vehicle: Every device, in, upon. or by which any person is ormay be transported or drawn upon a highway, exceptdevices used exclusively upon stationary rails or tracks.

2.2 - Florida classified Driver LicensesThe Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehiclesissues the following classes of licenses: Class A. B, C. andE. Class E is for drivers of non-commercial vehicles. Thishandbook contains information needed to obtain a Class ELicense.

Classes A. B, and C are for drivers of commercial motorvehicles such as large trucks and buses.

You must have a CDL to operate:• Any single vehicle with a gross vehicle weight

rating (GVWR) of 26,001 pounds or more.• A combination vehicle with a gross combination

weight rating of 26.001 or more pounds, if the trailer(s) hasa GVWR of 10,001 or more pounds.

• A vehicle designed to transport 16 or morepassengers (including the driver).

• Any size vehicle which requires hazardousmaterial placards or is carrying material listed as a selectagent or toxin in 42 CFR part 73. Federal regulationsthrough the Department of Homeland Security require abackground check and fingerprinting for the HazardousMaterials endorsement

There is a separate manual entitled Commercial DriverLicense Manual for truck and bus drivers. This manual isavailable at any Motorist Services or Tax Collector licensingagent office that offers driver license services or on theDepartment's web page at www.fihsmv.gov. If you wish todrive a motor vehicle you must be property tested andlicensed.

Page 12: 2013 Florida Drivers Handbook

2.3 Who Needs One?• I f you live in Florida and want to drive a motor vehicle on

pubfic streets and highways.• I f you move to Florida and have a valid license from

another state, you must get a Florida license within 30days of becoming a resident.You are considered a resident of Florida if you:a. Enroll your children in public school, orb. Register to vote, orc. File for a homestead exemption, ord. Accept employment, ore. Reside in Florida for more than six consecutive

months.

2.4 - Who Does Not Need One?The following persons may drive in Florida without a Floridadriver license, if they have a valid license from another stateor country:• Any non-resident who is at least 16 years old providing;

0 The non-resident has a valid non commercial driverlicense from another state or territory of the UnitedStates; or

o An International Driving Permit from his or her countryof residence accompanied by a valid license from thatcountry.

• Persons employed by the United States governmentdriving a United Slates government motor vehicle onofficial business.

• Any non-resident working for a firm on a contract for theUnited States government. (This exemption Is only for 60days.)

• Any non-resident attending college in Florida.• Persons who drive only vehicles like farm tractors or

road machines temporarily on the highway may drivewithout a license.

• A ficensed driver that fives in another state and travelsregularly between his home and work in Florida.

• Non-resident migrant farm workers even though they areemployed or place children in the public schools,providing they have a valid license from their homestate.

• Members of the Armed Forces stationed in Florida andtheir dependents, with these exceptions:a. Service member or spouse claims homestead

exemption (All drivers in family must obtain Floridalicenses),

b. Service member becomes employed (All drivers Infamily must obtain Florida licenses),

c. Spouse becomes employed (Spouse and childrenwho drive must obtain Florida licenses),

d. Child becomes employed (Only employed child whodrives must obtain Florida license)

2.5 - Identification RequirementsAll applicants for a Florida driver license or identification cardmust present:

Primary identification;Proof of social security number or if you have not beenissued a social security number, you must bring a letterfrom the Social Security Administration indicating that

8

you were never issued one. In addition you will need toprovide a secondary form of Identification,Two documents showing your residential address.

If your name has changed since the issuances of the primaryIdentification, you will need to present a name changedocument. See section 3.3.1 for a list of acceptable namechange documents.Please visit vAvw.GatherGoGet.com to obtain a personalizedfist of requirements.

Stop 1: Primary IdentificationU.S. Citizens must provide one of the following originatorcertified documents:I. Certified United States birth certificate, including

territories and District of Columbia. The birth certificatemust be issued by a government agency. Hospital birthcertificates cannot be accepted.

2. Valid unexpired United States passport or Passport Card3. Consular Report of Birth Abroad4. Certificate of Naturanzation5. Certificate of Citizenship

IMMICITantS must provide one of the following original orcertified documents to establish continuous lawful presence:• Valid Alien Registration receipt card, (Green card, Form

1-151 or I-551, or Permanent Resident Card)• 1-551 stamp in a vafid passport with a valid U.S. Visa

affixed or on an approved 1-94• Immigration Judges Order, with the customer's A-

number, granting asylum• I-797, with the customer's A-number, stating the

customer has been granted asylum• 1497 or another form from the Citizenship and

Immigration Services, with the customer's A-number,stating the customer's appfication for Refugee status isapproved.

Canadian Citizens must provide one of the following originalor certified documents to establish continuous lawfulpresence:• Valid Canadian passport• Original or certified Canadian birth certificate• Canadian Naturalization Certificate• Canadian Certificate of Citizenship

Non-Immicitants must provide one of the following originaldocuments to establish continuous lawful presence. Thedocument must be valid for more than 30 days:• Valid Employment Authorization Card Issued by the

United States Citizenship and Immigration Service (FormI-688B or 1-766)

• Proof of non-immigrant classification provided by UnitedStates Citizenship and Immigration Service (Form 1-94,not expired, with required supporting attachment(s). If indoubt regarding required documents, please bring all ofyour Citizenship a n d Immigration Servicesdocumentation with you). I-94s must be accompanied bya valid Passport with a valid U.S. Visa affixed. Certainclassifications require additional documentation.

Page 13: 2013 Florida Drivers Handbook

Some examples are:o F-1 and M-1 classification must also be

accompanied by an 1-20.o J-1 or J-2 designation must be accompanied by a

DS-2019.O Refugee, asylee and parolee classifications must

beaccompanied by additional documentation.

The following documents will only be accepted with asupporting document, including but not fimited to a Passport,Florida Driver License or Identification Card, Driver Licensefrom any other state, Employment Authorization Card,Employer Identification, Identification from home country,Identification from school or college, Social Security Card orother Citizenship and Immigration Services document.

• 1-571 Travel Document/Refugee Travel Permit• 1-512 Parole Letter Accepted• ! J O- Asylum or Cancellation of Removal - Immigration

Judges Order granting Asylum or Cancellation ofRemoval.

Immigrants, Canadian citizens, and other non-immigrantsapplying for a Florida driver license will be issued a 30-daypaper temporary driving permit without a photo. Non-U.S.citizens applying for an original identification card will beissued a receipt

The department will review the identification documentsprovided and electronically verify their validity with theDepartment of Homeland Security, FDLE and the FBI. I fyour identity and legal presence is verified, then you will beissued a driver license or identification card within 30 days.The card will be mailed to the address on your driver recordand will be issued through the expiration date of yourCitizenship and Immigration Services document or one year,whichever is sooner. If we cannot verify your identity or legalpresence, your temporary permit will expire and we will denyIssuance of a driver ficense or identification card.

Step 2: Social Security Number or SecondaryIdentification

Florida law requires the collection of the social securitynumber as proof of your identity. We will electronically verifythe information you provide with the Social SecurityAdministration. A l l applicants fo r a driver license o ridentification card must present one of the following originalor certified documents as proof of their social securitynumbers:

• Social Security card• W -2 form• P a y check containing your social security number• A n y 1099 form

The name on your social security document must match thename that you wish to have on your driver license oridentification card. I f you recently changed your name,please update your records with the Social SecurityAdministration first.

If you have never been issued a social security number andare a U.S. citizen or immigrant, you must provide a letterfrom the Social Security Administration indicating that a

9

number has never been issued. You must also provide oneof the secondary documents listed below. A l l non-imrregrants, including Canadians, must provide one of thefollowing secondary documents:

1. A driver license from the District of Columbia, U.S.Territories, or one of our 50 states

2. School record stating date of birth, which must containthe registrar's signature

3. Transcript of the birth record filed with a public officercharged with the duty of recording certificates

4. Baptism certificate, which shows date of birth and theplace of baptism

5. Family Bible record or birth announcement in a babybook

6. A n insurance policy on the customer's life, which hasbeen in force for at least two years and which has themonth, day and year of birth

7. A military or military dependent identification card(United States Military ID cards with an Officer Rank willbe accepted as proof of citizenship only, not as aprimary identification)

8. A n identification card from the District of Columbia, U.S.Territories or one of our 50 states

9_ Florida license record or identification card record10. Selective Service Registration (Draft Card)11. Florida or out of state vehicle registration12. Florida driver license or identification cards13. Receipt copy of your last Florida driver license issuance14. Immigration Form 1-57115. Federal Form DD-214 (military record)16. Marriage certificate17. Court order, which includes legal name18. A Florida voter registration card, which has been issued

in the past 3 months19. Personal Identification by an examiner or by a person

well known to the examiner20. Social Security Card21. Parent consent form of minor, signed by the parent or

legal guardian22. Government issued out-of-country passport, driver

license, or identification card23. Concealed weapons permit

Step 3: Proof of Residential Address

All applicants for a driver license or identificafion card mustpresent two documents with their residential addresses:

1. Deed, mortgage, monthly mortgage statement, mortgagepayment booklet or residential rental/lease agreement

2. Florida Voter Registration Card3. Florida Vehicle Registration or Title4. Florida Boat Registration or Title (if living on a

boat/houseboat)5. Customer under 18 — A statement from a parent, step-

parent or legal guardian of the minor is required; parent,guardian or step-parent must reside at the sameresidence address as minor. Parent, guardian or step-parent that cannot accompany minor must complete astatement through a Certification of Address form withtwo proof of residence address. The Certification ofAddress form can be obtained in a driver license or Tax

Page 14: 2013 Florida Drivers Handbook

Collector licensing agent office or on the departmentweb page at http://www.lihsmv.govt.Note: You may present one proof of residential addressdocument and use a second from the parent, step-parent, legal guardian or person you live with along witha completed Certification of Address form.

6. Customers 18 years or older — Customers who residewith someone must provide a statement through aCertificate of Address form from that person along withtwo proof of address In that person's name. TheCertification of Address form can be obtained In a driverlicense or Tax Collector licensing agent office or on thedepartment web page at httrAwnv.fihsmv.govi.Note: You may present one proof of residential addressdocument and use a second from the parent, step-parent, legal guardian or person you live with along witha completed Certification of Address form.

7. A utility hook up or work order dated within 60 days ofthe application

8. Automobile Payment Booklet9. Selective Service Card10. Medical or health card with address listed11, Current homeowner's insurance policy or bill12. Current automobile insurance policy or bill13. Educational Institution transcript forms for the current

school year14. Unexpired professional license Issued by a government

agency in the U.S.15. W-2 form or 1099 form16. Form DS2019, Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange

Visitor (J-1) status17. A letter from a homeless shelter, transitional service

provider, or half-way house verifying that the customerresides at the shelter address

18. Utility bills, not more than two months old19. Mail from financial institutions; including checking,

savings, or investment account statements, not morethan two months old

20. Mail from Federal, State, County or City governmentagencies (including city and county agencies)

21. Transients — Sexual Offender/Predator/Career Offender:FDLE Registration Form completed by local sheriffsdepartment

2.6 - Parent's Consent for MinorsIf you are under 18 and are not married, your licenseapplication must be signed by one parent or legal guardian.

The application must be signed in front of the examiner or anotary public. Whoever signs your application agrees to takeresponsibility with you for your driving. If the signer decidesnot to accept responsibility for your driving, your license willbe canceled. To cancel the license, the signer must write aletter to the department, a t the address listed below,requesting to withdraw their consent for the minor driver.Include the complete name, date of birth and driver licensenumber of the minor driver in the letter.

Division of Motorist ServicesNeil Kirkman Building2900 Apalachee ParkwayTallahassee, Florida 32399Attn: Bureau Chief of Motorist Compliance

10

The consent form must be signed by an examiner orlegal guardian. If the document is not signed in front ofan examiner, the parent or guardian's signature must benotarized by a Notary.

2.7 — Testing

- Purpose of Driver License ExaminationThe purpose of the license examination is to determineseveral things:a. Can you read and understand road signs, traffic signalsand highway markings?b. Do you know the Florida driving rules?c. Can you see well enough to drive safely?d. Do you have the skill and experience to drive safely?e. Do you have any physical or mental handicaps thatwould affect your driving?

2.7.2 — Examination RequirementsPersons applying for an original Florida license are requiredto take the following tests:

Learner's Driver License - vision, hearing, road signs, andClass E road rules.

Class E license - vision, hearing, road signs, Class E roadrules and driving test.

NOTE: Persons holding a valid license from other states,U.S. possessions, Canada, France, or Republic of Korea(South Korea) are only required to take a vision test unlesstheir driving ability is questionable; the license from the otherstates or U.S. possessions must be surrendered at the timeof issuance of the Florida driver license. Persons holding alicense from Germany and Taiwan are required to take thevision, hearing and written exam. The driving test may bewaived unless their driving ability is questionable.

Motorcycle endorsement - In addifion to the above tests,customers requesting motorcycle endorsements mus tcomplete a motorcycle rider course unless they have amotorcycle endorsement on a French. Canadian, or out-of-state license (except Alabama).

Commercial driver licenses -see Florida Manual for Truckand Bus Drivers for required exams.

2.7.3 - Examination InformationVision Test • standard vision screening

You will be restricted to wearing corrective lenses when youdrive if you need to wear contact lenses or glasses to passthe test.

Your driving privilege will be revoked if you are unable tomeet the minimum vision standards. To pass, you must meetthe following vision standards with or without correctivelenses:• 20/40 or better vision in each eye with or without

corrective lenses meets state requirements withoutreferral to an eye specialist.

• 20/50 or worse vision in either eye with or withoutcorrective lenses are referred to an eye specialist forpossible improvement.

Page 15: 2013 Florida Drivers Handbook

• 20170 vision in either eye, or both eyes together maypass with or without corrective lenses after referral to aneye specialist, providing the vision in the worst eye isbetter than 201200.

• I f one eye is Nut or 20/200 or worse, the other eyemust be 20140 or better.

• Th e use of telescopic lenses to meet visual standards isnot recognized in Florida.

Road Sign TestMultiple choice test which consists of 20 road signs for youto identity by color, shape or meaning.

Road Rules Test - Multiple choice test which consists of 20questions regarding Florida traffic laws.

Vehicle Inspection - Your vehicle will be Inspected todetermine that Ills safe for a road test.

Driving Test• Y o u must provide a vehicle for the driving test. If you do

not have a valid license, you must be accompanied by alicensed driver.

• A n interpreter can be used during the driving test Noother passengers are permitted.

You are expected to perform the following maneuvers on thedriving test:• Tu rn About (Three Point Turn) -Turn your car around in

a 30' to 40 space.• S h i f t Gears -Change gears smoothly and correctly (if

your car has a manual shift transmission).• Approach of Crossing -Get in the proper lane and look

in each direction. Change gears smoothly and correctly(If your car has a manual shift transmission).

• Observe Right-of-Way - Allow pedestrians to cross, pullover and stop for emergency vehicles and do not enteran intersection where you will interfere with other traffic.

• Straight-In Parking - Park your vehicle Inside theparking space straight-in. When properly parked, thevehicle should be centered inside the space with no partof the vehicle extending out in the traffic lane. Thismaneuver gives the examiner the opportunity to observeyour ability to:a) handle the vehicle in close quartersb) judge distancec) maintain control of the vehicle as you turn into a

straight-in parking space• StopiStart on a Grade - If there is no hit on your driving

test, this maneuver is simulated when the car Is In thestraight-in parking space or when the car is pulled overto the side of the road before the turnabout maneuver.You Mil be instructed to show or tell the examiner whatyou would dolt you were going to leave the vehicleparked up or down a hill, with or without a curb.

• S t o p Quickly - Drive at 20 miles per hour and make aquick, safe stop when the examiner instructs you.

• Back ing -Back for a distance of 50 feet at a slow speed.Do not use the rear-view mirror when backing. Look tothe rear instead.

• Ob e y Stop Signs - Give the proper signal If turning,approach in the proper lane, come to a complete stop

11

before reaching the pedestrian crosswaleor stop One,and remain stopped until you can move safely withoutinterfering with cross traffic or pedestrians.• Keep in mind that most intersections contain legalcrosswalks; marked or unmarked. An unmarkedcrosswalk is the portion of the roadway at anintersection that would connect opposite sides of thestreet.Obey Traffic Signals - Get into the proper lane andapproach the fight at a speed that will allow you to stop Ifthe light should change. When you must stop, stopbefore the pedestrian crosswalk or stop he. When thefight turns green, do not move forward until the othertraffic has cleared the intersection. Give the correctsignal for stopping and turning. Watch for "no turn"and "one way' signs.

• S ignal and Turn - Get Into the proper lane and signalyour turn for the last 100 feet You may use either handsignals or mechanical signals. Slow before reaching thecrosswalk and turn into the proper lane.

• Pass ing - Always look ahead and behind to make sureyou can pass safely. Pass on the left, unless the carahead is about to mak e a left t u r n or is in the leftturn lane on a street with more than one lane In eachdirection. Do not pass on the shoulder (side of the road).

• S ta y in Proper Lane - Drive in the right lane except on aone-way street. Do not change lanes until you may do sosafety.

• Fo l l ow at a Safe Distance - Do not drive too closelybehind other cars. Use the Two Second Rule.

• U s e Proper Posture - Keep both hands on the steeringwheel and do not rest your elbow in the window.

The examiner will explain any mistakes you may have madeafter the test is completed. If you disqualify on the drivingtest, you will be asked to study or practice before returningfor another test. You will be asked to return another day foradditional tests.

If you pass the examination, the examiner will collect the feeand issue your license. I f you surrender a vett Floridalearners license and do not need to make changes, you arenot charged additional fees for the replacement Class E.

2.7.4 - Driver EducationDriver education courses can help you develop the skills youneed to be a safe driver. You can obtain more information byreferring to your local telephone directory under DrivingInstruction or Traffic Schools.

2.7.8 - Third Party TestingDriver license exams (road rules or road signs) are nowavailable from providers approved by Department ofHighway Safety and Motor Vehicles. The on-fine service isavailable to students under 18 years of age. Students of allages may take the exams with a provider who offers theexams in an in-person setting. A list of approved third partytesters providing this service can be found on our website athttp://twAv.thsmv.gov/ddttIPDLTS_providers.html.Many driver education teachers assist the Department ofHighway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) in licensing

Page 16: 2013 Florida Drivers Handbook

new drivers. Students who complete their driver license teststhrough DHSMV approved Driver Education LicensingAssistance Program (DELAP) courses in participating publicor private schools will have the results entered Into theDepartment's test records by their driver education teacher.

The test results will be used by the local driver license officefor issuance of a learners driver license or Class E license.DHSMV may, however, test any student on a random basisbefore issuing a driver license.

2.8 - Physical and Mental RequirementsYou must list any physical or mental problems on yourlicense application that might affect your driving. Many ofthe physical problems can be handled by placing restrictionson your license. If you have epilepsy, fainting spells,dizziness, blackouts or any other medical condition thatcould impair your driving, you may be asked to have yourdoctor complete a medical report form. These forms may berequested through your local driver licenses office and aremailed directly to you. The report must be completed by yourdoctor and submitted to the Department before a license isissued. If you are diabetic and use insulin, you may requestthat "Insulin Dependenr is Indicated on your license.

2.9 - Restriction and Endorsement Codes onFlorida Licenses

2.9.1 - Restriction CodesA Corrective Lenses means a person must wear

corrective lenses at all times when operating a vehicle.B Outside Rearview Mirror (Left Side) means the vehicle

the person is driving must have a left outside rearviewmirror on the car.

C Business Purposes Only means a driving privilege thatIs limited to any driving necessary to maintain fir/dittoed,including driving to and from work, necessary on-the-jobdriving, driving for educational purposes, and driving forchurch and for medical purposes.Employment Purposes Only means a driving privilegethat is limited to driving to and from work and anynecessary on-the-job driving required by an employer oroccupation.

E Daylight Driving Only means the person can onlydrive during daylight hours.

F Automatic Transmission means the person can onlydrive a vehicle that has automatic transmission.

G Power Steering means the person must drive avehicle with power steering.

I Directional Signals means a person must drive avehicle equipped with mechanical signals.

J Grip on Steering Wheel means the vehicle must beequipped with a knob or grip on the steering wheel.

K Hearing Aid means the person must wear a hearingaid at all times while driving a CDL vehicle.

L Seat Cushion means the person must use a seatcushion at all times while driving.

M Hand Controls or Pedal Extension means the vehiclemust be equipped with hand controls or a pedalextension.

12

N Left Foot Accelerator means the vehicle must beequipped with a left foot accelerator.

P Probation-Interlock Device means the vehicle mustbe equipped with a device that locks the ignition.

S Other Restrictions means there are other restrictionsimposed on this license.

X Medical Alert Bracelet means the person wears amedical alert bracelet.

Y Educational Purposes Only means the person candrive only for educational purposes.

2.9.2 Restriction Codas Appearing on CommercialDriver Licenses Only1. Vehicles W/O Air Brakes. issued to those who have

not passed the required written and/or skills tests for theoperation of vehicles with air brakes.

2. COL-Intrastate Only (CMV) - issued to those who areauthorized to operate commercial motor vehicles insideFlorida only.

3. Bus Only (CMV) - Issued to persons who are onlyauthorized to operate a commercial vehicle that is a bus.

4. CMV<26,001 LBS Gross Vehicle Weight Rating5. No Tractor/Trailers6. No Class A Passenger Vehicles7. No Class B Passenger VehiclesV. COL Medical Variance

NOTE: Drivers with a restriction on their license who do notcorn* with the requirements of the restriction can be issueda citation for violation of restriction and could be suspended.Offenses of this type are a second degree misdemeanor,except for violations of restriction code X.

2.9.3 - Endorsement CodesThese endorsements are placed on Class A, B, or Ccommercial driver licenses.H Placarded Hazmat • issued to those who have passed

the required written tests and who will transportplacarded hazardous materials.

N Tank Vehicles • issued to those who have passed therequired written tests and who will drive tank vehicles.

P Passengers - issued to those who have passed therequired written and skills tests and who will drivepassenger vehicles.

T DoublefIriple Trailers -issued to those who havepassed the required written tests and who will drivedouble or triple tractor trailer vehicles.

S School Bus - Issued to those who have passed therequired written and skills tests and who will drive aschool bus.

X Placarded Hazmat & Tank Vehicles • issued to thosewho qualify for endorsements I-I and N.

2.10 -Selective ServiceState law requires any male that is a U.S. citizen orimmigrant who is at least 18 years old but less than 26 yearsold, to comply with Federal Selective Service Systemrequirements when applying to receive a driver's license, a

Page 17: 2013 Florida Drivers Handbook

Warner's driver's ficense, a commercial driver's [tense, anidentification card, or a renewal or replacement card orlicense. Any driver license or identification card applicantconsents t o the Federal Selective Service Systemrequirement.

Fees for LicenseInitial license fee for first Florida license $48Learners driver license (Original) 848Class E renewal $48Learners license renewal $48

2.11 - Traffic Law and Substance AbuseEducationIf you have never been issued a license in any jurisdiction(state or country), you are required to complete a Traffic Lawand Substance Abuse Education (11SAE) course before youwill be issued a license. A fist of TLSAE providers can befound In the back of this handbook or on our web site locatedat vAywItsmv.gov. You can also find locations in your areausing your local phone directory.

2.12 - Sexual Offenders and Sexual PredatorsWthin 48 hours after completing the required initialregistration as a sexual predator or sexual offender InFlorida, all sexual predators and sexual offenders who arenot incarcerated, including sexual predators and sexualoffenders who are under the supervision of the FloridaDepartment of Corrections, shall register in person at adriver license office of the Department of Highway Safetyand Motor Vehicles or Tax Collector ficensing agent I fotherwise qualified, such person shall secure a Florida driverlicense or identification card.

The sexual predator or sexual offender must identify him orherself as such and provide his or her place of permanent ortemporary residence. Post office box numbers may not beused in place of a physical residential address.

Each time a sexual predator's driver license or identificationcard is subject to renewal and within 48 hours after anychange of the predators or offenders residence or change inthe predators or offenders name by reason of marriage orother legal process, the predator or offender shall report inperson to a driver licenses office or Tax Collector ficensingagent. I f otherwise qualified, such person shall secure aFlorida driver license or identification card.

For more information about registration and notificationrequirements, you may contact your local sheriffs office,your supervising officer with Probation & Parole or theFlorida Department o f Law Enforcement a t 1-888-a-PREDATOR (1-888-357-7332), Sexual Offender/PredatorUnit, Post Office Box 1489, Tallahassee, Florida 32302,-1489; www.fdlestate.flus.

2.13 - Career OffenderAs of January 1, 2003: Career offenders are certain personswho are designated as habitual violent felony offenders,violent career criminals, o r three-time violent felonyoffenders, ss. 77526, 944.608, 944.609.Within two woddng days alter completing the requiredregistration as a career offender in Florida, all careeroffenders who are not incarcerated, including careeroffenders who are under the supervision of the FloridaDepartment of Corrections, shall register in person at adriver License office of the Department of Highway Safetyand Motor Vehicles or Tax Collector licensing agent. I f

13

otherwise qualified, such person shall secure a Florida driverlicense or Identification card.

Each time a career offender's driver license or identificationcard is subject to renewal and within two working days afterany change of the career offender's residence or change inthe career offender's name by reason of marriage or otherlegal process, the career offender shall report in person to adriver license office or Tax Collector licensing agent I fotherwise qualified, such person shall secure a Florida driverRoute or identification card. The career offender mustidentify him or herself as such and provide his or her place ofpermanent or temporary residence, Post office box numbersmay not be used In place of a physical resident address.For more Information about registration and notificationrequirements, you may contact your local sheriffs office,your supervising officer with Probation & Parole or theFlorida Department of Law Enforcement at 1-888-357-7332,Career Offender Uni t, Florida Department o f LawEnforcement a t 1-888-ft-PREDATOR (1-888-357-7332),Sexual Offender/Predator Unit, Post Office Box 1489,Tallahassee, Florida 32302-1489; www.fdiestate.flus.

2.14 - Voluntary ContributionsWhen you are applying for a driver license or identificationcard you may voluntarily contribute to the following specialtrust funds:Autism Services and Supports-St suggested minimumcontributionChildren's Hearing Help Fund-Si suggested minimumcontributionDisabled American Veterans $1 suggested minimumcontributionFamily First - $1 suggested ninimum contributionFlorida Council of the Blind - $1 suggested minimum contributionHealth Care Trust Fund-Si suggested minimum contributionHealing Research institute Incorporated - $2 suggestedrrinimum contributionJuvenile Diabetes Foundation International .$1 suggestedminimum contributionLeague Against C ancerla Liga Contract Cancer • $1suggested minimum contributionPrevent Blindness Florida - $l suggested minimum contributionPrevent Child Sexual Abuse - $1 suggested minimum contributionRonald McDonald House -$1 suggested minimum contributionSenior Vision Services -Si $1 suggested ntlimum contributionState Homes for Veterans Trust Fund • $1 suggested minimumcontributionStop Heart Disease -$1 suggested minimum contributionSupport Our Troops • $1 suggested minimum contributionThe ARC of Florida - Si suggested ninimum contribution

2.15 - Fees

Page 18: 2013 Florida Drivers Handbook

Commercial Driver License $ 7 5Stolen license-if police report filed N o feeReplacement license $ 2 5

Other FeesCommercial Driver License endorsementsHazardous Materials Endorsement Applicationand Background CheckMotorcycle endorsementIdentification Card (original)Identification Card (replacement or renewal)Stolen identification card-if police report tiled

Written Re-exams

Driving Re-examsVeteran DesignationTax Collector Service Fee (for servicesprovided at a Tax Collector offices)

Insurance Suspension FeesFailure to maintain PIP insurance:

(1s t suspension)

(2'' suspension)—rd s u sp e n s io n )

pension)Failure to maintain liability insurance(1't suspension — resulting from a DUI cons.)

(2'i suspension — resulting from a DUI cons.)

(Psuspension — resulting from a DUI cons.)

S91S 7$25$25No fee

Delinquent fee for renewals after expiration date S15$10S20

1

1. Who trends a Florida driver license'? (See section 2,3)2. Who does not need a Florida driver license? (See

section 2.4)3. Can a person temporarily operate a farm tractor on theS 7

highway without a driver license? (See section 2.4)4. What is the purpose of vAvw.GatherGoGet.com? (See

section 2.5)5. A t what age are persons no longer required to have

parental consent to obtain a Florida driver license? (Seesection 2.6)

6. What examinations are required to obtain a FloridaLearner's License? (See 2.7.2)

7. Can telescopic lenses be used to pass the vision test?(See section 2.7.3)

8. What driving course is required for a person thathas never been licensed? (See section 2.11)

6.25

Service FeesAdministrative Fee Alcohol & Drug-RelatedOffenses(In addition to any other required fees)After a license has been revoked S 7 5

After a license has been suspended $ 4 5After a license has been disqualified $ 7 5Worthless checks $ 5 5Suspension for Failure to Pay or Appear for aTraffic Citation. Failure to Pay Child support,Failure to Pay Court Financial Obligations $ 6 0

$130

$150$250$500$15$150$250$500

Note: If you are suspended under both the PIP and theliability law, you will be charged both reinstatement fees.

Driver Licenses Agents (Tax Collectors)Your local Tax Collector may provide full or limited driverlicense services. Tax Collectors may assess a $625 servicetee.

14

Reg7ster totkiy.

Test Your Knowledge

Become anorgan, tissue

and eye donor.

MFEs C r ir ) / /

1

www.DonateLifenorida.org

Page 19: 2013 Florida Drivers Handbook

Welcome to Florida! Let Us Help Get You On The Road.

needinsurance?My Florida Auto Insurance willget you on the road for less°Comprehensive coverage,28 years serving Florida driversand the best discountsfor Florida drivers -all in one convenient place.

Call us or go online todayand let MyFloridaAuto.com getyou on the road for less.Now Go Drive Florida.

MY FLORIDAAuToinsuranceEnglish: 877-470-8682 E sp an o l : 877-636-2545

MyFloridaAuto.com

Page 20: 2013 Florida Drivers Handbook

Section 3Obtaining Your License /IdentificationCard

3.1 - Learner's Driver LicenseA person who holds a Learners license must beaccompanied by a licensed driver, 21 years of age or older,who occupies the front passenger seat closest to the right ofthe driver. Drivers can only drive during daylight hours thefirst three months from the original issue date and must beaccompanied by a licensed driver 21 years or older, whooccupies the front passenger seat. A fter the first threemonths, drivers may operate a vehicle from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.with a licensed driver, 21 years of age or older, occupyingthe front passenger seat. Drivers with a Learner's licenseare ineligible for a motorcycle endorsement,

Requirements• B e at least 15 years old.• Pas s vision, road signs and mad rules tests.• Hav e the signature atone parent (or guardian) on the

parent consent form, if under age 18.• Completion of Traffic Law and Substance Abuse

Education Course.• Primary identification, proof of social security number

and proof of residential address.• Mus t be in compliance with school attendance, if under

18.• Provide two documents with their proof of address. See

section 2.5.

3.1.1 - Parental MonitoringParents can monitor their minor child's driving using ourParental Access of Minor Driving History and Driver Licenseand ID Card Tracking System. These resources can beaccessed on our web site at.fittp)iservices.fihsmv.goviDLChecki,

3.2 - Class E License

3.2.1 — Original Issuance Requirements• B e at least 16 years old.• Pas s vision, road signs, road rules and driving tests.• Hav e the signature of one parent (or guardian) on tire

parent consent form, if under age 18.• Completion of Traffic Law and Substance Abuse

Education Course.• Primary Identification, Proof of Social Security Number

and Proof of residential address.• Mus t be in compliance with school attendance. if under

18_• Provide two documents with their proof of address. See

section 2.5.

3.2,2 Learner's to Class E

The following requirements must be met in order to obtain aregular Class E license:• Mus t hold the learner's license for 12 months or until the

18th birthday, whichever comes first.

15

• Mus t have NO moving traffic violation convictions 12months from the issue dale of the Learner's license, Or

• M a y have one moving traffic violation conviction within12 months from the issue date of the learner's license, ifadjudication is withheld.

• A parent, legal guardian or responsible adult 21 years ofage or older. must c er* that the driver has had at least50 hours of driving experience, of which 10 hours mustbest night.

• Pas s a driving test.

3.2.3 - ReciprocatingThe road signs, road rules, and driving (skills) exams arereciprocated if you present a driver license from any of thefollowing:• Uni ted States• Uni ted States Territories, Possessions (including

Panama Canal Zone if issued prior to January 1, 2000)• Canada •• France• Germany (reciprocate the skill exam only)• Republic of Korea (South Korea)• Taiwan (reciprocate the skill exam only)• Uni ted States Military

• Reciprocation Options for CanadiansCanadian customers can reciprocate examinationrequirements by surrendering their Canadian driver license.If the Canadian driver license is not surrendered, applicableexaminations are required.

3.3 - License RenewalDriver licenses are valid for six to eight years Expirationdates may vary fo r license renewals issued to non-immigrants.

Primary identification, proof of social security number andtwo proofs of residential address are required if you have notbeen issued a Florida driver license or identification card in afield office since January 1, 2010. See section 2 foridentification requirements, acceptable proof o f socialsecurity and acceptable proof of residential address. Non-immigrants inay have additional requirements, See Non-immigrant section 3.3.5.

Your license may not be renewed if:a. You are not qualified lo receive a license.b. You did not answer a summons which involved a traffic

violation.c. Your driver license is suspended, revoked or cancelled.d. You do not present the required documentation.

3.3.1 Name ChangesTo have your name changed on your Florida driver licenseor identification card, you must:• Bri ng your original or certified copy of a government

issued marriage certificate, divorce decree, or courtorder to a driver license issuance office. Churchmarriage certificates are not acceptable.

• Hav e your name changed on your social security card.

Page 21: 2013 Florida Drivers Handbook

In addition:

Immigrants and Non-Immigrants:You must have your name changed on your UnitedStates Citizenship and Immigration Services documentsbefore you can change your name on your Florida driverlicense or identification card.

Canadian Citizens:

• Y o u must have your name changed on your Canadianpassport before applying for a name change on yourdriver license or identification card.

3.3.2. Change of AddressTo change your residential address on your driver license oridentification card, you must present two proofs of residentialaddress.

Students attending an educational institution are not requiredto apply for a change of address if they have not changedtheir legal residence

3.3.3 • Renewal OptionsIf you are a U.S. citizen or immigrant,you can avoid the lines and renewyour driver license by mail or via theinternet on GoRenew,com.

•,;11

The mail and internet convenience method can be used fornon-commercial driver licenses o r commercial driverlicenses without the hazardous materials endorsement.

MaltYou may receive a mail-in renewal packet approximately 30days prior to your license expiration. There are no additionalfees for renewing by mail.

InternetYou can renew by internet at www.GoRenew.com.

After your request is processed, you will receive a six oreight year license. Florida law requires that you destroy yourold driver license after receiving the new license Applicationfor renewal received al ter the license expiration daterequires a S15 late fee.

All drivers who are 80 years of age or older and who are inthe process of renewing their driver license are required topass a vision test. The test may be administered at the driverlicense office at no additional charge or by your Floridalicensed health care practitioner, such as your medicaldoctor, osteopath or optometrist. A vision examination reportmust be completed and submitted to the department if yourvision test i s administered by your doctor. For yourconvenience. you can ask your health care practitioner to filethe f o r m elec tronical ly o n t h e w e bvmv.flhsmv.goviddiNision. Subsequent to i t being filedelectronically, you will then be able to renew via the internet.or mail.

Should you elect to have your vision tested at the local driverlicense office o r Tax Collector licensing agent, pleaseschedule an appointment so that we can serve you moreefficiently. Upon passing the vision screening, you can

16

complete the renewal process. However, i f a problem isdetected, you will be referred to your eye doctor for follow-up. prior to being able to renew.

3.3,4 - Military Renewal by Mail or OnlineMembers of the U.S. Armed Forces serving on active dutyoutside of Florida may renew their license by mail or onlineat wvm.GoRenew.com. Their spouses and children livingwith them may do the same. If your name changes while youare deployed or out of state, contact the Department [email protected] or call 850 617-2000. Provideyour name as it appears on your license, the driver licensenumber, your date of birth and out-of-state address and zipcode. The department will send you the appropriate renewalpacket by return marl or email.

3.3.5- Non-Immigrants• A ny non-immigrant holding a driver license or

identification card who needs a renewal or replacementdriver license or identification card must apply in personat a driver license office or Tax Collector licensing agentand present identification and legal presencedocuments.If you do not have the required documents showing legalpresence, your driver license or identification card will beretained and a receipt issued for the driver license oridentification card transaction. If your Florida driverlicense has not expired. you will be issued a 60-daytemporary permit. When you return with the requireddocumentation, you will be processed for a renewal orreplacement license and the expiration date will bechanged to the expiration date on your Citizenship andImmigration Services document up to one year.

• P roof of social security number (if one has been issued)and two proofs of residential address are required.

3.4 - License ReplacementIf your driver license or identification card is lost or stolen,apply for a replacement immediately. A replacement can beobtained in a field issuance office or using a conveniencemethod listed in the renewal section. The replacementlicense fee is $25.00.

If the card was stolen and you provide a copy of the policereport. the replacement fee is waived as long as you are notmaking any changes to the card. When changes are madeto the card, the $25.00 replacement fee is charged.

Primary identification, proof of social security number andtwo proofs of residential address are required if you have notbeen issued a Florida driver license or identificafion card in afield office since January 1. 2010. See section 2 foridentification requirements, acceptable proof o f socialsecurity and acceptable proof of residential address. Non-immigrants may have additional requirements. See Non-immigrant section 3.3.5.

3.4.1 Name ChangesTo have your name changed on your Florida driver licenseor identification card, you must:• Bri ng your original or certified copy of a government

issued marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court

Page 22: 2013 Florida Drivers Handbook

order to a driver license Issuance office. Churchmarriage certificates are not acceptable.

• Have your name changed on your social security card.

In addition:Immigrants and Non-Immigrants:

You must have your name changed on your UnitedStates Citizenship and Immigration Services documentsbefore you can change your name on your Florida driverlicense or Identification card.

Canadian Citizens:• You must have your name changed on your Canadian

passport before applying for a name change on yourdriver license or identification card.

3.4.2 - Change of AddressYou must obtain a new license within 10 days of any changeto your mailing or residential address. You may change theaddress on your driver license or identitcation card by:1. Mall: be sure to include your complete name, new

address, driver license number, and date of birth. Mail toDivision of Motorist Services, Post Office Box 5775,Tallahassee, Florida 32314-5775. Include a $25 checkor money order payable to DHSMV. You will receive theappropriate corrections by mail. Please allow 30 daysfor processing.

2. Visiting your local Motorist Services office or TaxCollector licensing agent. There Is a $25 license fee.

3. Internet at: www.gorenew.com. There is a $25 licensefee.

4. After your request is processed, you will receive a newlicense. Florida law requires that you destroy your olddriver license after receiving the new license.

Non-Immigrants will need to go to a driver license office orTax Collector licensing agent to change the address on adriver license or Identification card.

If you fail to report a change of address you may not receiveyour motor vehicle registration renewal or your driversOcense renewal.

If you are pulled over by law enforcement and the addresson your driver license is Incorrect, you may receive acitation.

3.5 - Motorcycle Only LicenseUnder 18• Must hold a Learner's License at least 12 months or until

the 18th b i rt h da y pr ior to the issuance of a Class E

Motorcycle Only license.• Must have NO moving traffic violation convictions 12

months from the issue date of the learner's teens°.• Must provide completion of an approved motorcycle

safety course. A list of approved motorcycle safetycourse providers can be found on our web pagehttp://motorcycles.hsmv.state.flusisponsorsearch.cfm

Over 18• Pass the vision, road sign and road rule examinations or

hold a current Learner's License.17

• Must provide completion of an approved motorcyclesafety course. Or

• Provide an out-of-state motorcycle only license (exceptAlabama).

3.6 - Motorcycle Also LicenseAll persons requesting a motorcycle endorsement:• Must hold a Class E license or higher or meet the

requirements for a Class E license.• Must complete a motorcycle safety course, Basic Rider

Course (BRC) Or• Provide an out-of-state license with a motorcycle

endorsement (except Alabama).

3.7 - Identification CardsII you need an identification card, you can apply at any driverficense or Tax Collector licensing agent office. Personsholding a driver license who wish to obtain a FloridaIdentification card must surrender their driver license.Section 322.08(6), F.S. prohibits a person from holding botha driver license and an identification card. To obtain anidentification card, you must:1. Be five(S) years of age or older. Any person, regardless

of age, can be issued an identification card if applying fora disabled parking permit.

2. Present required identification. "See section 2 for a listof acceptable primary identification.

3. Provide proof of your Social Security number (unless onehas never been issued). See section 2 for acceptableproof of social security number.

4. Provide proof of residential address. (Two documents willbe required) See section 2 for acceptable proof ofresidential address.

The card will contain your color photograph, full name, sex,address, date of birth, and other data the Department mayrequire. Identification cards issued to persons 5 to 14 yearsof age will be valid for four years; at others will be valid foreight years.

NOTE: Expiration dates may vary for identification cardsissued to Non-Immigrants.

3.7.1 - Identification Cards for HomelessPersonsPersons that can provide a letter from a local homelessshelter verifying the customer is homeless may be Issued anidentification card at no cost, providing they meet theidentification card issuance requirements listed in section3.7.

3.8 Veterans

3.8.1 Veteran Designation on License or IdentificationCardAny honorably discharged U.S veteran may have a veterandesignation 'V" placed on his or her driver license. Theveteran will need to provide a copy of their D0214 or otherapproved discharge document at the time of issuance.The veteran designation may be added for $2.00 as long asthe current driver license or identification card is surrendered

Page 23: 2013 Florida Drivers Handbook

and there are no other license transactions or changes. Thereplacement driver license o r identification card fee iswaived; however, the Tax Collector service fees would applyif the transaction is completed in a Tax Collector office.

VVhen other license transactions are being completed at thesame time the veteran designation is added. a S1.00 fee ischarged for the veteran designation along with the othertransaction fees. The Tax Collector service fee would applyif the transaction is completed in a Tax Collector office.

3.8.2 - Exempt Fees for 100% Disabled U.S. VeteransAny veteran honorably discharged from the Armed Forceswho was issued a valid identification card by the Division ofVeteran's Affairs of the Department of Administration, or aletter o f disability determination from the VeteransAdministration and has been determined by the Veteran'sAdministration to have a 100% service-connected disability,is exempt from paying certain driver license fees such asinitial license fees and renewal fees. Al l identification cardfees are exempt,

Every year, mo re than28,000 lives - like Julia's- are saved thanks toorgan donors. Hundredsof thousands more areenhanced by t issuedonation.

www.DonateLifelnorida.org

DONATE

LIFEcreada

18

Test Your Knowledge

1. What is the minimum age to obtain a Florida Learner'sLicense? (See section 3.1)

2. I f you failed to answer a traffic summons, would you beable to renew your license? (See section 3.3)

3. I f you lose your Florida driver license and need areplacement license, where do you apply for it? (Seesection 3.4)

4. What document(s) are required to change your name onyour Florida driver license or identification card? (Seesection 3.41 & 3,31)

5. You must obtain a new license showing the new addresswithin how many days of moving? (See section 3.4.2)

7. What is required to add a motorcycle endorsement toyour Florida driver license? (See sections 3.5 & 3.6)

8. What is the minimum age that a person can be issued aFlorida identification card? (See section 3.7)

9. What is the issuance period of a Florida identificationcard issued to a person age 5-14? (See section 3.7)

10. How do honorably discharged veterans get a VeteranDesignation 'V added to their driver license oridentification card? (See sexton 3.81)

Page 24: 2013 Florida Drivers Handbook

Evelyn, with her husbandAgustin, has much to danceabout. Thanks to a donor,she has a second chance atI ife.

Be a lifesaver, say "yes"to organ, t issue and eyedonation.

www.DonatelLifelFlorida.org

Page 25: 2013 Florida Drivers Handbook

Section 4Driving Privilege

highway outside the limits of municipalities) 3Violation of curfew 3

Open container as an operator 3Child restraint violation 3

4.1 - Driving a Motor Vehicle in Florida is aPrivilege You EarnYou cannot obtain a license in Florida under the followingconditions:• I f your license is suspended or revoked in any state;• I f you are addicted to drugs or alcohol;• I f you cannot drive safely because of mental or physical

problems; (Deafness alone will not prevent a personfrom being issued a driver license.)

• I f you are under the legal age for licensing (15 forLearner's license, 16 for Class E).

Every driver who obtains a license must drive safely to keepit. If you break the traffic laws or become an unsafe driver,your license can be taken away. It can be suspended,revoked, or canceled.

Your license can be SUSPENDED if you:• Mak e a fraudulent driver license application.• A l l ow your license to be used for a purpose that is

against the law.• A re convicted in a traffic court and the court orders that

your license be suspended.• Refuse to take a test to show if you are driving while

under the influence of alcohol or drugs.• Misuse a restricted license.• E arn a certain number of points for traffic offenses on

the point system.• Break a traffic law and fail to pay your fine or appear in

court as directed.• Fa i l to pay child support.• Fa i l to carry insurance on your vehicle.• Fa i l to stop for a school bus.• U s e tobacco if you are under age• Commit retail theft.• Education Non-Compliance (School Dropout).

Your license must be REVOKED if you are found guilty of, ordepartment records show:• Driv ing while under the influence of alcohol, drugs or

other controlled substances,• A felony in which a motor vehicle is used.• N o t stopping to give help when the vehicle you are

driving is involved in a crash causing death or personalinjury.

• Ly i ng about the ownership or operation of motorvehicles.

• Three cases of reckless driving within one year.Forfeiting bail and not going to court to avoid beingconvicted of reckless driving counts the same as aconviction.

• A n immoral act in which a motor vehicle was used.• Three major offenses or 15 offenses for which you

receive points within a 5-year period.• A felony for drug possession.• Vis ion worse than the standard minimum requirements.• Rac ing on the highway. A court may also order that your

license be revoked for certain other traffic offenses.19

Your license can be CANCELLED if you:If your license was issued because of a mistake or fraud(giving false information or identification), it will be cancelled.

4.2- Point SystemViolation points*Leaving the scene of a crash resulting in propertydamage of more than 550Unlawful speed resulting in an crashReckless drivingAny moving violation resulting in a crashPassing a stopped school busDriving during restricted hoursUnlawful speed - 16 MPH or more over lawful orposted speed

664443

4

The fine for exceeding the speed limit by more than 50mph is $1,000 for the first offense and $2,500 for thesecond.

Violation of a traffic control signal/sign/device(red lights) (if camera-enforced, no points will beassessed) 4Unlawful speed - 15 MPH or less over lawful or postedspeed 3(Fines are doubled when infractions occur within aschool zone or construction zone, with possible civilpenalties up to $1,000 and can be required to completedriving school course.)All other moving violations (including parking on a

The driver receives the same number of points listed if theconviction occurs out-of-slate or in a federal court.

Length of Suspension12 points within a 12-month period18 points within a 18-month period24 points within a 36-month period

30 days3 months1 year

In computing points and suspensions, the offense dates ofall convictions are used. Three points will be deducted fromthe driver record of any person whose driving privilege hasbeen suspended only once under the point system and hasbeen reinstated, if such person has complied with all otherrequirements.

NOTE: A point suspension does not prohibit theseconvictions from being used to accumulate additionalsuspensions or revocations,

- Red Light Cameras/InfractionsLocal and state governments are authorized to use trafficinfraction detectors to enforce red light violations. It includesthe use of traffic infraction enforcement officers, the mailingof an initial notice of violation within 30 days of the offenseand mailing a traffic citation within 60 days if payment hasnot been received. The red light violation does not result inpoints being placed on the driver's record,

Page 26: 2013 Florida Drivers Handbook

4.4 - Mandatory Restriction for MinorsAny driver under the age of 18 who accumulates six or morepoints within a 12 month period is automatically restricted forone year to driving for "Business Purposes ONLY". I fadditional points are accumulated the restriction is extendedfor 90 days for every additional point received.

4.4.1 - Time RestrictionsA licensed driver (Class E or higher) who is under the age of17 may not operate a motor vehicle between 11:00 p.m. and6:00 am., unless accompanied by a driver who is 21 yearsof age or older and holds a valid driver license (Class E orhigher), or the operator is driving to or from work. A licenseddriver (Class E or higher) who is 17 years of age may notoperate a motor vehicle between 1:00 a.m. and 5:00 am.,unless accompanied by a driver who is 21 years of age orolder and holds a valid driver license (Class E or higher), orthe operator is driving to and from work.

4.5 - Zero ToleranceAny driver under 21 years of age who is stopped by lawenforcement and has a breath or blood alcohol level of .02 orhigher will automatically have their driving privilegesuspended for 6 months. Any driver under 21 with a breathor blood alcohol level of .05 or higher is required to attend asubstance abuse course. An evaluation will be completedand parents or legal guardians Will be notified of the resultsfor all drivers under the age of 19.

4.6 — Driving While Under the InfluenceYou can be charged with DUI if you are found to be drivingor in actual physical control of a motor vehicle while underthe influence of alcoholic beverages or controlledsubstances. Controlled substances include: prescriptiondrugs, depressants, stimulants, narcotics, hallucinogens andmodel glue or other inhalants.

At the time of arrest, you will be administratively suspendedif you have a breath or blood alcohol level of .08 or above orrefuse to submit to a chemical test

4.6.1 • Penalties for DUI(Including previous DWI and DUBAL convictions)

First ConvictionFine

Community ServiceProbationImprisonment

License RevocationDUI School

Ignition Interlock Device

$50041,000, with BAL .15or higher or minor in thevehicle, not less than 1,000or more than $2,00050 hoursNot more than 1 yearNot more than 8 months;with BAL .15 or higher orminor in the vehicle, notmore than 9 monthsMinimum 180 days12 hours DUI SchoolRequirement Evaluationconducted to determine

• need for treatmentUp to 6 continuous months

20

Second Offense/ConvictionFine

Imprisonment

License Revocation

DUI School

ignition Interlock Device

Third Offense/ConvictionFine

Imprisonment

License Revocation

DUI School

Ignition Interlock Device

Fourth or More ConvictionFineImprisonmentlicense RevocationIgnition Interlock Device

Sl ,00042000, with BAL .15or higher or minor in thevehicle, not less than $2000or more than $4000Not more than 9 months;2nd conviction within 5years, 10 days in jail, 48hours of confinement mustbe consecutiveMinimum 180 days; 2ndoffense within 5 years afterfirst conviction; 5 yearrevocation21 hours DUI SchoolRequirement Evaluationconducted to determineneed for treatmentMinimum of 1 year

$2,00045,000, with BAL.15 or higher or minor in thevehicle, not less than$4,000Not more than 12 months;3rd conviction within 10years, mandatory 30 days injail; 48 hours must beconsecutiveMinimum 180 days; 3rdoffense within 10 years aftersecond conviction; 10 yearrevocation21 hours DUI SchoolRequirement Evaluationconducted to determineneed for treatmentMinimum of 2 years

Not less than $1000Not more than 5 yearsPermanent revocationFive years

4.6.2 Drinking and DrivingIf you drink alcohol, even a little, your chances of being in acrash Is much greater than if you did not drink any alcohol.No one can drink alcohol and drive safely, even If you havebeen driving for many years. Young drivers are moreaffected by alcohol because their bodies are still in thegrowth process and their livers have not developed to theextent that they can efficiently process the alcohol in theirblood stream.

Because drinking alcohol and then driving is so dangerous,the penalties are very tough. People who drive after drinkingrisk heavy fines, higher insurance rates, loss of license andeven jail sentences. A DUI conviction will remain on yourdriving record for 75 years.

Page 27: 2013 Florida Drivers Handbook

4.6.3 - The Dangers of Drinking and DrivingAlcohol reduces all of the important skills necessary to drivesafely, such as judgment, reaction, vision and concentration.Alcohol is absorbed into the lining of the stomach and thenpasses directly into the bloodstream and reaches your brainwithin minutes after consumption. Alcohol affects thoseareas of your brain that control judgment and skill and is onereason why drinking alcohol is so dangerous; it affects yourjudgment. A person's judgment is the first thing affectedafter drinking an alcoholic beverage. Good judgment isimportant to driving but in this case, judgment helps you toknow when to stop drinking. Alcohol puts good judgment onhold. You do not know when you have had too much to drinkuntil it is too late. It is a little like a sunburn, by the time youfeel it, It is already too late.

Alcohol slows your reflexes and reaction time, reduces yourability to see clearly and makes you less alert. As theamount of alcohol in your body increases, your judgmentworsens and your skills decrease. You will have troublejudging distances, speeds and the movement of othervehicles. You will also have trouble controlling your vehicle.If You Drink, Do Not Drive/ The best advice is, if you drinkalcohol, do not drive. Even one drink of alcohol can affectyour driving. Nth two or more drinks in your bloodstreamyou are impaired and could be arrested.

It takes about an hour for your body to get rid of each drink.Time is the only thing that will sober you up.

There are ways of dealing with social situations. Arrange togo with two or more persons and agree which one of you willnot drink alcohol. You can rotate among the group being a"designated driver" You can use public transportation or ataxi, if available.

4.6.4 - Implied Consent LawYou will be asked to take a blood test, a urine test, or abreath test i f an officer thinks that you are under theInfluence of alcohol or drugs white driving. By law, if youdrive in Florida, you have agreed by signing your driverlicense to take these tests if asked. If you refuse to take thetests when asked, your license wil l automatically besuspended for one year. A second refusal will result in an18 month suspension and is a second degree thisdemeanor.

In DUI cases involving death or serious injury, you will berequired to take the blood test without your consent. Theblood must be drawn by a doctor, nurse or other healthprofessional. If you are unconscious and cannot refuse theblood test, blood may be drawn. The results of the test maybe used as evidence, even i f you object after becomingconscious.

4.6.5 - Other Drugs and DrivingBesides alcohol, there are many other drugs that can affecta person's ability to drive safely. These drugs can haveeffects like those of alcohol, or even worse. This is true ofmany prescription drugs and even many of the drugs youcan buy without a prescription. Drugs taken for headaches,colds, hay fever or other allergies or those to calm nervescan make a person drowsy and affect their driving. Pep pills,"uppers" and diet pills can cause a person to be nervous,

21

dizzy, and unable to concentrate and can affect his or hervision. Other prescription drugs can affect your reflexes,judgment, vision and alertness in ways similar to alcohol.

If you are driving, check the label before you take a drug forwarnings about its effects. If you are not sure it is safe totake the drug and drive, ask your doctor or pharmacist aboutany side effects.

Never chink alcohol while you are taking other drugs. Thesedrugs could multiply the effects of alcohol or have additionaleffects of their own. These effects not only reduce yourability to be a safe driver but could cause serious healthproblems, even death.

Illegal and some legal drugs may affect your ability to be asafe driver. For example, studies have shown that peoplewho use marijuana make more mistakes, have more troubleadjusting to glare, and get arrested for traffic violations morethan other drivers.

4.7 - EmotionsEmotions can have an effect on driving safely. You may notbe able to drive well if you are overly worried, excited, afraid,angry or depressed.• I f you are angry or excited, give yourself time to cool off.

If necessary take a short walk, but stay off the road untilyou have calmed down.

• I f you are worried, down or are upset about something,try to keep your mind on your driving. Some find listeningto the radio helps.

• I f you are impatient, give yourself extra time for yourdriving trip. Leave a few minutes early. If you have plentyof lime, you may not tend to speed or do other thingsthat can get you a traffic ticket or cause a crash. Don'tbe impatient. Wait for a train to cross In front of you.Driving around lowered gates or trying to beat the traincan be fatal.

4.8 - Other Serious Violations of the LicenseLawYou can be put in jail or made to pay a fine for the followingoffenses:• Changing your license in any way. Any changes most be

made by the Department

Unlawful use of your license, including allowing your licenseto be used by another person.• Making a fraudulent application for a driver license or

identification card.• Hav ing more than one Florida driver license.• Allowing an unlicensed person to use your car, or renting

a motor vehicle to someone without a license.• Giv ing false statements to an officer or in a courtroom.• Knowingly giving false information in crash reports.• Fai l ing to make crash reports.

Page 28: 2013 Florida Drivers Handbook

4.9 - Administrative HearingsIf your driving privilege is suspended or revoked you may beeligible to apply for a hardship license or reinstatement. Foreligibility Information, contact the local Bureau o fAdministrative Reviews office, driver license office, TaxCollector licensing agent, or the Customer Service Center.

If you are administratively suspended for a breath or bloodalcohol level of .08 or above or refuse to submit to achemical test and wish to appeal this suspension, you mustapply for a formal or informal review hearing at theappropriate Division of Motorist Services or Bureau ofAdministrative Reviews office within 10 days of your date ofarrest. This suspension is in addition to any penaltiesdirected by the court. Hearing filing fees up to $25 mayMAY.

4.10 - Florida Motor Vehicle Insurance LawsIn Florida, there are two motor vehicle insurance laws. Theyare the Financial Responsibility Law and the No-Fault law. ItIs important that you understand these laws because if youdo not have the proper Insurance, you can lose your driverlicense and license plate(s) and have to pay large fees to getthem back.

4.10,1 - The Financial Responsibility LawThe Financial Responsibility Law requires owners andoperators of motor vehicles to be financially responsible fordamages and/or injuries they may cause to others when amotor vehicle crash happens.This law requires any person to have bodily injury liabilityInsurance at the time of the following:

1. A citation for DUI, which results In a revocation.These cases require the following minimum insurancecoverage:• $100,000 Bodily Injury Liability (BIL) (to one person).• $300,000 Bodily Injury Liability to two or more

persons.• $50,000 Property Damage Liability (PDL)If you do not have the required insurance to comply withthe Financial Responsibility Law, your driver licenseand/or license plates will be suspended for up to threeyears. You will have to pay a reinstatement fee and showthe department certified proof of full liability Insurance onForm FR44 for three years from the original suspensiondate to get your driving privilege back.

2. A suspension for excessive points against your driverlicense.

3. A crash where you are at fault and Injuries haveoccurred.

4. A revocation for Habitual Traffic Offender.5. A revocation for any serious offense where this

department is required to revoke your license.The cases listed above (excluding DUI) must have thefollowing minimum insurance coverage:• $10,000 Bodily Injury Liabifity (BIL) (to one person).• $20,000 Bodily Injury Liability to two or more persons.• $10,000 Property Damage Liability (PDL), or• $30,000 Combined single limits.

22

If involved in any of the above violations (excluding DUI) andyou do not have insurance to comply with the FinancialResponsibility Law, your driver license and/or license plateswill be suspended for up to three years. You will have to paya $15 reinstatement fee and show the department certifiedproof of full liability insurance on Form SR-22 for three yearsfrom the original suspension date to get your driving privilegeback.

In addition, if you are the driver or the owner of a vehiclewhich is in a crash that is your feta this department canrequire you to pay for the damages before your drivingprivilege is reinstated.

Under this law, to protect yourself and others, you shouldhave [lability insurance on any motor vehicle you own ordrive, including motorcycles.

4.10.2 • The No•Fault LawThe Florida No-Fault Law requires owners of motor vehicleswith four or more wheels (excluding taxis and limousines)that have been in the slate for at least 90 consecutive ornon-consecutive days during the past 365 days to purchasea policy delivered or issued for delivery In this slate. Theminimum coverage Is:• $10,000 of Personal Injury Protection (PIP)• 910,000 of Property Damage Liability (POO

You cannot buy a license plate and registration for a car, orother four-wheel vehicle, without having coverage issued InFlorida. Once you have this Insurance, anytime you renew it,fail to renew it, cancel it, or the insurance company cancels,the insurance company must notify this department. Thedepartment will then notify you to provide proof of newcoverage. If you fail to provide proof of insurance, your driverlicense and license plate(s) will be suspended for up to threeyears.

You must maintain Insurance coverage throughout thevehicle registration period or you must surrender thelicense plate(s) to any driver license office.

If you are cited by a law enforcement officer for not providingproof of insurance and pay the civil penally or are convictedin court, your driving privilege will be suspended.

If your driver license and license plate(s) are suspended fornot having insurance under the No-Fault Law, you will haveto pay $150 and show proof of current insurance to get themback. For a second offense within three years, you will pay$250. For a third offense within three years, you will have topay $500. Also, If your Over license and plate(s) have beenunder suspension for 30 days or more for a no-faultinsurance violation, a police officer can seize your licenseplate immediately. To prevent an Insurance suspension ofyour license and avoid reinstatement fees, turn in yourlicense plate to a Florida driver license or Tax Collectoroffice prior to canceling your insurance.

Effective 10/01/06, all taxicabs are required to maintain thefollowing insurance to register a vehicle in Florida.

Page 29: 2013 Florida Drivers Handbook

Bodily Injury Liability per person:Bodily Injury Liability per occurrence:Property Damage Liability:Or Combined Single limit Coverage:

Si 25,000$250,000

50,000$300,000

General InformationYou will be issued a Florida Insurance ID. Card from yourInsurance company. You must have this card ready to showto any law enforcement officer to prove that you have therequired insurance. If not, you may receive a ticket for nothaving proof of insurance.

If your driver Ucense or license plate(s) are suspended fornot obeying either of these laws, you cannot get a temporaryficense for any reason, not even for work purposes only.Any person who makes a false statement or commits forgeryabout their motor vehicle Insurance can be guilty of a seconddegree misdemeanor.

The Department will always provide you with an opportunityto prove insurance coverage or be heard before beingsuspended.How to comply:1. By purchasing a motor vehicle insurance policy from a

company licensed to do business in Florida.2. By obtaining a Financial Responsibility Certificate from

the Bureau of Motorist Compliance after posting asatisfactory surety bond of a company licensed to dobusiness in Florida.

3. By obtaining a Financial Responsibility Certificate fromthe Bureau of Motorist Compliance by depositing cashor securities with the Department.

4. By obtaining a Self Insurance Certificate from theBureau of Motorist Compliance by providing satisfactoryevidence of possessing a net unencumbered capital.

Remember: Automobile insurance is an Important part ofyour driving privilege. Protect yourself and others by havingand keeping the proper insurance coverage.

4.11 - Traffic Crashes

4.11.1. Your ResponsibilitiesI. Stop

If you are in a crash while driving, you must stop. Ifanyone is hurt, you must get help. You must also beready to give your name, address, and vehicleregistration number, as well as show your driver licenseto others involved in the crash.

2. Report the CrashIf the crash causes injury, death, or property damage, itmust be reported. Call the local police, the FloridaHighway Patrol, or the county Sheriffs office. If the crashinvolves a charge of driving under the Influence (DUI) orresults in death, injury, or property damage to the extenta wrecker must tow a vehicle, the officer will Ell out areport If the crash is investigated by an officer, the driverneed not make a written report. If property damageappears to be over $500 and no report is written by anofficer, you must make a written report of the crash tothe Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles

23

within 10 days. The officer will provide you with a copy ofthe form for your records.

3. Move Your Car If It Is Blocking TrafficIf you are involved In a minor crash and your car isblocking the flow of traffic, you must move it. If youcannot move it yourself, you must get help or call a towhock. This is true anytime your vehicle is blocking theflow of traffic whether it has been involved in a crash ornot.

4. Appear In CourtIf you are charged in a crash, you may have to ga tocourt. The officer who comes la the scene of the crashwill file charges against any driver who violated a trafficlaw. Anyone who is charged will have a chance toexplain la the court what happened. The court wil thendecide what the penalty Is. Anyone who is not chargedwith violating the law may have to come to court asa witness. If you are found at fault in a collision whereanyone Is injured and transported to a medical treatrnentfacility or it is your second collision in a two-year period,you will be required by law to attend a Traffic CollisionAvoidance Course. The traffic school that conducts thiscourse can be found in the yellow pages of your localtelephone book under Driving instruction.

A driver convicted cleaving the scene of a crash involvingdeath or personal Injury will have his or her license revoked.The driver is also subject to criminal penalties.

Crash Involving an Unattended VehicleIf, while driving, you hit a vehicle with no one In it or if youdamage any object that belongs to someone else, you musttell the owner. Give the owner your name, address, and tagnumber In person or in a note that is easily seen. Report thecrash immediately to the proper law enforcement agency.

4.111 - Three Crashes in 'Three Years LamEffective January 1, 2010, section 322.0261(1)(c) requiresthat If you were convicted of or pleaded nolo contender toyour third traffic offense that caused a crash within 36months, you must complete a department approved driverimprovement course that includes behind-the-wheel trainingand an assessment of your driving safety. The departmentnotifies you of this requirement based on a qualifying third atfault crash occurring on or after January 1, 2010.

What you must do to avoid driver license cancellation:• Complete 12 hours of the 3-in-3 Crash Course or an

approved advanced driver improvement course (ADI).• Receive 4-hours of behind-the-wheel training from a

Florida licensed commercial driving school (CDS).• Pass the extended road test with a DL examiner or Tax

Collector licensing agent.

Failure to complete these requirements within 90 days willresult in a license cancellation.

4.12 LitteringDrivers are responsible for any littering from their vehicles.Use ash trays for cigarettes and fitter bags for trash whileriding in motor vehicles. Empty ashtrays and litter bags onlyinto trash cans.

Page 30: 2013 Florida Drivers Handbook

Uttering is a crime. People who throw trash on public streetsand highways can be fined up to $500 or jailed up to 60days. You can be charged with a first-degree misdemeanorand fined up to $1,000 if dumping more than 15 pounds oftrash.

The court may also require you to pick up litter alongroadways.

4.13 - Road DamageIt is against the law to damage the roads by driving on therim of a flat tire or by any other means

Test Your Knowledge

1. What would happened to a person that did not stop togive help when the vehicle they are driving is involved ina crash causing death or personal injury? (See section4.1)

2. I f you receive twelve points within twelve months, forhow long will your license be suspended? (See section4,2)

3. When can you be charged with driving under theinfluence (DUI)? (See section 4,6)

4. Both your judgment and vision are affected after drinkingalcohol. Which is affected first? (See section 4.6.3)

5. What are the penalties for failing to take a blood test, aurine test, or a breath test? (See section 4.6.4)

6, When must you comply with the Financial ResponsibilityLaw (Prove you are insured with bodily injury liabilityinsurance)? (See section 4.10.1)

7. What type of insurance must you have on motor vehicleswith four or more wheels? (See section 4.10.2)

8. When a crash results in property damages of anyamount, must the driver notify the Florida HighwayPatrol. the Sheriffs Department, or the city policedepartment? (See section 4.11)

9. I f you hit a parked car and are unable to find the owner,what should you do? (See section 4.11.1)

10. After a crash has been investigated by an officer, doesthe driver need to send a written report to theDepartment of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles?(See section 4.11,1)

11. What are the penalties for littering? (See section 4.12)

DONATE

LEL',

24

One person can save thelives of up to eight peoplethrough organ donation,and enhance dozensmore through t issuetransplantation. Say "yes"and join Florida's, organ,tassue and eye donorregistry today.

www.DonateLifeFlorida-org

Page 31: 2013 Florida Drivers Handbook

Get Ready for the Road.

111_ •Teens: Before, during and after you learn to drive,A M is your single best resource for safe driving.

Our interactive website puts the focus on YOU, helpingyou cruise through the licensing process and getting youon the road to becoming a competent, responsible driver.

Cool games, useful exercises and quizzes I Practice driver's license exam questions I Videos of teen

chats wi th driving experts I Tips for choosing the right car for you I State laws that affect licensingOnline fi rs t time drivers ' tests (DATA & Learner's Permit)

VISITTEENDRIVING.AAA.com

GET UP TO SPEED W ITH AAA.

( 4,11,r4)

C E = 3The Auto TrafficSafetyClub Group F O U N D A T I O N

TF-0109A

Page 32: 2013 Florida Drivers Handbook

Section 5Driving SafetyGood driving is based on practice and being alert at thewheel. When driving. you must make sure that nothinginterferes with your ability to see the road, react to situationsor operate your vehicle properly. You most look down theroad, to the sides and behind your vehicle and be alert forunexpected events. Be alert to what is going on around youand do not take your eyes off the road for more than a fewseconds at any one time. Do not have objects inside yourvehicle that might interfere with your ability to drive safely.This might include Objects that obstruct your view of the roador mirrors.

5.1 - Distracted DriversGood drivers develop habits that focus their full attention ondriving. Some drivers can develop bad habits that can bevery dangerous when driving. Some bad habits that distractyour attention away from driving are:• Driv ing when ill, upset or angry.• Driv ing while eating and drinking.• Driv ing while adjusting the radio or changing

CDs/tapes/digital players.• Driv ing while calling, answering, talking or texting on a

mobile phone.• Reading while driving.• Driv ing while drowsy or fatigued.

5,2 - Getting Ready to DriveBefore you start your engine:• Mak e sure all windows are clean. Remove anything that

blocks your view of the road.• Adjus t the seat so you can reach all controls.• Adjus t the inside and outside rearview mirrors. You

should not have to lean forward or backward to usethem.

• Loc k all car doors.• P u t on your safety belts Ask all passengers to do the

same.• Mak e sure your car is in park or neutral gear before

starting the engine. Never move your car until you havelooked in front, behind and to the side for pedestriansand oncoming traffic. Then. signal and pull into trafficwhen safe.

5,3 - Defensive DrivingDefensive driving means doing all you can to preventcrashes. As a defensive driver, you will "give a little. You willchange your driving to i t the weather conditions, the wayyou feel. and the actions of other drivers, bicyclists andpedestrians. Follow these steps to avoid crashes:1. Look for possible danger. Think about what might

happen. If there are children playing by the road, planwhat you will do if one runs or rides into the street.

2. Understand what can be done to prevent a crash. Seethe defensive driving tips which follow and the HandlingEmergencies section later in this chapter.

3. Ac t in time. Once you have seen a dangerous situation,act right away to prevent a crash. Use these defensive

25

driving lips if you see that you are about lobe involved ina crash:

• I t is better to swerve right instead of toward oncomingtraffic to prevent a crash.

• Hi tting a row of bushes is better than hitting a tree, postor solid object.

• Hi tting a vehicle moving in the same direction as you areis better than hitting a vehicle head-on.

• I t is better to drive off the road than skid off whenavoiding a crash.

• I t is better to hit something that is not moving instead ofa vehicle moving toward you.

5.4 - When You Back UpCheck behind your vehicle before you get in. Children orsmall objects cannot be seen from the driver's seat. Placeyour right arm on the back of the seat and turn around sothat you can look directly through the rear window. Do notdepend on your rearview or side mirrors as you cannot seedirectly behind your vehicle. Back slowly: your vehicle ismuch harder to steer while you are backing. Wheneverpossible use a person outside the vehicle to help you backup.

5.5 - Avoiding Rear-end CollisionsMany crashes happen because one vehicle runs into theback of another one. Here are some things you can do tolower the risk of someone running into the rear of yourvehicle.• Check your brake lights often to make sure they are

clean and working properly.• K now what is going on around you. Use your rearview

mirrors.• Signal well in advance for turns, stops and lane

changes.• S l ow down gradually. Avoid any sudden actions.• Dri v e with the towel traffic (within the speed limit).

Driving too slowly can be as dangerous as driving toofast.To avoid striking the vehicle in the front of you, keep atleast two seconds following distance. This isaccomplished by using the two-second rule. Informationfor the two-second rule is found under the section.Minimum Safe Following Distances,

5.6 • Basic Driver ImprovementAny driver can take a basic driver improvement course. Thecourse teaches ways of keeping crashes from happening.One driver can sign up, or a group can request a class.Consult your yellow pages under Driving Instruction for thelocation nearest you.

5.7 - Safety BeltsThe driver and front seatpassengers must wear seatbelts. The seat belt law appliesto p a s s e n g e r c a r smanufactured beginning with the 1968 model year, andtrucks beginning with the 1972 model year. It is unlawful forany person to operate a vehicle in this state unless everypassenger of the vehicle under the age of 18 is restrained by

4 1 2C UC K IT

oRTICKETF L O R I D A

Page 33: 2013 Florida Drivers Handbook

a safety belt or by a child restraint device, regardless ofseating position. A seat belt violation will be charged to thedriver when a person under 18 is not restrained by a safetybelt or a child restraint device. If the passenger is 18 years ofage or older and fails to wear a seat belt when required bylaw, the passenger will be charged with the violation.

The law exempts the following from the seat beltrequirements:• A n y person certified by a physician as having a medical

condition that causes the seat belt use to beinappropriate or dangerous.

• Employee of a newspaper home delivery service whiledelivering newspapers on home delivery routes.

• School buses.• Buses used for transportation of persons for

compensation.• Fa rm equipment.• Trucks of a net weight of more than 26,000 pounds.• Motorcycle, moped or bicycle.

In a crash, you are far more likely to be killed if you are notwearing a safety belt. Wearing shoulder belts and lap beltsmake your chances of living through a crash twice as good.

In a crash, safety belts:• K eep you from being thrown from the vehicle. The risk of

death is five times greater if you are thrown from avehicle in a crash.

• K eep you from being thrown against others in thevehicle.

• K eep the driver behind the wheel, where he or she cancontrol the vehicle.

• K eep you from being thrown against parts of yourvehicle, such as the steering wheel or windshield.

Safety Belts Save Lives!Wear a lap belt around your hips, not your stomach. Fastenthe belt snugly. Wear a shoulder belt only with a lap bellDon't just use your safety belt for long trips or high-speedhighways. More than half of the crashes that cause injury ordeath happen at speeds less than 40 MPH and within 25miles from home.

5.8 - Protecting ChildrenAll Children 5 Years Of Age Or Younger Must Use ARestraint Device When Riding In A Motor Vehicle.The number one kilter of young children in the United Statesis traffic crashes in which children were not restrained at all.Over 90 percent of the deaths and 80 percent of the injuriesin car crashes could be prevented by using crash-testedchild restraints.

26

Children should be secured in the rear seat. Never secure achild in the front passenger side, especially i f your vehiclehas an air bag. The law requites every driver to properlysecure children five years of age or younger in child restraintdevices riding in a passenger car, van, or pick-up truck,regardless of whether the vehicle is registered in this state.Infant carriers or children's car seats must be used forchildren up to three years of age and younger. Child restraintrequirements do not apply to a chauffeur driven taxi,hmousine, sedan, van, bus motor coach, or other passengervehicle if the operator and vehicle are for hire; however, it isthe obligation and responsibifity of the parent, guardian orother person responsible for the child's welfare.

For children aged four through five years of age, a separatecarrier, an integrated child seat or a seat belt may be used.All infant carriers and car seats must be crash-tested andapproved by the U.S. Government. Children being carried orriding bicycles should wear properly fitted bicycle helmets.

5.81 - What is the Best Child Seat?

• Th e one that fits your child.• Th e one that fits your vehicle.• Th e one that you will use correctly every time.

For more information on the best child seat, please visit:http.11www.lihsmv.govillip/CPS/ and obtain information onOccupant Protection & Child Passenger Safety News.

5.8.2 - Leaving Children Unattended or Unsupervised inMotor Vehicles

Parents, legal guardian, or other persons responsible 'for a childyounger than six years of age may not leave such child unattendedor unsupervised in a motor vehicle: for a period of excess of ISminutes; for any lime if the motor of the vehicle is running and thechild appears to be in distress.

Any person violating this law has committed a misdemeanor of thesecond degree. Violations of this law causing great bodily harm,pennanent disability, or permanent disfigurement to the childcommits a felony or the third degree.

Do not leave children unattended or unsupervised in a motorvehicle.

WARNING: DO NOT LEAVE CHILDREN UNATTENDED;ESPECIALLY WHEN IT IS HOT OUTSIDE!On a hot summer day, the interior of a car can getdangerously hot. One study found that with thewindows up and the temperature outside at 94 degrees,the inside of a car could be 122 degrees in just half anhour, or 132 degrees after an hour.

5.9 - Speed LimitsSpeed causes many crashes. More drivers are convicted ofspeeding than any other offense. To avoid being fined orinvolved in a crash, obey the speed limits. Speed is veryimportant in a collision. If you double the speed of a car, youincrease its force of impact four times, If you triple the speed,the impact is nine limes as great.

Page 34: 2013 Florida Drivers Handbook

70 Does Not Always Mean 70Remember that speed limits show the fastest speed youmay drive under good conditions. You are responsible foradjusting your driving speed to the road conditions. Forexample, if the weather is bad or there is a lot of traffic, youmust drive more slowly than the posted speed. The safespeed is the one that allows you to have complete control ofyour vehicle and avoid collisions with other vehicles andpedestrians.

Florida "Standard" Speed LimitsMunicipal Speed AreasBusiness or Residential AreaRural InterstateLimited Access HighwaysAll Other Roads and HighwaysSchool Zones

303070*7055*20

•The 55 MPH maximum speed limit is still in effect in Floridaexcept where otherwise posted. *Speed limits are 70 MPHon some rural Interstate highways. Speed limits may bechanged on other multi-lane highways and in areas wherethe conditions require lower speeds. Drivers should notassume because the area appears to be a particular urban,municipality, business or highway area that the speed is thestandard or expected speed zone. Observe and obey theposted speed signs as there may be frequent changes fromarea to area along the selected roads or highways.

Speed limit signs are posted at the beginning of a speedzone and drivers must be driving no higher than that speedstarting at the location of the posted sign and continuing untilthere is a posted speed limit change.

5.9.1 - Driving Too Slowly is also Against the LawDrive with the flow of traffic (within the speed limit). Youshould not drive so slowly that you block other vehiclesmoving at normal, safe speeds. When driving slower thanthe flow of traffic, keep right so others may safely pass. Youcan be issued a ticket for driving too slowly. When theposted speed limit is 70 mph, the minimum speed limit is 50mph.

5.10 - Following Officer's and Fireman'sInstructionsIf you are stopped by a law enforcement officer, pull offimmediately to the extreme tight, clear of traffic whenpossible. Turn off your engine. Reduce your headlights tothe parking light position at night. Sit calmly and follow theinstructions of the officer. You must follow any lawful order ordirection of (1) any law enforcement officer or (2) anyfireman at the scene of a fire who is directing traffic. If a lawenforcement officer is directing traffic where there are signallights, obey the officer - not the signals.

5.11 Crossing IntersectionsMore crashes happen at intersections than any other place.Be very careful when approaching any intersection ordriveway.• Look both ways and be ready to brake or stop.• Dri v e at the slowest speed just before entering the

intersection, not while crossing.27

• D o not pass or change lanes.• B e aware of vehicles behind you. Will they be able to

stop if necessary? If you are stopped, look for bicyclistsand pedestrians who may be crossing the intersectionfrom either direction or motorists on the cross street whomay be passing a bicycle or other vehicle and be in theopposing lane.

5.12 - Ri g h t-o f-Wa y

Who has the right-of-way in Florida? The answer is no one!The law only says who must yield (give up) the right-of-way.Every driver, motorcyclist, moped rider, bicyclist andpedestrian must do everything possible to avoid a crash.

5.13 Stop SignsAfter a complete stop, you must yield the right-of-way to allother traffic and pedestrians at stop signs. Move forwardonly when the road is clear. At four-way stops, the firstvehicle to stop should move forward first. If two vehiclesreach the intersection at the same time, the driver on the leftyields la the driver on the right.

5.14 - Open IntersectionsAn open intersection is onewithout traffic control signs orsignals. When you enter one,you must yield the right-of-way

• A vehicle is already in theintersection.You enter or cross a statehighway from a secondaryroad.

• Y o u enter a paved road from an unpaved road.• Y o u plan to make a left turn undo vehicle is approaching

from the opposite direction.

rC4T,

When two cars enter an open intersection at the same time,the driver on the left must yield to the driver on the right.

5.15 - RoundaboutsRoundabouts a r e c i rc u l a rintersections with no traffic signalwhich improve traffic flow andreduce t r a f f i c c r a s h e s .Roundabouts slow vehicle speed,give drivers more time to judge andreact t o o the r vehicles o rpedestrians. Drivers entering theroundabout must yield to traffic already in the circle and aredirected in one-way, counterclockwise direction. For multi-lane roundabouts, stay in the left lane to turn left and theright lane to turn right, and all lanes to go through, unlessotherwise directed by signs or pavement markings. Stay inyour lane within the roundabout and use your right turnsignal to indicate your intention to exit.

Prior to entering or exiting the roundabout, drivers must yieldto pedestrians in the crosswalks. Bicyclists may lake thelane in the roundabout, or use the sidewalk.

Page 35: 2013 Florida Drivers Handbook

5.16 - DrivewaysDrivers entering and exiting a road from a driveway, alloy orroadside should yield to vehicles already on the main roadand bicyclists and pedestrians on the sidewalk, shared usepath or bike lanes.

5.17 - Emergency VehiclesPedestrians and drivers must yield the right-of-way to lawenforcement vehicles. fire engines and other emergencyvehicles using sirens and/ or flashing lights. Pull over to theclosest edge of the roadway immediately and stop until theemergency vehicle has passed. Do not block intersections

5,17•1 - Move Over

(See section 1.5 for information about the Move Over Law)

5.18 - Making TurnsTurning a corner may seem to be asimple operation. but many trafficcrashes are caused by drivers whodo not turn correctly.There are nine steps in making agood turn:1. Make up your mind about your

turn before you get to the turningpoint. Turn signals are requiredwhen changing lanes. Nevermake "last minute" turns.

2. I f you must change lanes, lookbehind and to both sides to seewhere other vehicles are locatedbefore making your turn.

3. Move into the correct lane asyou near the intersection. Thecorrect lane for the right turn isthe lane next to the right edge ofthe roadway.

4. On a two-lane road with traffic inboth directions, an approach for • - •a left turn should be made in the ' • =

part of the right half of the f rroadway nearest the center line.5. Gi v e a turn signal for at least the

last 100 feet before you makeyour turn. Let other drivers knowwhat you are going to do. Besure that the drivers aroundyou have time to see yoursignal before you move,

6. Slow down to a safe turning speed. Pay attention to -n o turn on red

- o r ' s t op h e re- wh en p ed es t ri an s are

present/crossing.7. When you are slowing to make a right turn, the bicyclist

you passed may be catching up to you. Search overyour shoulder before turning. Yield to bicyclists andpedestrians. After checking that traffic is clear, look inthe direction of travel to avoid colliding with a vehicle orpedestrian in front of you.

8. Always scan for pedestrians before starting a left turn.Yield to pedestrians who may be crossing in your pathwhen turning left. Only turn left when the path is clear of

28

pedestrians, bicyclists and vehicles.9. Make the turn, staying in the proper lane. Yield the right-

of-way to vehicles (including bicycles) coming fromthe opposite direction or vehicles lawfully passing onthe left.

10 Finish your turn in the proper lane. A right turn should befrom the right lane into the right lane of the roadwayentered. A left turn may be completed in any lanelawfully available, or safe, for the desired direction oftravel. See the diagrams for making left turns from orinto one-way streets.

It you reach an intersection where you wish to make a rightor left turn and are not in the proper lane, you should drive tothe next intersection. Then make the turn from the properlane.

5.19 - Turnabout (Three-Po in t T u r n )Sometimes you will need to turn your cararound in a yen/ small space. Use athree-point turn only if the road is toonarrow for a U-turn and you can't goaround the block. To make a three-pointturn:1. Move as far right as possible, check

traffic, and signal a left turn.2. Turn the steering wheel sharply to the left and move

forward slowly. Stop at the curb, or edge of roadway.3. Shift to reverse, turn your wheels sharply to the right,

check traffic, and back your vehicle to the right curb, oredge of roadway.

You can now move in the opposite direction. Check thetraffic and move forward. Never make a three-point turn or aU-turn on a curve, a hill or when a sign indicates that makinga U-turn is prohibited,

5.20 - Turn Signals and Emergency SignalsYou must use hand signals or directional signals to showthat you are about to turn. Turn signals are required by lawwhen changing lanes or overtaking a vehicle. You shoulduse your turn signals to indicate your intention with sufficienttime to allow other drivers around you to see your signalBEFORE you move. I I is against the law to use yourdirectional signals to tell drivers behind you that they canpass. Four-way emergency flashers should only be usedwhile your vehicle is legally stopped or disabled on thehighway or shoulder.

•rngtr. turn

411111

Slo w or stop

44k

4 .11

Leh ruin

5.21 - Traffic LanesOn a two-lane highway, you are allowed to drive on the lefthalf of the roadway when it is safe to pass and passing isallowed. If the road has four or more lanes with two-waytraffic, drive in the right lanes except when overtaking andpassing. Left lanes on some interstate roads are reserved forcar pool vehicles with two or more occupants in the car -

Page 36: 2013 Florida Drivers Handbook

watch for diamond signs in the median. The center lane of athree-lane or five-lane highway is used only for turning left.

If you see red reflectors facing you on the lane lines, you areon the wrong side of the road. Get into the proper laneimmediately! If you see red reflectors on the lines on theedge of the road, you are on the wrong freeway ramp. Pullover immediately! Red reflectors always mean you arefacing traffic the wrong way and could have a head-oncollision.

Some roads have lanes reserved for bicycles. Motorizedvehicles are not allowed to drive in bike lanes, except atintersections where indicated by broken white lines, and onlywhen no bicyclists are present in the bike lane.

5.22 - Blind SpotsBlind spots are areas near theleft and tight rear corners of yourvehicle that you cannot see inyour rearview mirrors. Beforeyou move sideways to changelanes on an expressway or topass on any road, turn your head to make sure these areasare clear. Areas bordered by Xs are blind spots tor a car withan outside mirror on the left side only.

On the roads with more than one lane in each direction, donot drive in someone else's blind spot. Speed up or dropback so the other dnver can see you.

5.23 - PassingStay a safe distance behind the vehicle you want topass. The closer you get to the vehicle you want to pass,the less you can see ahead. This is especially true whenpassing trucks, trailers, and other large vehicles.

• Before you pull out to pass, check your blind spots andmake sure that you have plenty of time and room topass.

• O n a two-lane road, tap your horn, or at night blink yourheadlights to let the other driver know you are passing.Give your signal before you move into the left lane. Turnsignals are required when changing lanes. Be sure thatthe drivers around you have time to see your signalBEFORE you move.Do not return to the right side of the road until you cansee the tires of the vehicle you passed in your rearviewmirror.You must return to the right side of the road beforecoming within 200 feet of any vehicle coming front theopposite direction.Passing on the right is only legal when there are two ormore lanes of traffic moving in the same direction or thevehicle you are passing is making a left turn. Pulling offthe roadway to pass on the right is against the law.

rang tight

TT TIM L-5t O o

t h t g ra Mote pvIng

29

Other parked or stopped vehicles can create vision blockageobscuring the presence of pedestrians crossing the road orcyclists sharing the roadway. I f another vehicle has stoppedin an adjacent lane in the same direction of travel, beobservant in case the other motorist has stopped for apedestrian or disabled vehicle.

5•23.1 - Being Passed• Th e driver of the car being passed must not increase

speed until the pass is complete.• He l p other drivers pass you safely. Move to the right side

of your lane to give them more room and a better view ofthe road ahead.

5.23.2 - When You May Not Pass

DO NOT OVERTAEE AND PASS AT THESE LOCATIONS

111111'. a l l iq l 1 1 1 1 11 111rs

I 1 1 1. . /.4 "

rgkenI ne

-4 - -A sold

titleINTERSECTIONS

broken Ime HILLS s o l d hoe soiddouble CURVESyelkw

braenhise

RAILROADS

You may not pass on a two-lane road with traffic moving inopposite directions under these conditions:• Where you seen 'DO NOT PASS" o r-N O P A S S I N G

ZONE" sign. The prohibition of passing in a noPassing zone does not apply when an obstructionexists making it necessary to drive to the left of thecenter of the highway is 316.0875(3) F.S.I. Thus, whena cyclist is traveling so slowly as to constitute an'obstruction," a motorist may cross the center line in ano-passing zone if the way is clear to do so. i.e., when itcan be seen that oncoming traffic is far enough away thepass may be completed before coming within 200 feet ofan oncoming vehicle.

• Where a solid yellow line is painted on your side of thecenter line.

• O n hills or curves, and at intersections.• Within 100 feet of a bridge, viaduct, tunnel, or railroad

crossing. Violators may be arrested or issued a ticket.

5.24 - Minimum Safe Following DistancesLeave plenty of space between you and the vehicle ahead,including bicycles. If it stops quickly, you will need time tosee the danger and stop.

5.24.1 - Using the Two-Second RuleAt any speed, you can use the two-second rule to see if youare far enough behind the car in front of you:• Watch the vehicle ahead pass some fixed point - an

overpass, sign, fence corner, or other marker.

Page 37: 2013 Florida Drivers Handbook

• Count off the seconds it takes you to reach the samespot in the road Cone thousand and one, one thousandand two...').

• I f you reach the mark before you finish counting, you arefollowing too closely. Stow down and check yourfollowing distance again.

The two-second rule appkes to any speed in good weatherand road conditions. If road or weather conditions are notgood, double your following distance. Y o u should alsodouble your following distance when driving a motor home ortowing a trailer.

5.24.2 -Following Distance for TrucksA truck or any vehicle towing another vehicle may not followwithin 300 feet of another truck or vehicle towing a vehicle.This law does not apply to overtaking and passing, and itdoes not apply within cities or towns.

5.25 - ParkingWhen parking on a public road, move as far away from trafficas possible. If there is a roadside shoulder, pull as far onto itas you can. If there is a curb, pull close to it - you must notpark more than one foot away.

Always park on the right side of the roadway, unless it is aone-way street. Make sure your vehicle cannot move. Setthe parking brake and shift to park with an automatictransmission or reverse with a manual transmission. Turn offthe engine and lock the vehicle. Florida law requires thatyou take the keys out of your vehicle before leaving it.Always check traffic behind you before getting out, especiallyfor bicyclists who may be endangered by an opening door,or get out on the curb side.

Before you leave any parked position. look over yourshoulder to the rear to make sure the way is clear. Give theproper turn signal if driving from a curb and yield to othertraffic.

5.25.1 - Parking on HillsWhen parking on hills:• Tu rn your wheels so that If your car starts to move, it will

roll away from traffic or into the curb. Study the diagramprovided.

• S e t the parking brake.• P lace automatic gear shift in park. Shift manual gears to

reverse (downhill) or first (uphill).• Tu rn vehicle off.

ottebtom

4Wanctzbtotritthazb

5.25.2 - Straight-In ParkingThe rear markers represent the REAR comers of the parkingspace. The forward markers represent the approximateCENTER of the parldng space. When properly parked, the

30

vehicle should be centered inside the space with no part ofthe vehicle extending out into the traffic lane.

Peta3023Urifliked=co:bag:4aa h o w *

Is'

=1/11•1t1tettepmtsducadtboot

5.25.3 - Where Parking is not Allowed• O n the roadway side of another parked vehicle (double

parking).• O n crosswalks.• O n sidewalks.• I n bicycle lanes• I n front of driveways.• B y curbs painted yellow or where 'No Parkin

posted.• W h i n intersections.• Wi thin 15 feet of a fire hydrant• Wi thin 20 feet of an intersection.• Wi thin 20 feet of the entrance to a fire,

ambulance or rescue squad station.• Wi thin 50 feet of a railroad crossing.• O n the hard surface of a highway where

parking spaces are not marked.• O n any bridge or overpass or in any tunnel.• Wi thin 30 feet of a rural mail box on a state highway

between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m.• Within 30 feet of any flashing signal, stop sign or traffic

signal.• I n such a way that you block or create a hazard for other

vehicles.

NOPARKING

onPATENT

NOPARKINGMYT1ME

4••••

5.254 - Parking LightsParking lights must be used at night on any vehicle parkedon a roadway or shoulder outside of cities and towns. Drivingwith parking lights only (in place of headlights) is against thelaw.

5.25.5 - Parking Privileges for Persons with Mobility 11ImpairmentsPersons with mobility impairments do not have to payparking fees on any public street, highway, or metered spaceand may park in spaces reserved for person with disabilities.To park in these designated spaces, a person needs toobtain a parking placard or obtain a specialty license plateauthorized to park in the reserved spaces.

Parking PlacardsVehicles must display a valid paridng placard which Is visiblefrom the front and rear of the vehicle. Each side of theplacard must have the international symbol of accessibility ina contrasting color in the center. The placards may beobtained from a tag agent or Tax Collectorls office and mustbe renewed every four years.

Page 38: 2013 Florida Drivers Handbook

1. Proof of Eligibility: Statement from a physician licensedin the United States, the Division of Blind Services of theDepartment of Education, or the VeteransAdministration, that the applicant is a severely physicallydisabled individual with permanent mobility problemswhich substantially impair his or her ability to ambulateor is certified as legally blind.

2. Display: Visible from the front and rear of thevehicle.

3. Procedure: Contact your local county tax collector or tagagent.a. Complete HSMV 83039 - Application for a disabled

person's parking permit.b. Provide proof of eligibility - Doctor's Statement issued

within the last 12 months.c. Application for permanent disabled parking permit is

no fee - blue.d. Pay $15 for temporary disabled person parking permit

red.e. Present valid Florida driver license or identification

card if one was issued and available.

Vehicles with Specialty License Plates that display theISA Symbol may legally park in spaces reserved for peoplewith Disabilities.

Disabled American Veterans (DAV) and Paralyzed Veteransof America (PVA) plates are not required to have the ISASymbol. The ISA Symbol is optional:

1 3 4 .0%Parking reserved for people with disabilities is a Federal

and State legal requirement. Accessible parking spacesallow motorists with disabilities safe and equal access togoods and services. It is illegal for any vehicle to park, stop,or stand in these spaces unless it displays a Parking Permit,a Specialty License Plate with the ISA symbol issued by theFlorida DMV, or a similar permit or plate issued by anotherstate. I n addition, the vehicle must actually be transportingthe person with the disability who owns the permit orregistration. Law enforcement officers are authorized torequest proof o f ownership o f the Parking Permitidentification card or a vehicle with a Specialty ISA LicensePlate. Do not loan your Parking Permit. Anyone who obtainsor uses a permit that does not belong to them can becharged with a second degree misdemeanor, punishable bya $500 fine or up to 6 months in jail, and the illegally parkedvehicle can be towed and the permit confiscated.

See the department web site for additional information ondisabled parking permits.www.fihsmv.govidmvidisabled_pkg.html#3

5.26 - Expressway DrivingExpressways - also called interstate highways, freeways,and turnpikes are multiple-lane roads with no stop signs,traffic lights, o r railroad crossings. For these reasons,expressways can give you a fast, safe way to gel where youneed to go.

Pedestrians, hitchhikers, bicycles, animal-drawn vehicles ormotor-driven cycles and motor scooters with 150 cubic

31

centimeter displacement o r less are not allowed onexpressways.

5.26.1 - Entering and Leaving ExpresswaysVehicles can enter and leave expressways only at certainpoints. Because expressway traffic is usually moving at orclose to the maximum speed allowed, you need to know howto enter and exit safely.

All expressway entrances have three basic pads: anentrance ramp, an acceleration lane, and a merging area.Follow these guidelines to enter an expressway safely:• O n the entrance ramp, begin checking for an opening in

traffic. Signal for your turn.• A s the ramp straightens into the acceleration lane,

speed up. Try to adjust your speed so that you canmove into the traffic when you reach the end of theacceleration lane.

• Merge into traffic when you can do so safely. Youmust yield the right-of-way to traffic on the expressway.You cannot always count on other drivers moving over togive you room to enter, but do not stop on anacceleration lane unless traffic is too heavy and there isno space for you to enter safely.

When leaving an expressway:• Ge t Into the exit lane. Posted signs will tell you which

one. Most expressway exits are from the right lane.• Signal your intention to leave the expressway by using

your turn signal.• S l ow down as soon as you are off the expressway.

Check the posted safe speed for the exit ramp.• D o not make last-minute turns into an exit. If you go past

your exit, you must go to the next one.

tkrol

Do t i o t 5 1 — . . • Dictumwm1 * ( 5 a n ../ Slc ogr amlAhr tunrg

bgto ()microbe! tArw

la s W a u te \DIAA Maim

(hat i t”Am:AO SAP SpNd

•ng npr ins ivay F o o r n e l l u t p

5.26.2 - Expressway Safety Reminders• P l an your trip. Know just where you will get on and get

off.• Dri v e 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. If you stay in the right lane, watch forcars entering the expressway. Adjust your speed ormove into the center lane so they can enter safely.

Page 39: 2013 Florida Drivers Handbook

• Never stop on the pavement, shoulder, or connectingramp of an expressway except in an emergency. If yourvehicle breaks down, It may be parked on the side of theexpressway (completely off the pavement) for no morethan six hours. Raise your hood and tie a white cloth toyour antenna or left door handle to show you need help.

• Never back up on an expressway entrance ramp or exitramp. The only exception to this would be if you aretrying to enter an expressway through an exit. In thiscase, you would see a 'WRONG WAY or 'DO NOTENTER sign. Then you must back up or turn around.

• D o not UEFA drive on or park on the median strip.• D o not follow too closely. Rear end collisions are the

greatest danger on expressways. Always leave room foremergency stops.

• Stop driving when you feel tired. On long trips the hum ofthe engine and your lack of movement can make youfeel sleepy. Stop for a cup of coffee, a short walk, or anap. Do not risk falling asleep at the wheel.

5.27 - Night Driving

Hip born beadatts r t s c a l obletti up to a dluancg W o n t450 tett axl intrnonclecthe soolds tzszef than 2 5 .0 .

.111111111111111111111111111111r1

I filli

r s l o o l u • - , ,o 4 t m m g m 00 0I I J I I I

11•111 O r

You will need to drive with extra care at night. You cannotsee as far ahead or to the side, and glare from oncomingcars can reduce your vision even more. Follow theseguidelines for driving at night:• Use your headlights (low beam or high beam) between

the hours of sunset and sunrise.• Low beam headlamps are only effective for speeds up to

20-25 MPH. You must use special care when drivingfaster than these speeds, since you are unable to detectpedestrians, bicyclists and others.

• High beam headlights can reveal objects up to adistance of at 450 feet and are most effective for speedsfaster than 25 MPH.

• Don' t use high-beam headlights within 500 feet ofoncoming vehicles.

• I f you are behind other vehicles, use iow beams whenyou are within 300 feet of the vehicle ahead.

• When leaving a brightly lit place, drive slowly until youreyes adjust to the darkness.

• Don't look directly at oncoming headlights. Instead,watch the right edge of your lane. Look quickly to besure of the other vehicle's position every few seconds.

• Drive as far to the right as you can if a vehicle with onefight comes toward you.

5.28 -AnimalsWid and domestic animals may move unpredictably towardsor across the travel path of an approaching motor vehicle.When an animal is seen in the road or on the road shoulder,you should slow down and, if necessary, yield the right-of-

32

way. Be especially careful in rural areas at night. Often ananimal's eyes shining in the headlight beams will be seenfirst. Use reasonable care when approaching a person whois riding or leading an animal on the roadway or shoulder ofthe road. Horses have poor side vision and are easilyfrightened by loud noises or sudden movements.

5.29 - Reduced VisibilityYou must turn on your low beam (dim) headlights whendriving between sunset and sunrise, including the twilighthours between sunset and sunrise or between full night andsunrise. You must also use these lights during any rain,smoke or fog. Parking fights do not meet requirements of thislaw.

5.29.1 - Fog or SmokeWidfires, smoke, fog and heavy rain can lower visibility onthe roads. Ills important for drivers to drive as safely aspossible in these conditions.

Safety tips on driving in low visibility:• Slow down, but do not slam you brakes.• Turn your headlights on low.• I f you must stop, pull all the way off the road and turn on

your emergency flashers to let drivers know you areparked.

• Report the hazard to the local law enforcement agenciesor 911.

• Check traffic conditions before traveling, by dialing 511or visiting www.511.com.

5.29.2. RainThe first few drops of rain mean danger. Roads are mostslippery just after the rain begins because oil dropped fromcars has not been washed away. Slow down and plan for atleast two times the normal stopping distance.

In a heavy rain, your tires can ride on a thin film of water, Ekeskis. This is called hydroplaning. When your tires are nottouching the road, you can easily lose control and skid. Keepyour tires on the road by slowing down when It rains, and byhaving fires with the right air pressure and good tread.

Brakes often become wet after driving through deep water ordriving in heavy rain. They may put to one side or the other,or they may not hold at ail. If this happens, stow down andgently push on the brake pedal until your brakes are workingagain.

5.30 - Handling EmergenciesWhen you are driving, things can happen very quickly. Youmay have only a fraction of a second to make the rightmove. Follow these guidelines for handling emergencies.

5.30.1 - Breakdowns• I f possible, park where the disabled vehicle can be seen

for 200 feet in each direction.• Move the vehicle so all four wheels are out of traffic

lanes.• Turn on your emergency flashers.• Get all passengers out on the side away from traffic.

Page 40: 2013 Florida Drivers Handbook

• T ie a white cloth on the left door handle or antenna.• Raise the hood.

5.30.2 - Tire Blowout• D o not use brakes.• Concentrate on steering.• Slow down gradually.• Brake softly when the carts under control.• Pul l completely off the pavement.

5.30.3 Wet Brakes• Test brakes lightly after driving through deep water.• Brakes may pull to one side or may not hold at all.• Dry brakes by driving slowly in low gear and applying

brakes.

5.304 - Right Wheels off Pavement• Take your foot off the gas pedal.• Hold the wheel firmly and steer In a straight line.• Brake lightly.• Wait until the road is clear.• Turn back on the pavement sharply at slow speed.

5.30.5 - Car or Motorcycle Approaching In your Lane• Sound your horn.• Brake sharply.• Steer for the side of the road or the ditch.

5.30.6 Jammed Gas Pedal• Keep your eyes on the road.• T ap the gas pedal with your foot.• Tr y to pry the pedal up with the toe of your shoe.• Shi ft into neutral.• Turn off the ignition. (Do not him the key to lock, or your

steering will lock.)• Use your brakes.

5.30.7 - Brake Failure• Pump the brake pedal hard and fast, except for vehicles

with anti-lock brakes.• Shi ft to a lower gear.• Apply the parking brake slowly and make sure that you

are holding down the release lever or button. This willprevent your rear wheels from locking and your vehiclefrom skidding.

• Rub your tires on the curb to slow your vehicle, or pull offthe road Into an open space.

5.30.8 - Skidding• Take your foot off the gas pedal.• D o not use your brakes, if possible.• Pump the brakes gently if you are about to hit

something.• Steer the car into the direction of the skid to straighten

the vehicle out Then steer in the direction you wish to

5.30.9 - Fire• i f the fire is small and you have a portable extinguisher,

you should attempt to extinguish the fire.• I f you cannot extinguish the fire and It continues to get

33

larger, get away from the vehicle, due to the presence oftoxic fumes and the possibility of explosion.

• Never apply water to a gasoline or diesel fire.

5.3010 — Submerged Vehicles• Stay calm and help passengers stay calm,• Evaluate your situation.• I f the vehicle is floating or sinking slowly, you should be

able to roll down your windows. Then, you can jump outof the vehicle and swim to safety.

• I f you are sinking rapidly, you need to wait for the waterpressure inside the vehicle to become equal to the waterpressure outside the vehicle. When the water is abouthalf way up the window, about shoulder level, startrolling down the window. You may get a rush of watercoming through the window. Try to stay in the air pocketat the top off the car. When the water stops rushing, takeyour last breath of air and swim up to safely, exhaling asyou go.

• I f your vehicle has power windows, and the electricsystem shuts down when you hit the water, you will notbe able to roll down your windows. Walt for the vehicle tofill with water. Then swinging a hammer or other heavyobject at the bottom of the window and punch outward.The glass will shatter and you can push It out carefullywith the hammer.

5.31 - First AidIf you come upon an accident, send someone for help. Thenapply the three first aid rules:

5.31.1 - Start the BreathlngIf the Injured person has stopped breathing, start artificialrespiration right away. Do not stop until a doctor tells you tostop, or until the victim is breathing normally.Follow these steps:• Use your fingers to clear the victim's mouth.• Place the victim on his or her back, lift the neck, and lift

the head back.• Hold the victim's nose tightly and blow vigorously

through the mouth to make the chest expand once everyfive seconds (twelve times a minute).

• When the injured person is a small child, do not pinchthe nose. Cover the child's nose and mouth with yourmouth and blow smaller more frequent breaths, about20 per minute.

5.31.2 - Stop the BleedingMost bleeding can be stopped by pressing down on thewound. if possible you should place a gauze pad over thewound and then press down. If you do not have a gauzepad, a clean cloth or even your fingers will have to be used.Bleeding from an artery should always be stopped first. Thebtood from an artery will be bright red and will come out ofthe wound in spurts. If the blood is darker in color and flowsevenly, it Is from a vein.

5.31.3 Treat For ShookPersons who have been injured may go into shock. Whensomeone Is In shock, all of the body functions slow down.Shock can be very serious. It can cause death. Shock maydevelop right after a crash or later. Injured persons must be

Page 41: 2013 Florida Drivers Handbook

treated for shock regardless of whether or not they appear to 1 7 . When driving in the rain: fog. or smoke in the daytime,.be in shock: w h a t lights do you turn use? (See section 529.1) -1 1• Reassure the injured person. Your calmness will help.

Do not give them anything to drink.• Cov er the person with blankets or coals to hold body

heat. Have the person lie flat.• Keep onlookers back so that the injured person has air,• K eep their head as low as possible unless there is a

head injury.• Loosen tight collars to make breathing easier.

DO NOT MOVE AN INJURED PERSON WHO CANNOTMOVE OR COMPLAINS OF PAIN IN THE BACK ORNECK. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO REMOVE THE HELMET OFAN INJURED MOTORCYCLE OR BICYCLE RIDER.

Test Your Knowledge

1, I f a law enforcement officer stops a vehicle for a violationand finds a front seat passenger, 17 years of age oryounger not wearing a safety belt, who will be chargedwith the seat belt violation? (See section 5.7)

2. To what ages does the Child Restraint Law apply? (Seesection 2.1 and 5,8)

3. What is the maximum speed limit in a residential area ifthere is no speed limit sign? (See section 5,9)

4. What is the maximum speed limit on an interstatehighway on a clear day? In a rural area? (See section5.9)

5. When you are driving too slowly, can you be issued aticket? (See section 5.9.1)

6: I f you approach a red light and a traffic officer directs youto go through the intersection without stopping, whatshould you do? (See section 5.10)

7. What is the arm signal for a lett turn? Right turn? Slow orstop? (See section 5.20)

8. When may you drive in the left lane of a road with four ormore lanes with two-way traffic? (See section 5.21)

9. After passing a vehicle, you must return to the right sideof the road before coming within how many feet of anoncoming vehicle? (See section 5,23)

10. At what places is it unlawful to overtake and pass? (Seesection 5.23.2)

11. What is the recommended safe following distance? (Seesection 5.24.1)

12. Which way should you turn your wheels when parkingfacing uphill where there is a curb? Which way shouldyou turn them where there is not a curb? (See section5.25.1)

.13. What should you do if you drive past the exit on aninterstate highway where you wanted to get off? (Seesection 5,26.1)

14. At what times should you use your headlights? (Seesection 5.27)

15, When approaching another vehicle from the rear atnight, within how many feet must you dim your brightheadlights? (See section 5.27)

16. Within how many feet of an oncoming vehicle should youdim your bright headlights? (See section 5,27)

34

If You C o l dSave A Life,Would You?

You CanSay "yes" toorgan, tissue

and eyedonation.

Join Florida'sorgan, tissue

and eye donorregistry.

www.Dona teLi fe nor ida .org

Page 42: 2013 Florida Drivers Handbook

HELP MFIKE H DIFFERENCE

,

-tzvx•t'v4L'"

LAURENSKIDSARG

F L O RI DA

• IF YOU OR ANYONE YOU KNOW IS A VICTIM OF ABUSE, CALI THE

OMEN'S KIDS LAUREN'S KIDS 24-HOUR HOTLINE AT: 1-811-1110S-01IHURENSKIDS.ORG

42 MILLION SURVIVORSOF CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE

Mission:Our Mission is to prevent childhood sexualabuse through education and awareness, and tohelp survivors heal with guidance and support.

Page 43: 2013 Florida Drivers Handbook

Section 6Sharing the Road

6.1 Pedestrians

6.1.1 — Safety Rules for Motorist Regarding PedestriansIt is the motorists responsibility to doeverything possible to avoid collidingwith pedestrians. Bicyclists, skatersand skateboarders in a crosswalk ordriveway are considered pedestrians.1. Turning motorists must stop for

pedestrians at intersecfions anddriveways.

2 Motorists must stop or yield as appropriate forpedestrians crossing the street or driveway at anymarked mid-block crossing, driveway or intersectionwithout traffic signals.

3. Drivers must not block the crosswalk when stopped at ared light. Do not stop with any portion of your vehicleoverhanging the crosswalk area. Blocking a crosswalkforces pedestrians logo around your vehicle, and putsthem in a dangerous situation.

4. You must stop and remain stopped for pedestrians onthe sidewalk when entering or leaving an alley, driveway,or private road.

5. Do not make a turn that causes a pedestrian to stop,slow down or make some other special effort to avoid acollision.

6, I f children are in the vicinity, take special care, becausechildren are not fully aware of the dangers of traffic.

7. B e respectful of others who have difficulty in crossingstreets, such as elderly persons or persons with a visualdisability.

Be especially observant for children in or along the roadwayand be aware of pedestrians sharing the road wheresidewalks are not present.

When a vehicle is stopped at a crosswalk to permit apedestrian to cross the roadway, the driver of any othervehicle approaching from the rear shall not overtake andpass such stopped vehicle.

Note: When one driver stops to let a pedestrian cross, thestopped vehicles may screen the pedestrian from the view ofan approaching driver, and also screen the approachingvehicle from the pedestrian's view. The law thereforerequires a driver approaching a vehicle stopped a t acrosswalk from the rear to assume that a pedestrian may becrossing, even when none can be seen at the moment. Aviolation of this rule can causeserious injury because theovertaking driver is travellingat speed. To reduce this risk,seasoned pedestrians pauseto scan the next traffic lanebefore advancing beyond theoutside edge of any "screen".

35

6.1.2 - Safety Rules for Pedestrians1. Look to the left, right, and left for traffic before stepping

off any curb, and keep looking as you cross.2. Crosswalks at intersections may be marked or

unmarked. Crossing is preferred at Intersections ordesignated crosswalks in the middle of a block.However, pedestrians may cross at other locations if notbetween adjacent signalized intersections but arerequired to yield to other traffic.

3. Cross with the green light. "WALK" or "walking person"symbol. Make sure you have enough time to cross.Many locations in Florida have 'count-down" pedestriansignals. These indicate the lime remaining for thecrossing.

4. While walking along a highway without a sidewalk,always walk on the shoulder on the left side, facingtraffic. Wear light colored and reflective clothing or use aflashlight to make you more visible to drivers at night.

6.1.3- Persons Who are BlindThe primary traveling aids for aperson who is blind are often awhite cane or a trained guidedog. Independent t ra v e linvoNes some risk that can begreatly reduced when you, thedriver, are aware of the use andmeaning o f a white cane orguide dog.

11111r/a,25)1-1-

Drivers must always yield the right-of-way to persons whoare blind. When a pedestrian is crossing a street or highwayguided by a dog or carrying a white cane (or a white canewith a red tip), vehicles must come to a complete stop.

6.1.4 - Mobility-Impaired Persons 2Drivers must yield the right-of-way to mobility-impairedpersons and pedestrians utilizing the assistance of a guidedog or service animal.

Mobility impaired persons must use sidewalks; however.they may leave the sidewalk and use the roadway to avoid apotential conflict, Drivers should be on the lookout forpedestrians leaving the sidewalk.

When a pedestrian is crossing a public street or highway andthe pedestrian is using a walker, a crutch, or an orthopediccane or wheelchair, vehicles must come to a completestop.

6.2 - BicyclesIn Florida, the bicycle is legally defined as a vehicle andhas all of the privileges, rights and responsibilities to utilizethe roadway as a motor vehicle operator does. Bicyclists onpublic roads (except for expressways) have the same rightsand responsibilities as drivers of motorized vehicles.

Respect the right-of-way of bicyclists because they areentitled to share the road with other drivers. Unlike motorists,bicyclists may also operate on sidewalks (except whereprohibited by local ordinance), but must yield to pedestrianson sidewalks and in crosswalks.

Page 44: 2013 Florida Drivers Handbook

Riding against the flow of traffic in the adjacent traffic lane ona sidewalk is not illegal. However, it places cyclists wheremotorists entering or leaving the roadway at driveways andIntersections do not expect wheeled traffic. As cyclists movefaster than pedestrians, conflicts between motorists andsidewalk riders at driveways and Intersection crosswalks candevelop rapidly.

6.2.1 — Sharing the Road with a BicycleExpect to find a bicyclist on all types of roads(except interstate highways), a t a l lintersections and roundabouts, in all types ofweather, and at all times of the day andnight. Bicyclists may ride out of the bike lanein the travel lane for their own safety due tonarrow roads, o r to avoid obstacles o rpavement hazards, or to prepare for a leftturn. On roads without shoulders, or with cars parked alongthe right side, often the safest place for a bicyclist to ride is inthe center of the lane. A bicyclist may use the full lane evenwhile traveling substantially below the speed of traffic if thelane Is too narrow for a car to safely pass a bicycle within thelane. Most travel lanes in Florida range from 10' to 12' wideand guidance indicates that a 14' lane is a width that allowssafe sharing with most motor vehicles.• Florida law requires that motorists give cyclists a

minimum of three feet of clearance and reduce theirspeed.

• O n a two lane road, pass a bicyclist like a slow movingvehicle, and only when it is safe to do so.

• A t night, avoid using high beam headlights when yousee a cyclist approaching.

• D o not follow a cyclist closely in order to have adequatespace to slow. Bicycles can maneuver quickly and mayreduce speed or swerve to avoid a road hazard that amotorist cannot see.

• Before opening a car door, check for bicyclists who maybe approaching from behind.

• Avoid honking your horn. Bicyclists can usually hear anapproaching vehicle and loud noises can startlebicyclists, causing a crash.

6.2.2 — Bike Lanes Intersections and DrivewaysAt intersections, always assume that bicyclists are travelingstraight unless they signal otherwise. Yield to bicycles just asyou would to any other vehicle. Bicyclists often ride onsidewalks and trails, so look both ways before crossing asidewalk or trail. A bicycle may come from an unexpecteddirection.

A large percentage of motorist bicycle crashes occur atintersections. When making a tell turn, check for and yield tobicyclists coming from the opposite direction. When makinga right turn, signal your turn, check for bicyclists, and do notturn directly in front of a bicyclist. They may travel faster thanyou think. When a bike lane is present, signal your turn andyield to any bicycfist in the bike lane, before crossing thebike lane to enter a right turn lane. If no right turn lane ispresent, yield to any cyclist present in the bike lane andmake your turn behind the bicyclist. Otherwise merge intothe bike lane before making your turn.

36

6.2.3 — Young CyclistsChildren on bicycles can be unpredictable and can makesudden changes in direction. Be especially careful whenchildren are present, and strictly obey the speed limit inschool zones and residential areas.

Persons riding bicycles or mopeds on a roadway have thesame rights (with certain exceptions) and duties as motorvehicle drivers and may be ticketed for traffic violations.Know and obey these laws:• Bicyclists must obey all traffic controls and signals.• A n adult bicyclist may carry a child in a backpack or

sling, child seat or trailer designed to carry children.• Y o u may not allow a passenger to remain in a child seat

or carrier when you are not in immediate control of thebicycle.

• Bicyclists and passengers under age 16 are required towear helmets that meet federal safety standards. Ahelmet purchased before October 1, 2012, which meetsthe standards of the American National StandardsInstitute, the standards of Snell Memorial Foundations orany other nationally recognized standards for bicyclehelmets adopted by the department may continue lobeworn by a bicycle rider or passenger until January 1,2016.

• Every bicycle must be equipped with a brake or brakeswhich allow the bicyclist to stop within 25 feet whentraveling from a speed of 10 miles per hour on a dry,level, clean pavement.

• A bicyclist on a sidewalk or crosswalk must yield theright-of-way to pedestrians and must give an audiblesignal before passing.

• K eep both hands on the handlebars.• O n the roadway, check behind you before changing

lanes or moving notably within the lane.• F o r use between sunset and sunrise, a bicycle must be

equipped with a lamp on the front exhibiting a white fightvisible from 500 feet to the front and both a red reflectorand a lamp on the rear exhibiting a red light visible from600 feet to the rear.

• I f you are not traveling at the speed of other traffic, stayon the right-most portion of the roadway except whenpassing, making a left turn, avoiding hazards or when alane is too narrow for you and a car to share it safely.

• When operating a bicycle on a one-way street with twoor more traffic lanes, you may ride as close to the left-hand edge of the roadway as practicable.

• i f you intend to make a left turn, you are entitled to fulluse of the lane from which the turn is made.

• I n addition to the normal vehicular-style left turn, youmay proceed through the right-most portion of theintersection and turn as close to the curb or edge aspossible at the far side. After complying with any officialtraffic control device, you may proceed in the newdirection of travel.

• Signal your intent to turn to other vehicle operators bypointing in the direction you are going to turn.

• D o not wear headphones or any other listening deviceexcept a hearing aid while bicycling.

• D o not ride a bicycle when under the influence of alcoholor drugs.

Page 45: 2013 Florida Drivers Handbook

6.3 - Motorcycle AwarenessAccording to the Hurt Study (the most comprehensivemotorcycle safety study to date). The failure of motorists todetect and recognize motorcycles i n traffic i s thepredominating cause of motorcycle accidents."

As of July 1, 2010. there were 1.009.803 motorcycleendorsements in the Stale of Florida. That is over a millionbikes on the road! Please take a second to look twicesave a life."

6.3.1 - Sharing the Road with a Motorcycle• Watch for motorcycles and yield the right-of-way.• Look at least three times before pulling into an

intersection or changing lanes and be aware that eventhe smallest of visual impairments can hide a motorcyclefrom view.

• When following a motorcycle, remember thatmotorcycles have the ability of stopping much morequickly than other vehicles. Following too closelyendangers your life and that of the motorcyclist.

• Nev er attempt to share the lane with a motorcycle. Themotorcyclist needs the room to maneuver safely and isentitled to the entire lane,

• Nev er pass a motorcyclist with only a few feet of space.The force of the buffeted wind can cause the rider tolose control. Motorcyclists may also choose to ride nearone side of a lane to maximize the view ahead.

• W hen your vehicle is being passed by a motorcycle,maintain your lane position and speed. Allow themotorcycle to complete the maneuver and assumeproper lane position.It is especially difficult to gauge the speed of amotorcycle because they take up less of your field ofvision, making depth perception more difficult Theymay appear to be much farther away than they reallyare. Be sure of their distance when making a maneuverin front of a motorcycle.

• Motorcyclists often slow down by downshifting or rollingoff the throttle, thus not activating the brake light.Predict a motorcyclist may slow down without visualwarning.

• Maintain a four second buffer zone between you and amotorcyclist, more in bad weather.

• I n traffic, especially in inclement weather or undercertain road conditions, motorcycles operate differentlythan other vehicles. Wind gusts can move a motorcycleacross an entire lane. Wet or icy roads impair amotorcyclist's ability to brake and maneuver. Potholesor railroad tracks often require motorcyclists to changepositions within their lane. Gravel roads decreasetraction and may cause a rider to slow down or brakewhere a car would not. Give the motorcycle extra spacewhen encountering these conditions.

6.4 - MopedsPersons riding mopeds have the same rights and duties asdrivers of motor vehicles. Moped riders committing trafficviolations will receive citations.

37

Know and obey these moped laws:• Y o u must be 16 years of age or older to operate a

moped on a public road.• Operators of mopeds must have the minimum of a Class

E license. No motorcycle endorsement is required.• Mopeds must be registered annually and a tag

purchased.• Mopeds may not be operated on bicycle paths or foot

paths.• Moped operators do not have to carry PIP insurance.• Operators 16 years of age or older are not required to

wear helmets.

6.5 - School BusesOn a r,vo way street or highway,all drivers moving i n ei therdirection must stop for a stoppedschool bus which is picking up ordropping off children. You mustremain stopped until all childrenare clear of the roadway and the bus' stop arm is withdrawn.

If the highway is divided by a raised barrier or an unpavedmedian at least five feet wide, you do not have to stop if youare moving in the opposite direction of the bus. Painted linesor pavement markings are not considered barriers. You mustalways stop if you are moving in the same direction as thebus and you must remain stopped until the bus stop arm iswithdrawn.

Any person using. operating, or driving a vehicle that passesa school bus on the side that children enter and exit whenthe school bus displays a stopped signal commits a movingviolation and will be required to complete a basic driverimprovement course.

6.5.1 - School CrossingsSchool area signs advise drivers of school zones and schoolcrossings. School zones help protect the safety of studentswhen they cross the roadway, School crossings help informdrivers that children use that crossing to go to and fromschool.

Be attenfive to school zone reduced speed limits, schoolcrossing guards, and unpredictable children, since thesesituations may require you to reduce your speed or stop.

When children (walking, bicycling or skating) o r schoolcrossing guards are present in a crosswalk, drivers mostyield or stop at the marked stop line and without stopping inthe crosswalk.

It i s the driver's responsibility t o avoid colliding withpedestrians. Do your part to make every school crossing asafe crossing for children.

Crossing guards are the first to enter and last to exit acrosswalk to indicate to drivers that pedestrians, especiallychildren, are about to cross or are crossing. Do not enter thecrosswalk while a school crossing guard is in the roadway.

Page 46: 2013 Florida Drivers Handbook

NW

M U N E ,Vewlest2wrg

boV1 dfeevrsWAT AID

I M M UNE Paved Ame rtravo,A;

OW...1.1,10T $1,10

6.6 - Public TransitAll drivers should yield the right-of-way to public transitbuses traveling in the same direction which have signaledand are reentering the traffic flow from a specificallydesignated pullout bay.

6.7 - Funeral ProcessionsPedestrians and drivers must yield the right-of-way to funeralprocessions. When the first vehicle in the funeral processionlawfully enters an intersection, other vehicles i n theprocession must have their headlights on as a signal to otherdrivers not to drive between or interfere with the processionwhile it is in motion, unless directed to do so by a lawenforcement officer.

6.8 - Sharing the Road with a TruckWhether you are sharing the road with a car, truck, bus, orother large vehicle, its important for safety's sake to obeytraffic laws, abide by the rules of the road, and drivedefensively. Are there any special rules for sharing the roadwith a truck? Yes! Here are some suggestions fromprofessional truck drivers.

6.8.1- The "No-Zone"Blind Spots. Althoughmost large vehicles haveseveral rearview mirrors,it is easy for a car,motorcycle or bicycle tobe hidden in a largevehicle's blind spot.Do not follow closelybehind a truck or a bus. When driving near a largevehicle, be aware of the driver's blind spots on the right,left, front and behind.

• R e a r Blind Spots. Unlike passenger cars, trucks andbuses have deep blind spots Directly behind thermTailgating greatly increases your chances of a rear-endcollision with a commercial vehicle.

• Unsafe Passing. Another 'No Zone' is just in front oftrucks and buses. When passing a bus or truck, be sureyou can see the cab in your rearview mirror beforepulling in front.

• W i de Right Turns. Truck and bus drivers sometimes

38

need to swing wide to the left in order to safely negotiatea right turn. They cannot see cars, motorcycles orbicycles directly behind or beside them. Cutting inbetween the commercial vehicle and the curb orshoulder to the right increases the possibility of a crash.Backing Up. When a truck is backing up, it sometimesmust block the street to maneuver its trailer accurately.Never cross behind a truck that is preparing to back upor is in the process of doing so. Remember. most trailersare eight and a half feet wide and can completely hideobjects that suddenly come between them and loadingareas. Automobile drivers attempting to pass behind atruck enter a blind spot for both drivers.

6.8.2 • PassingWhen passing a truck, first check to your front and rear,and move into the passing lane only if it is clear and youare in a legal passing zone. Let the truck driver knowyou are passing by blinking your headlights, especially atnight. The driver will make it easier for you by staying tothe far side of the lane.On a level highway, it takes only three to five secondslonger to pass a truck than a car. On an upgrade, a truckoften loses speed, so it is easier to pass than a car. On adowngrade, the truck's momentum will cause it to gofaster, so you may need to increase your speed.

• Complete your pass as quickly as possible, and don'tstay alongside the other vehicle.

• I f the driver blinks his lights after you pass, it's a signalthat it is clear to pull back in. Be sure to move back onlywhen you can see the front of the truck in your rear-viewmirror. After you pass a truck, maintain your speed.

• When a truck passes you, you can help the truck driverby keeping to the far side of your lane. You'll make iteasier for the truck driver if you reduce your speedslightly. In any event, do not speed up while the truck ispassing. After passing, the truck driver will signal to letyou know that the truck will be returning to your lane.

• When you meet a truck coming from the oppositedirection, keep as far as possible to the side to avoid asideswipe crash and to reduce the wind turbulencebetween the two vehicles. Remember that turbulencepushes the vehicles apart; it does not draw themtogether.

6.8.3 - Following a TruckIn general, trucks take slightly longer than cars to stopbecause of their size. However, at highway speeds or onwet roads, trucks may have better fraction and stabilityallowing them to stop more quickly. A car following tooclosely may not be able to stop quickly enough to avoidrear-ending the truck.If you are following a truck, stay out of its -b l i n d S p o t ' t othe rear. Avoid following too closely and position yourvehicle so the truck driver can see you in his sidemirrors. Then you will have a good view of the roadahead, and the truck driver can give you plenty ofwarning for a stop or a turn. You will have more time toreact and make a safe stop.

• When you follow a truck at night, always dim yourheadlights. Bright lights from a vehicle behind will blindthe truck driver when they reflect off the truck's largeside mirrors.

Page 47: 2013 Florida Drivers Handbook

• I f you are stopped behind a truck on an upgrade, leavespace in case the truck drifts back slightly when it startsto move. Also, keep to the left in your lane so the drivercan see that you're stopped behind the truck,

6.9 - Golf CartsA golf cart may be operated only upon a county road thathas been designated by a county, or a municipal street thathas been designated by a municipality, for use by golf carts,Upon a determination that golf carts may be safely operatedon a designated road or street, the responsiblegovernmental entity shall post appropriate signs to indicatethat such operation is allowed.

Operation of golf carts on public road or streets of this stateis granted by F.S. 316.212, however subjected to thefollowing conditions:• A Golf cart may not be operated by anyone under the

age of 14• A Golf cart may be operated during the hours between

sunrise and sunset,• Go l f Carts Operators may cross state roads if the posted

speed limit is 45 mph or less only at an intersecbon withan official traffic control device,

• Go l f carts may be operated only on state roads that havea posted speed limit of 30 miles per hour or less.

• A l l local and state traffic laws must be obeyed. When ina crosswalk, pedestrians and any individual using anadaptive device will always have the right of way.

• Go l f Carts can be driven on the sidewalks adjacent tothe state or county road only if the person driving thecart yield to pedestrians and the sidewalk is at least 5feet wide

To safely operate on designated roads, the golf cart must beequipped with:• Efficient Brakes• Rearview Mirror• Reliable steering apparatus• R e d reflectorized warning devices on both the front and

rear of cart.• S a fe tires

A golf cart may only be operated during the hours betweensunrise and sunset. If local government determines that agolf cart may be operated outside those hours, it must alsobe equipped with:• Headlights• Tu rn signals• Brakes lights• Windshield

*While golf carts cannot travel at high speeds, they can poserisks as there is potential for serious injuries when they comein contact with other motor vehicles that are sharing theroad. To ensure your safety as well as others, you shouldalways exercise care and courtesy while sharing theroadway.

39

Test Your Knowledge

1. Are motorists required to stop or yield for pedestrianscrossing the street or driveway? (See section 6.1.1)

2. What must you do when you see a pedestrian with awhite cane in the street ahead of you? (See section6.1.3)

3. What is the minimum required clearance a motorist mustmaintain from a cyclist? (See section 621)

4. When can a motorist preparing to make a right hand turn,move into a bike lane? (See section 6,2,2)

5, What should you do when preparing to turn right on aroadway with a bike lane? (See section 6,2.2)

6. A s you prepare to turn right at an intersection, whatshould you do? (See section 6,2.2)

7, Do riders of bicycles and mopeds on a roadway have thesame rights and responsibilities as motor vehicledrivers? (See section 6.2.3)

8. Who is required to wear a bicycle helmet? (See section6.2.3)

9. A re vehicles traveling in the opposite direction of schoolbuses that have stopped to unload children on a dividedhighway with a raised barrier required to stop? (Seesection 6.5)

10. When a school bus stops to unload children on a dividedhighway, should the vehicles traveling in the samedirection as the bus stop? (See section 6.5)

11. If a school bus stops to unload children on a four-lanehighway divided only by a four-foot paved strip, mustvehicles traveling in the opposite direction stop? (Seesection 6.5)

12. When children or school crossing guards are present ina crosswalk, what should a driver do? (See section6.5.1)

Become anorgan, t issue

and eye donor.

Register today.DONATE

LIFE

'111,111

www.DonateLifeFlorida.org

Page 48: 2013 Florida Drivers Handbook

Teen Drivers Save More With MylloridaAuto.com

lieedL7r3 Isurance ?My Florida Auto Insurance is yourkey to getting the keys.Comprehensive coverage,28 years serving Florida driversand the best discountsfor teen drivers -all in one convenient place.Call us or go online today and letMyFloridaAuto.com get you the keys for less.Now Go Drive Florida.

MY FLORIDAAUTOIk

insuranceEnglish: 877-470-8682 • Espanol: 877-636-2545

MyFloridaAuto.com

Page 49: 2013 Florida Drivers Handbook

Section 7Signs and Pavement Markings

7.1 - Traffic Control SignalsTraffic signals are placed at intersections tokeep traffic moving and to avoid a crash.Drivers, pedestrians, and bicycle riders mustobey these signals, except when an officer isdirecting traffic. Stop on the stop line if your caris nearest the signal. Some signals change onlywhen a car is at the stop line. Occasionally,even when properly positioned near the stopbar, motorcyclists and bicyclists may not bedetected, If traffic signals are out of order, treat the light as ifit is a four-way stop sign.

RedCome to a complete stop at the marked stop line or beforemoving into the crosswalk o r intersection. A t mostintersections, after stopping, you may turn right on red if theway is clear. Some intersections display a "NO TURN ONRED" sign, which you must obey. Left turns on a red lightfrom a one-way street into a one-way street are alsoallowed. Anyone convicted of running a red light is requiredto complete a basic driver improvement course.

YellowStop if you can safely do so. The light will soon be red.

GreenGo - but only if the intersection is clear. Yield to pedestriansand vehicles still in the intersection. If turning left, wait for agap in oncoming traffic to complete the turn. If you turn left orright, yield to pedestrians crossing in the crosswalk that youturn into.

Pedestrian signals show words or pictures similar to thefollowing examples:

"WALK" or "Walking Person" lights meana pedestrian may begin crossing the street.

"DON'T WALK" or "Raised Hand" lightsmean a pedestrian may not begin crossing.A pedestrian in the crosswalk when the'DON'T WALK' or 'Raised Hand' signalbegins flashing should finish crossing thestreet.

Red ArrowJust like a red light, come to a complete stopat the marked stop line or before moving intothe crosswalk or intersection, After stopping,you may turn right on a red arrow at mostintersections i f the way i s clear. Someintersections display a "NO TURN ON RED"sign, which you must obey. Lett turns on a redarrow from a one-way street into a one-waystreet are also allowed.

r<2

L. .4rZ.761,AL _A

40

Yellow ArrowStop if you can. The light will soon be red, The yellow arrowmeans the same as the yellow light, but applies only tomovement in the direction of the arrow.

Flashing Yellow ArrowA flashing yellow arrow means left turns are allowed. Yield tooncoming traffic and pedestrians. The oncoming traffic has agreen light.

Green ArrowA green arrow, pointing right or lett, means you may make aturn in the direction of the arrow. If the red light is illuminatedat the same time, you must be in the proper lane for such aturn and you must yield the right-of-way to vehicles andpedestrians clearing the intersection.

Flashing SignalsA flashing red light means the same thing as astop sign. It is used at dangerousintersections.

A flashing yellow light means you may moveforward with caution. It is used at, or justbefore, dangerous intersections, or toalert you to a warning sign such as a schoolcrossing or sharp curve.

7.2 - Lane SignalsLane signals are used:• W nen the direction of the flow of traffic

changes during the day.• T o show that a toll booth is open or closed,• T o show which lanes are opened or closed.

You must never drive in a lane under a red X.A yellow X means that your lane signal is goingto change to red. Prepare to leave the lanesafely. You may drive in lanes beneath thegreen arrow, but you must also obey all othersigns and signals.

Green:Red:Blue:

7.3 - Ramp SignalsRamp Signals are signals that control the rate of vehiclesentering a freeway. The signals alternate between red andgreen indications and the driver must wait for the greensignal before he/she may enter the freeway. Ramp signalsare considered traffic control devices and failure to obeyramp signals are subject to the rules of enforcement andfines per Section 316.074, F.S.

7.4 - Traffic SignsShapes and ColorsThere are ten colors and nine shapes of traffic signs. Eachshape and each color has an exact meaning, so you mustacquaint yourself with all of therm

Guide, directional information.Stop, do not enter or wrong way.Motorist services guidance. It is also used toidentify parking spaces for disabled drivers.

Page 50: 2013 Florida Drivers Handbook

Orange:Brown:

Yellow:

White:Black:Fluorescent Yellow Green: High emphasis warning ofschool, pedestrian, and bicycling activity.Fluorescent Pink: Warning of incident management activity,

The shape of a road sign can tell you as much about thesigns message as its color.

Octagon:signs.

Horizontal Rectangle: Generally for guidesigns.

A T r i a n g l e :

no passing zones.11111' P e n n a n t : A d v a n c e warning of

Construction and maintenance warning.Public recreation areas and guidance to areasof cultural and historical significance.General warning and advisory of unexpectedroadway conditions.Regulatory.Regulatory.

signs

Diamond:

Vertical Rectangle:

Pentagon:

Round:

Cross buck:

Exclusively for stop

Exclusively for yield

Exclusively to warnof existing orpossible hazards onroadways oradjacent areas.

Generally forregulatory signs.

School advanceand school crossingsigns.

Railroad advancewarning signs.

Railroad crossing.

Octagon: StopStop Signs are always octagonal (8 sided). Astop sign means that you must bring yourvehicle to a complete halt at the marked stopline. If there is no marked stop line, stop beforeentering the crosswalk on the near side of theintersection. If there is no crosswalk, stop at apoint nearest the intersecting roadway whereyou have a clear view of approaching traffic onthe intersecting roadway before entering theintersection.

A 4-Way Stop sign means that there are fourstop signs at this intersection. Traffic from allfour directions most stop. The first vehicle toreach the intersection should move forwardfirst. If two vehicles reach the intersection atthe same time, the driver on the lefl yields tothe driver on the right.

Triangle: YieldSlow down and give vehicles crossing yourpath the right-of-way. If the way is clear, youmay move forward slowly without stopping.Yield signs are usually placed where auxiliaryroads lead into major roads.

41

LiFer

5;7;7

SPEEDU N IT20

E!1SCnOtnew

Pennant: No PassingYou are entering a no passing zone. This signis placed on the left side of the road, facing thedriver.

Diamond: WarningNarrow bridge. These signs warn you o fspecial conditions or dangers ahead. Words orsymbols on the sign will show why you need touse caution.

Pentagon: School SignThis five-sided sign means you are near aschool. Watch for children,

School CrossingAs you approach Ibis sign, slow down andwatch for children crossing the road. Stop ifnecessary. Obey signals from any crossingguards.

Begin School ZoneDo not exceed the school zone speed limitduring indicated times. Watch for children!

Begin School ZoneDo not exceed the school zone speed limitwhen flashing. Watch for children!

End School ZoneThis sign marks the end of a reduced schoolspeed zone

7.4.1 Warning SignsHere are some common warning signs. These signs giveyou advance notice of possible hazards ahead. Drive withcaution.

Slippery When Wet, In wet weather, driveslowly. Do not speed up or brake quickly.Make sharp turns at a very slow speed.

Divided Highway Ahead. The highway aheadis divided into two one-way roadways. Keep tothe right.

Divided Highway Ends. The divided highwayon which you are traveling ends 350 to 500feet ahead. You will then be on aroadway with two-way traffic. Keep to the right.

Low Clearance. Do not enter if your vehicle istaller than the height listed on the sign.

Bicycle Crossing. This sign warns you inadvance that a bikeway crosses the roadwayahead.

Merging Traffic. You are coming to a pointwhere another traffic lane joins the one youare on. Watch for other traffic and be ready toyield the right-of-way when necessary

Page 51: 2013 Florida Drivers Handbook

••*-cp9

1614

Cross Road. A road crosses the mainhighway ahead. Look to the left and right forother traffic.

Pedestrian Crossing, Watch f o r peoplecrossing the street. Slow down or stop i fnecessary.

Narrow Bridge. The bridge is wide enough toaccommodate two lanes of traffic, but with verylittle clearance.

Dip. There is a low place in the road. Goslowly and be ready to stop if the dip is filedwith water.

Soft Shoulder. The dirt on the side of the roadis soft. Don't leave the pavement except in anemergency.

One Lane Bridge. The bridge is wide enoughfor only one vehicle at a lime. Make sure thebridge is clear of oncoming traffic before youcross.

Pavement Ends. The road surface aheadchanges from a hard-surfaced pavement to alow-type surface or earth road.

•Right Curve. Slow your speed and keep well

to the left. The road will curve to the right.

Double Curve. The road will curve to the right,then to the left. Stow your speed, keep to theright, and do not pass.

Winding Road. There are several curvesahead. Drive slowly and carefully.

Truck Crossing. Watch for trucks entering orcrossing the highway.

Side Road. Another road enters the highwayfrom the direction shown. Watch for traffic fromthat direction.

Sharp Right Turn. The road will make asharp turn to the right. Slow your speed, keepto the right, and do not pass other vehicles.

Reduction o f Lanes. There will be fewerlanes ahead. Traffic must merge left. Driversin the left lane should allow others to mergesmoothly. Right lane ends.

42

7.4.2 - Rectangle: Regulatory or InformationThese signs tell you the law, so you must follow theirInstructions.

T oNO U -TURN - You cannot make a complete

turn logo in the opposite direction where thissign is displayed. No U-turn.

NLY

M-50

Advisory Speed Sign. The highest safespeed you should travel around the curveahead is 25 miles per hour. Advisory speedsigns may be used with any diamond-shapedwarning sign.

Hill/Downgrade. Slow down and be ready toshift to lower gear to control speed and savebrakes.

Yield Ahead. This sign warns of a yield signahead. Slow down and be prepared to stop atyield sign or adjust speed to traffic.

Traffic Signal Ahead. This sign warns oftraffic signals at the intersection ahead. Slowdown; poor visibility is likely.

Stop Sign Ahead. When you come to thissign, slow down to be ready to stop at the stopsign.

Two-Way Traffic Ahead. The one-way streetor roadway ahead ends. You will then befacing oncoming traffic.

Animal Crossing. The animal pictured on thesign is common in this area: watch for thisspecies crossing the road particularly duringtwilight and night-time hours.

Roundabout Ci rc le. Warning s i gn thatprovides an advance notice of a roundabout.

Speed Reduction Sign. Warning sign thatprovides advance notice to upcoming speedlimit change.

Remember that a red circle with a slashmeans NO. The sign shows you what is notallowed.

You must not make a right turn at thisintersection.

50 miles per hour is the highest speed you cansafely travel in this area.

Page 52: 2013 Florida Drivers Handbook

14+

WRONGWAY

Dotha

* K g Y o u may travel only in the direction of the

EXIT

30MPH

NOTURN

ON RED

Ell

CINIE PLANE

ONLY

DONOT

PASS

PASSWITHCARE

LEFLAKELOT

TIM LIFT

IINGENCSTOPPIRG01ILT

Speeding Fines Doubled. This is a FloridaStandard sign that applies to both activeschool and work zones.

You cannot go straight ahead. You must turneither to the right or left.

You are going the wrong way on anexpressway exit ramp. Do not drive past thissign. Turn around immediately.

A divided highway is ahead. Stay on the rightside of the divider.

Parking in this space is only for vehiclesdisplaying an official permit and transporting adisabled person.

This sign lists the maximum recommendedsafe speed for an entrance or exit on anexpressway. Slow down to whatever speed isshown.

You may not turn right or left during the redlight. You must wait for the signal to turngreen.

A diamond-shaped marking shows that a laneis reserved for certain purposes or certainvehicles. The lanes are usually reserved forbuses or car-pool vehicles during rush hourtraffic.

The center lane is shared for left turns in bothdirections of travel.

You must not pass any other vehicles going inthe same direction as you are while you are inthis area.

When you have passed this sign, you areagain permitted to pass other vehicles withcare.

Traffic in left lane must turn left at theintersection ahead.

Stopping permitted only for emergencies.

43

hNLYI

SLOWERTRAFFICKEEPRIOT

NOTURNS

BEMIMPTOMIMI

MOMIMIS

tri). •IRA EL'era

CALL 511

At the intersection ahead traffic in lett lanemust turn left and traffic in adjoining lane mayturn left or continue straight ahead.

This sign is used on multiple lane highways toadvise slower driving traffic to stay in the righthand lane and also to do so when approachedfrom behind by other traffic even if you aredoing the speed limit.

You must not turn either to the right or to theleft at this intersection.

If you park, you must always park off thepavement of the highway.

When entering a right turn lane motorists mayconflict with bicyclists traveling straight.Always yield.

The Florida Department of Transportation's511 Traffic Information Service providesbilingual (English and Spanish) real-time trafficinformation, including travel times, accidents,lane closures, severe weather, constructionand emergency evacuation information on allFlorida interstate highways, many metropolitanroadways and Florida's Turnpike. The serviceoperates 24 hours a day on the phone bydialing 511. ores the Web atw\sAv.FL511.com. The 511 service is availablefrom cell phones and landlines; however,standard cell phone minutes may apply.

7.4.3 - Railroad Crossing Signs and SignalsThere are several signs, signals and pavement markingsthat indicate highway-railroad crossings. When you see oneof them, slow down and be ready to stop.

Remember:Trains cannot stop quickly. An average freight train travelingat 30 MPH needs a stopping distance of more than half amile. Longer trains moving at faster speeds can take oneand a half miles or more to stop. Any pedestrian or persondriving a vehicle and approaching a railroad-highway gradecrossing must stop 50 feet, but not less than 15 feet from thenearest rail of the railroad when: the electrical or mechanicalwarning devices are flashing, the crossing gate is lowered, ahuman nagger is warning of an approaching train, or anapproaching train is clearly visible and is in close proximity tothe railroad-highway grade crossing. Do not proceed untilyou can do so safely.

P a v e m e n t Marking

R>(RPav ement markings, consisting of an RXRR R fol lowed by a stop line closer to the tracks,may be painted on the paved approach to acrossing.

Page 53: 2013 Florida Drivers Handbook

cetio

Advance Warning SignThe advance warning sign is usually the firstsign you see when approaching a highway-railintersection. The advance warning signadvises you to slow down, look and listen for atrain, and be prepared to stop if a train isapproaching.

Crossbuck SignCrossbuck signs are found at highway-railintersections. They are yield signs. You arelegally required to yield the right of way totrains. Slow down, look and listen for a train,and stop if a train approaches. Railroadcrossbuck signs are found at most crossings. Ifthere is more than one track, the sign belowthe crossbuck will show the number of tracksat the crossing

Flashing Red Light SignalsAt many highway-rail crossings, the crossbucksign has flashing red lights and bells. Whenthe lights begin to flash.stopl A train isapproaching. DO NOT STOP ON THETRACKS OR WITHIN 15 FEET OF THECROSSING. If there is more than one track,make sure all tracks are clear before crossing.Do not move forward until you can do sosafely. In heavy traffic make sure there isroom for your vehicle on the other side beforestarting to cross.

fGates

Many crossings have gates with flashing redlights and bells. Stop when the lights begin toflash and before the gate lowers across yourroad lane. If the gates are down, the road isclosed. Ills against the law to drive around orunder a crossing gate. either down or beingopened or closed. Do not move forward untilthe gales are raised and the lights stopflashing as there may be a train approachingon an adjacent track.

Always approach highway-railroad crossings at a reasonablespeed and be prepared to stop if you have to. Be especiallyalert when you are following buses or trucks, which mayhave to stop at highway-railroad crossings even when gatesare up and the warning lights are not flashing. I f your carstalls on the tracks don't hesitate. Get yourself and yourpassengers out and away from the car immediately. If acollision is imminent, the safest direction is toward the trainbut stay off the tracks. That way you will be least likely to behit by your vehicle or any debris from the collision.

7.4.4 - Drawbridge Signs and SignalsDrawbridges are mechanical bridges overnavigable waters that raise or turn to allowmarine traffic to go under them. When theybegin to move the roadway is closed to all traffic.Always use caution when driving or walking overa drawbridge.

Drawbridge SignalThese should be treated justlike a regular traffic controlsignal.

L.

RedCome to a complete stop at the marked stop line. The bridgeis in operation and the roadway is closed to all pedestrianand motor vehicle traffic.

44

YellowStop if you can safely do so. The bridge is just about to startoperation. If you are not able to stop, continue with cautionand watch for the traffic gates.

GreenGo - watch out for pedestrians and other vehicles on thebridge.

Flashing Yellow Light SignalThis i s the fi rs t sign you see when approaching adrawbridge. This sign advises you to slow down and look forthe DRAWBRIDGE SIGNAL. If the yellow light is flashing toindicate t h e drawbridge i s i n operation a n d t h eDRAWBRIDGE SIGNAL is red, prepare to stop.

Many drawbridges have gates with flashing red lights andbells. Stop when the lights begin to flash and before thegate lowers across your road lane. If the gates are down, theroad is closed. It is against the law to drive around or undera crossing gate, either down or being opened or closed, Donot move forward until the gates are raised and thelights stop flashing.

7.4.5 - Construction and Maintenance Traffic ControlSignsVarious traffic control devices are used in road constructionand maintenance work areas t o direct drivers andpedestrians safely through the work site and to provide forthe safety of highway workers.

Be prepared to reduce your speed and use caution whendirected to done by a sign, flagger and/orpolice officer.

DETOUR

Flashing Arrow PanelsFlashing arrow panels are used both duringthe day and at night to give advance warningand directional information to drivers, where itis necessary to move to the right or to theleft into another lane.

trZli

<T>Construction and maintenance signs are used to notifydrivers of unusual or potentially dangerous conditions in ornear work areas. Most signs used in highway and streetwork areas are diamond shaped.

Channeling DevicesBarricades, vertical panels, drums, and cones are the mostcommonly used devices to alert drivers o f unusual orpotentially dangerous conditions in highway and street workzones. These devices are used to guide the drivers safetythrough the work area, and at night, they may be equippedwith warning lights. When a Road Closed sign is displayed.do not drive on this road. Look for a detour or another route.Stripes on barricades and panel devices slope downward inthe direction traffic most travel.

• •I% S o

Page 54: 2013 Florida Drivers Handbook

A horizontal flashing bar indicates a warning - use cautionapproaching the work area.

FlaggersFlaggers are often provided in highway andstreet work zones to stop slow, or guide trafficsafely through the area.

naggers wear orange vests or jackets anduse red flags or stop/slow panels to direct traffic throughwork zones.

7.4.6 - Special SignsSlow Moving VehicleVehicles going less than 25 miles per hour(such as farm equipment) mustdisplay this sign on the rear when using publichighways.

Green Guide SignsGreen and white signs give information aboutdirections and distances. Guidesigns on expressways show you which lanesto use to get where you want to go. Routesthat run generally East-West have evennumbers and those running North-South have odd numbers.

Blue and White Service SignsBlue and white signs direct you to services, such as gas,food, motels and hospitals.

EI

Kg MK AIL PAK

.NUS

I : i-

AABrown and White SignsBrown and white signs point out scenic areas and parks.

7.5 - Pavement MarkingsLines, symbols and words are often painted on a roadway tohelp direct drivers and control traffic flow. You must knowwhat the different lines and colors mean and obey them asyou would traffic signs or signals.

White and yellow lines are used along pavement edges andbetween lanes to keep vehicles in line. These lines may besolid or broken (long dashes), single or double.

Unless you are turning, exiting a highway, or changing lanes,ahivays stay between the lines marking your lane.

Yellow Lane LinesYellow lane lines separate lanes of traffic moving in oppositedirections. Single yellow lines may also mark the left edge ofthe pavement on divided highways and one-way streets.

Broken Yellow LineA broken yellow line separateslanes of traffic moving in oppositedirections. Stay to the right of

Rua 7)La Salle

• *

11*11—KI

45

the line, unless you are passing a vehicle in front of you.When passing, you may cross this line temporarily when illssafe to do so.

Double Yellow Lines: One Solid, One BrokenA solid yellow line to the right of abroken yellow center line meanspassing or crossing isprohibited i n that lane, exceptwhen turning left. If the broken line is closer to you, you cancross the broken line only to pass another vehicle and onlywhen it is safe to do so.

4— NI

Double Yellow LinesDouble solid yellow lines prohibitvehicles mov i ng i n e i t he rdirection from crossing the lines.You may not cross these lines unless turning left when itis safe to do so.

L 1 =1 1 1 =

White Lane LinesWhite lane lines separate lanes of traffic moving in thesame direction. Single white lines may also mark the rightedge of the pavement.

Broken White LineA broken white line separatestwo lanes traveling in the samedirection. Once you havesignaled and if ills safe to do so, you may cross this linewhen changing lanes.

— •WS —

Solid White LineA solid white line marks the right edge of the roadway orseparates lanes of traffic moving in the same direction. Youmay travel in the same direction on both sides of this line,but you should not cross the line unless you must do so toavoid a hazard.

Double Solid White LineA double solid white line separates two lanes of traffic goingin the same direction. Crossing a double solid line isprohibited.

Solid with Turn Lane ArrowSolid white lines are used forturn lanes and to discouragelane changes nearintersections.Arrows are often used withthe white lines to show whichturn may be made from the lane.

Reversible LanesSome highways h a v ereversible traffic lanes tohelp handle rush-hour

If you are in a lane marked with a curved arrow and the wordONLY, you must turn in the directionof the arrow. If your lane is marked with both a curved andstraight arrow, you may either turn orgo straight.

NS

-ea — 11101 :

Page 55: 2013 Florida Drivers Handbook

traffic. The direction of traffic is normally reversed at settimes each day. These pavement markings are used alongwith special lane signals and other signs and symbols. Asolid white line marks the edge of the pavement on mostroads.Stop lines, crosswalks and parking spaces are also markedby white lines. Symbols such as arrows are in white also. Asingle yellow line marks the left edge of all divided or one-way roadways. Curbs are often marked yellow in no parkingzones near fire hydrants or intersections. I t is unlawful topark in or drive through areas that have pavement markingsindicating fire lanes or safety zones.

The lane marking arrow, in the center lane in the diagram,indicates that traffic in this lane can be reversed inaccordance with local traffic controls due to -r u s h h o u r *traffic or other special traffic conditions.

Drivers from either direction may use the center lane forleft turns,

Two-Way Roadway with Center LaneTwo-way roadway with a center lane for left turns in eitherdirection of travel. The specially marked center turn lane isintended for slowing down and for sheltering turning vehiclesand may not be used for passing.

Drivers from either direction may use the center lane for leftturns.

•-101111•—

R I -111N—•

Bicycle LanesSome roads have pavement markings thatshow lanes specifically designated for theexclusive use of bicycles. Solid or brokenwhite lines separate these bike lanes frommotor vehicle travel lanes. You may seebike lanes marked with bike lane signs orby a combination of bicycle symbols and arrows, Whereparallel parking is allowed, similar lines may separate thebicycle lanes from the parking lanes.

SharrowsSome roads, mostly in urban areas, dohave shared-use lane markings(sharrows).

•-•J r

These markings alert motorists thatbicyclists may be on the road; indicate tobicyclists where to ride, and discourage bicycling in thewrong direction.

46

DONATE

LIFE

Test Your Knowledge

1. What does a fed traffic light mean? What does aflashing red traffic light mean? (See section 7.1)

2. After a full stop at a red traffic fight may a driver turn rightif the way is clear? (See section 71)

3. What does a green arrow showing at the same time as ared traffic light mean you can do? (See section 7.1)

4 Ca n you proceed with caution when you approach aflashing yellow light? (See section 7.1)

5. I f more than one vehicle is approaching a four-way stopsign and you are the first one to get there and stop, doyou have the right to move forward first? (See section7.4)

6. Where do you usually find 'YIELD RIGHT-OF-WAY'signs posted? (See section 7.4)

7. What does a solid yellow line to the right of the centerline of the highway mean? (See section 7.5)

8. What does a double solid yellow line in the center of thehighway mean? What does a double solid white line inthe center of the highway mean? (See section 7.5)

9. What does a broken white line on the highway mean?(See section 7.5)

Become anorgan, tissue

and eye donor.

Register today.

www.DonateLifenorida.org

Page 56: 2013 Florida Drivers Handbook

Teen Drivers Save More With MynoridclAuto.com

insurance?My Florida Auto Insurance is yourkey to getting the keys.Comprehensive coverage,28 years serving Honda driversand the best discountsfor teen drivers -all in one convenient place.Call us or go online today and letMyHoridaAuto.com get you the keys for less.Now Go Drive Florida.

MY FLORIDAAuToInsuranceEnglish: 877-470-8682 • Espanol: 877-636-2545

MynoridaAuto.com

Page 57: 2013 Florida Drivers Handbook

Section 8Vehicle Equipment

These items will be checked before you lake the driving testfor your ucense. If your tires, brake light, directional signals,brakes, steering, horn or mirror are not in good condition,you will not be allowed to take the driving test. You may bestopped at any time by a law enforcement officer for avehicle inspection.

8.1 - Equipment StandardsThe equipment on your car must meet certain standards.These are listed below.

8.1.1 - Brakes

Your car must have two braking systems. Each must be ableto stop the car alone. The parking or emergency brakeshould be strong enough to hold the car on any hill. Yourbrakes must be able to stop your car within the distanceshown on the chart.

8.1 2 - Braking DistanceYou must be able to stop your car within the distance shownby the black cars when you use the foot brake. For safestdriving, keep your brakes in such good condition that youcan stop within distance shown by the white cars.

It is important to note that the graph illustrates the brakingdistance AFTER YOU HAVE APPLIED YOUR BRAKES.

NOTE: Reaction times i n laboratories are 314 o f asecond. In the driving environment, your reaction timewould be closer to 1.5 seconds and the distance youwould travel at 50 mph would be 110 feet To this must beadded a REACTION DISTANCE, which is the distance youtravel from seeing the danger to putting your foot on thebrake pedal. Since 314 of a second is the average reactiontime, a motorist will travel 11 feet for each 10 MPH of speedbefore hitting the brake. At 50 MPH this distance would be55 feet!

8.1.3 - Steering lock OperationVehicles have various systems used to remove the keysfrom the Ignition. Remember,Some Ignitions will automatically lock the steering wheel ifthe key is removed while moving. Here are some commonsteering wheel lock systems and a description of how toremove the key:

47

The Transmission Park SystemPark. Shift the transmission into the "park" position. Turnthe key to LOCK and remove.The Two Hand Button SystemPark. This system requires two hands. Depress buttonbelow the steering column. Turn key to the LOCK andremove.The Lever SystemPark. Depress lever located near the ignition. Turn key toLOCK and remove.The One Hand Button SystemPark. Depress button located near the Ignition. Turn key toLOCK and remove.The Push In SystemPark. Turn key OFF, push in. Turn key to LOCK andremove.The Turn and Remove SystemPark. Turn key to LOCK and remove.Automobile Safety Foundation

8.1.4 Lights:Your car must have the following lights:• Bri ght (high-beam) headfights which show objects 450

feet ahead.• Dimmed (low-beam) headlights which show objects 150

feel ahead.• Tw o red taillights mounted on the rear, visible from 1,000

feet.• A white light that makes the license plate visible from 50

feet (The plate must be kept clean).• Tw o red stoplights. They must be seen from 300 feet in

the daytime, and must come on when the foot brake ispressed.

All vehicles, including animal-drawn vehicles, must have atleast one white fight visible from a distance of not less than1,000 feet to the front. They must also have two red fightsvisible from a distance of not less than 1,000 feet to the rear,or one red light visible to the rear for a distance of 1,000 feetand two red reflectors visible from all distances from 600 feetto 1,000 feet.

8.2 - Other Equipment StandardsHorn: Your vehicle must have a horn which can be heardfrom a distance of KO feet.

Windshield Wiper: Your vehicle must have a windshieldwiper in good working order for cleaning rain, snow or othermoisture from the windshield.

Windshields: Must be safety glass and may not be coveredor treated with any material which has the effect of makingthe windshield reflective or in any way non-transparent, i tmust be free of any stickers not required by law.

Side windows: May not be composed of, covered by, ortreated with any material which has a highly reflective ormirrored appearance and reflects more than 35% of the fight.

Directional signals: You must have electrical turn signals ifyour vehicle measures more than 24 inches from the centerof the top of the steering post to the left outside limit of the

Page 58: 2013 Florida Drivers Handbook

body, or when the distance from the steering post to the rearof the body or load is greater than 14 feet.

Tires: Your tires should have visible tread of at least 2/32 ofan inch across the base with no worn spots showing the ply.Smooth tires on wet roads contribute to thousands of seriouscrashes.

Mirrors: Your vehicle must have at least one rearview mirrorwhich gives a view of the highway at least 200 feet to therear.

Keeping your Car in Good ConditionNo matter how well you drive, you are not safe unless yourvehicle is in good condition. If it is not, you could have aserious crash.

Brakes: Check to see that the pedal stays well above thefloor when you step on it. If the car pulls to one side whenyou use the brakes or you hear any scraping or squealingnoises, your brakes may need to be repaired.

Lights: Replace burned-out bulbs and clean lenses often.Dirty headlights can cut your night vision by one-half. Burnedout signal lights or brake lights mean you can't tell otherdrivers what you are doing. Keep your rights adjusted so thatyou don't blind oncoming drivers.

Windows and Windshields: Keep the glass clean, Insideand out, to reduce glare.

Rear windows: When the rear window is composed of,covered by, or treated with any material which makes therear window nontransparent, the vehicle must be equippedwith side mirrors on both sides.

Bumper Height RequirementsOwners of automobiles and pickup trucks are required tohave both front and rear bumpers mounted within certainheight levels. Height limitations are governed by the netshipping weight of the vehicle, not the modified or alteredweight. The maximum allowable heights between thepavement and bottom of the front and rear bumper, providedby section 316.251, Florida Statutes, are:• Ca rs with a net weight of less than 2,500 pounds - 22

Inches front and rear.• Ca rs 2,500 pounds or more but less than 3,560 pounds •

24 Inches front; 26 inches rear.• Ca rs 3,500 pounds or more - 27 Inches front; 29 Inches

rear.• Trucks under 2,000 pounds - 24 inches front; 26 inches

rear.• Trucks 2,000 pounds or more but less than 3,000

pounds - 27 inches front; 29 inches rear.• Trucks 3,000 pounds or more but not more than 5,000

pounds - 28 inches front; 30 inches rear.

8.3. Equipment Not PermittedYou may not have on or in your vehicle:• R e d or blue emergency fights. These are for emergency

and law enforcement vehicles only.• A siren, bell or whistle.• A very loud muffler or one that lets out smoke.

48

Signs, posters or stickers on the windshield or windows(except those required by law).

• A television which the driver can see.• M ore than two spotlights, cowl or fender fights, fog fights

(in front), or other extra lights (in front).Headsets worn by driver while operating a vehicle.

8.4 - Additional Equipment Required on CertainVehiclesTrailers must have the following equipment:

Every trailer or semi-trailer weighing more than 3,000pounds: On the front, two clearance lamps, one at eachside. On each side, two side marker lamps, one at/ornear the front and one at/or near the rear. On the rear,two clearance lamps, one at each side, and tworeflectors, one al/or near the front and one al/or near therear. There must also be Iwo stoplights on the rear ofthese vehicles. One stop fight is permitted on vehiclesbuilt before January 1, 1972.Every pole trailer weighing more than 3,000 pounds: Oneach side, one side marker lamp and one clearancelamp (which may be in combination), to show to thefront, side and rear, on the rear of the pole trailer or load,two reflectors, one at each side.

• Ev ery trailer, semi-trailer or pole trailer weighing 3,000pounds or less: On the rear, two reflectors, one on eachside.

• Ev ery trailer must have a stop light if the trailer coversthe stop fights on the towing vehicle. Every trailer orsemi-trailer weighing 3,000 pounds or more must havebrakes which can be operated by the driver in the towingmotor vehicle. The brakes must be designed andconnected so that they will automatically stop the trailerif it breaks away from the towing vehicle.

8.5 - Limitations on TowingThe following rules apply to the drawbar or towingconnection:• I t must be strong enough to pull all towed weight.• I t must not be more than 15 feet long unless you are

towing poles, pipes, machinery, or other objects thatcannot be easily taken apart.If a chain, rope, or cable is used as the towingconnection, you must have a white flag at least 12Inches square attached to it.

8.6 - Limitations on Loading; Securing theLoad

You may not drive or move any loaded vehicle on thehighway If the load is not secure. The load must not beable to drop, shift, leak, or otherwise escape.You must use a close-fitting cover when hauling loadswhich could fall or blow onto the roadway. Examples:dirt, sand, time-rock, gravel, silica, trash or garbage.Every truck carrying logs or pulpwood must use properequipment, Including lock chains that will securely fastenthe load.

8.6.1 - Projecting LoadWhen a load extends to the rear 4 feet or more beyond thebed or body of the loaded vehicle, it must be clearly marked.

Page 59: 2013 Florida Drivers Handbook

8.7 - NighttimeAt night, or when you cannot see clearly at least 1,000 feetahead, the following markers must be used:• Two red lamps on the back of the load which can be

seen from at least 500 feet to the rear.• Two red reflectors on the rear which can be seen at

night from all distances between 100 and 600 feet whendirectly In front of low- beam headlights. These reflectorsshould be placed to show the full width of the toad. Twored lamps, one on each side of the load, which can beseen from at least 500 feet. These lamps should beplaced near the end of the projecting load.

8.8 DaytimeIn the daytime, 4 red flags at least 12 inches square must beplaced on the projecting load where red lamps are used atnight (extreme rear and sides).

NOTE: If the trailer or motor vehicle s transporting logs, longpulpwood, poles or posts that extend more than 4 feetbeyond the rear of the load, then you must have one amberstrobe-type lamp equipped, so that the lamp is visible fromthe rear and both sides of the projecting load. The lamp mustbe operational and seen any time of day or night.

8.9- Anti-Locking Brake System (ABS)Anti-lock brakes prevent skidding and allow drivers to steerduring an emergency braking situation. ABS can helpimprove vehicle stability (avoiding spin-outs), steering ability(directing the car where the driver wants it to go) andstopping capabifity (distance needed to stop the vehicle).

Many drivers teamed the correct way to stop in anemergency situation where traction is lost and the vehicleslides is by pumping the brakes. White this is correct withconventional brakes, with ABS it is different. Drivers withABS need to press down hard on the brake pedal, hold itand steer out of danger. In an emergency situation, the ABSautomatically pumps the brakes at a faster rate than thedriver could. Drivers should be aware that removing steadypressure from the brake pedal or pumping the brakes willdisengage or lum ofr the ABS.

One of the most important benefits of ABS is that the drivercan steer the vehicle away from hazards while braking.Drivers should not turn the steering wheel hard or jerk thevehicle in one direction. Control of the vehicle can bemaintained by steering where the driver wants to go. Driversneed to check that traffic is clear when deciding where tosteer and always remember to steer back into the originallane as soon as the hazard is cleared.

Vehicles can be equipped with two different types of ABS:• Four-wheel on passenger cars and some fight trucks.

Always remember to brake hard and steer. It isimportant to keep firm and constant pressure on thebrake pedal while stopping.

• Rear-wheel-only on some light trucks. It prevents therear wheels from locking up so that the back end of thevehicle does not skid sideways. The front wheels canstill lock up and the driver will lose steering control if thishappens. In this situation, the driver should let up on the

49

brake pedal with just enough pressure to allow the frontwheel to start rolling again to regain control. When thedriver feels that he has regained steering control, thebrake pedal should again be firmly engaged.

Drivers can determine whether their cars have ABS bylooking for a lighted ABS symbol on the dashboard right alterstarting the engine, checking the owner's manual or askingthe dealer.

8.10 - Emissions - Please Do Not TamperIt is illegal to tamper with, remove, or cause not to work anypollution control device on your vehicle, Those who do areguilty of a first or second degree misdemeanor, dependingon the offense. Tampering with emissions control devicesdamages your vehicle and can cause the following:• Increased air pollution.• Lower gas mileage and less vehicle efficiency.• More maintenance costs.• Respiratory (breathing) difficulties.

DO NOT EXHAUST FLORIDA'S FUTURE!

8.11 Vehicle LicensingIf you accept employment or engage in a trade, profession oroccupation in Florida or if you enroll your children to beeducated in a public school in Florida, the vehicle you ownmust have a Florida registration certificate and license plate.You must obtain the registration certificate and [tense platewithin 10 days after beginning employment or enrollment.You also must have a Florida Certificate of Title for yourvehicle, unless an out-of-state financial Institution holds thetitle and will not release it to Florida.

8.12 - Proving Ownership and InsuranceCoverageTo get your license plate and registration certificate, youmust prove that you own your vehicle and that you haveFlorida Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance coveragefor your vehicle. You must prove ownership by showing yourcertificate of title. You must prove PIP coverage by showinga Florida insurance identification card or other acceptableproof. The vehicle Identification number (VIN) on any vehiclepreviously titled or registered in another state must beverified by one of several designated officials before thevehicle can be fitted and registered In Florida. M Nverification is not required on any new vehicles, regardlessof whether purchased In Florida or out of state, mobilehomes, trailer type recreational vehicles (travel trailers, camptrailers, truck campers, and filth wheel recreational trailers)or hailers and semi-trailers with a weight of less than 2,000pounds.

8.13 - Applying For Title, License Plates andRegistrationApply for title, license plates and registration at any taxcollectors office in Florida. The cost of your license plate willdepend on the type and weight of your vehicle. Your vehiclemust always have a current license plate and you mustalways have your vehicle's registration when you are driving.If you buy a vehicle from a dealer in Florida, the dealer must

Page 60: 2013 Florida Drivers Handbook

apply for a certificate of title, certificate of registration andlicense plate for you. If you buy a vehicle from an individual,you must obtain the title from the Individual and apply for acertificate of title in your name. You may apply for certificateof title, certificate of registration and license plate at thesame time. You cannot get a license plate until you have atitle to prove that you own the vehicle. All first time driverlicense applicants who hold an out-of-state license shouldapply for a Florida driver license before they register theirvehicle in Florida.

8.13.1 - RenewalVehicle license plates and registrations must be renewedeach year or biennially, on or before the birthday of the firstowner listed on the registration form. Each time you renew,you must prove that you have the required insurance, unlesson file and electronically updated. You may renew by mail orthrough the internet at www.gorenew,com. Registrationsexpire at midnight on the birthday of the first owner listed onthe registration form, except for:• Mobi le homes - renew yearly by December 31.• Truck-tractors and semi-trailers - renew yearly by

December 31.• Vehicles owned by companies and corporations, and

some commercial vehicles - renew yearly by June 30.

For more information or assistance on motor vehicle title andregistration, contact your county tax collectors office.

Test YurKnowted90''When the 'radix:aka I * 111 ) * * 41 1 .#1n

an? (See eectiOry2. In addition to other equlflent Isycurvehicle•reditired

trevezWhIre lightfrom 88 frieti...a. w i n d sh i e l d W i pe r a nd e h or n? (See : •

seeder) - • •HOW rriant.faatti Oieleatjhooldiree be able 10 treer..:•:•y,

oblasts1hreugypie rearview rotintirt (Sae sectibh8,4"::,:, ,4,, l i e tr,aller 'covert the itoplightot,the towing vehicle,

Where else mast a stoptight,be?(See sedion 8.4)5., .

_ ,Witare'ehould, reflectors be' intourdadt..1($.0a S e c t i o n ' , 8 4

8. W her i-tha V e h ic l e i s -t o Wi n g a no th er by r ee tt hs •••:.

chain, w hat.dees : t he c h a in n e ed to h av e d i s pi a y er l i tt i t ?'

_ ,ISi f,16.01:011,8;5) ;

, ,7. How tong can the drawbar be between the tOwing, • :

Vehteteandthe veht_clajleing towed? (Sae Secoir (1,8), . _.Give tree p o p i p p 0-.0 , 1 6 p d k p i g pe e c E t P 0 0,c 0 y e t * L t p

avOtl tenlsr :*,n9' 0,01011i10.-An l o a t W i 0 0 4 13 10 , 1 83i 1 .

9., •ASSOmethat a load extends4..43i more feet beyond- bed or body of a vehicle Ovation a highway in the

daytiree.,)Ndw MIA 440 t O t t f . 0 .1 18 4104# 1 1 1 1 4 4 #1,

• wiletoolor should they be? (Seiseetterr:84) •t10. Whatiktbe proper way te use antl-lealc.0.1.#88.

enlargOsOtaationnSeasecdort 89).;•;.4:•

I t :tiBt do anti4ock braking systems Preveit tw ,

s t f l i e r.0 a r g en e r t s .1 0 p g la g e l t ea t i o n ? (See Se ct io n

If You CouldSave A Life,Would You?

You Can.Say "yes" toorgan, tissue

and eyedonation.

Join Florida'sorgan, tissueand eye donor

registry.www.DonateLifeFlorida.org

50

Page 61: 2013 Florida Drivers Handbook

Section 9Driving School Providers

9.1 - Traffic Law Substance Abuse EducationCourse ProvidersReasons fo r Attending Traffic Law and SubstanceAbuse EducationIf you have never held a regular driver license in any stale,country, or jurisdiction, you must complete a Traffic Law andSubstance Abuse Education course before applying for aLearner's license in the state of Florida. The driver educationcourses offered by some county school boards maysubstitute for this requirement. Please contact your localschool board for further information. If you are under 21years old and receive a notice of suspension for driving witha BAL of .02 to .05, you must complete a Traffic Law andSubstance Abuse Education course in order to reinstate yourdriver license on a hardship basis,

An up to date list of approved course providers can be foundon our web site athttp:/Amv,finsmv.goviddl/drivingcourses html.

9.2 — Third Party Tester — Driver LicenseExamsDriver license exams (road rules or road signs) are nowavailable from providers approved by Dept. of HighwaySafety and Motor Vehicles. The on-line service is availableto students under 18 years of age. Students of all ages maytake the exams with a provider who offers the exams in anin-person setting.

An up to date list of approved course providers can be foundon our web site athttplAvvAv.fihsmv,goviddlidrivingcourses.html

9.3 - Advanced Driver Improvement CoursesIf your driver license was suspended in the state of Floridafor points or as a habitual traffic offender (non-DUI related),or by court order, you must complete an advanced driverimprovement course.

Note: If you hold a Florida driver license and receive a ticketfor a moving violation in Arizona, the state of Arizona maywithhold adjudicahon i f you complete a state-approvedadvanced driver improvement course.

To locate an approved online advanced driver improvementcourse, refer to your local telephone directory, or contact thecourse providers listed below.

An up to date list of approved course providers can be foundon our web site athttpJANʻwahsmv.goviddlidrivingcourses.html.

9.4 - Basic Driver Improvement CoursesYou must complete a basic driver improvement course(Traffic Collision Avoidance Course) i f you want to retainyour driver license in the following circumstance,

51

• Y o u were a driver in a crash and are found at fault andsomeone was transported to the hospital or

• Y o u had two crashes in a two-year period, whichresulted in property damage greater than S50 or

• Y o u are convicted of running a red light or• Y o u were convicted of passing a school bus when it

displays a stopped signal or• Y o u were convicted of racing on highway

If you receive a ticket for a non-criminal moving violation.and you do not hold a commercial driver license, you mayelect to attend a basic dhver improvement course in lieu ofpoints on your driving record.

In some cases, you may choose to attend a basic driverimprovement course to receive insurance discounts. Thisdiscount is solely a t the discretion o f your insurancecompany.

9.5 - Electing to Attend Traffic SchoolDrivers with a Class A. B, or C license, or driers chargedwith exceeding the speed limit by more than 30 mph may notmake an election under this subsection. If, as a result of amoving violation, you elect to attend and complete a basicdriver improvement course, you will receive the followingbenefits:

1. Your insurance rates cannot go up and your policycannot be cancelled because of this violation, unless thisinvolved a crash where you were at fault.

2. Points may not be added to your driver license record.adjudication of guilt is withheld, safe driver status ismaintained if applicable. You may not make an electionunder this subsection if you have made this election inthe preceding 12 months. A person may make no morethan five elections in a lifetime. To determine it you areeligible to make an election to attend traffic school,check our web site at wvAvithsmv.gov.

Within 30 days from the date you received the traffic citationand prior to attending class. you must:

1. Inform the Clerk of Court in the county where youreceived the citation that you want to go to traffic school.and

2. Pay an election fee to the Clerk of Court in the countywhere you received the citation.

You may contact the traffic school of your choice to registerfor class. The Florida Department of Highway Safety andMotor Vehicles must approve the course. Traffic schools arelisted i n your local telephone directory under -d r i v i n ginstruction- o r ' t r a ff i c s c ho o ls . A pp ro ve d course providers

are also listed below. To locate an approved on-line basicdriver improvement course, refer to your local telephonedirectory, or contact the course providers listed below.

A MI list of your options for satisfying your traffic citation ison the back of the citation. You are required to choose oneof the three options within 30 days of receiving the citation.

An up to date list of approved course providers can be foundon our web site athttp://www flhsmv.gov/ddt/drivingcourses.html.

Page 62: 2013 Florida Drivers Handbook

9.6 - Florida Licensed DUI ProgramsYou may be required to complete a licensed DUI program ifyour license is administratively suspended for unlawful bloodor breath alcohol level, it you refuse to submit to a breath,blood, or urine test, or it you are convicted of driving underthe influence or possession of a controlled substance.

An up to date list of approved course providers can be foundon our web site athttmitww\v.flhsmv,goviddlidrivingcourses.html.

52

One person can save thelives of up to eight peoplethrough organ donat ion,and enhance dozensmore through t issuetransplantat ion. Say "yes"and join Florida's, organ,tissue and eye donorregistry today.

www.DonateLitenornda.org

Page 63: 2013 Florida Drivers Handbook

Isaac is an ac tive five-year-old, r e a dy tostar t k indergar ten a longs ide his twinbrother, Elijah. H e loves fire e ngine sand pira tes - he is a nor m a l k id, tha nk sto the ex traordinary gif t of dona t ion.

DONATE • B e a lifesaver, say "yes" to or ga n,L I F E t i s s u e and eye donation.

- -eot izezt, wwvv.DonateLifeFlorida.org

Page 64: 2013 Florida Drivers Handbook

Help us make the roadof life a little safer.

Protecting your child through life's journey is never easy especially now that they areteen drivers. That's why through generous donations, the Auto Club Group Traffic SafetyFoundation is working to protect and save the lives of drivers, passengers, bicyclists andpedestrians of all ages.

ACG Traffic Safety FoundationFlorida drivers can make a voluntary contribution to the Auto ClubGroup Traffic Safety Foundation (ACG Traffic Safety Foundation)when applying for or renewing vehicle registrations, driver's licensesand identification cards. Online or in person. applicants can chooseto donate and make a difference.

AAA.com/Foundat ion Donations are tax-deductible

1 : 1 = 2Traffic SafetyrobRO-A [ I ON

The AutoClub Group

Auto Club Group Traffic Safety Foundation, Inc. (ACGISE) is a not-loyproln, tax.evernot public charity certified under section 58I(c)3 of the Internal Revenue code. ACGIS1 is funded byvoluntary. tax-deductible contribotiooL horn otganizations and individuals who support ACGTSrs purpose to produce a sgnificant and COMMUOUS reduction in traffic orosbes injuries anddeath. ACGTSEN Federal Identificatton Number H 2/.2258096. A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION (NUMBER CH32864) AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROMTHE FLORIDA DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING 1.8004135.7352 TOLL-FREE WITHIN DIE STATE OR BY CALLING E850•488.2221 FROM OUTSIDE FLORIDA. REGISTRATIONDOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENEAPPROVAL OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATEACGISF receives 100% of contributions.