Vehicular driving laws in Florida dictate the roles a person must follow on the road as well as the possible consequences of violating these rules. For example, a truck driving violation carries different penalties than a car or SUV. Motorcyclists must also follow specific rules and regulations while they drive to keep themselves, other drivers and pedestrians safe from harm on the road.
Violating vehicular law in Florida is punishable with license suspension or revocation, fines and penalties or even jail time. Repeat offenders are at the highest risk of jail time and losing their license. The exact nature of the violation, the damage it causes and each individual’s criminal record will influence the consequences of their violation.
What Is Vehicular Law?
Vehicular law is a set of governing rules that regulate how drivers must operate their vehicles on the road. The law varies depending on the type of automobile involved, such as a semi-truck, standard car or SUV or motorcycle.
Vehicular law is also known as traffic law, and it outlines general rules that all drivers must follow, such as:
– Speed limits in different areas
– Seat belt requirements for drivers and passengers
– Car seat and booster seat requirements for infants and children
– Yeilding and right-of-way requirements on different roadways
– Safe follow distance requirements
Drivers are legally required to obey traffic rules to keep themselves and other drivers safe on the road. What may seem like a minor infraction could lead to serious harm for someone else, such as not yielding at a stop sign or running a red light at the last minute.
Different Types of Vehicular Laws in Florida
Vehicular law is extensive, and while it has many general applications, it also has unique requirements for operators of different types of vehicles. For example, passenger cars have to adhere to proper licensing, insurance, registration and traffic rules. Failure to follow these rules can result in losing your license for a temporary period of time or having it restricted.
Commercial trucks are subjected to additional rules, such as height clearances, weight limits and driver qualifications.
Motorcyclists have to follow Florida motorcycle laws, which include obtaining a motorcycle endorsement on a driver’s license, wearing a helmet if under age 21 and following traffic rules, like lane-splitting restrictions.
Vehicular law also affects two of the most common crimes in the state: DUIs and speeding. Driving under the influence is a serious criminal offense that can result in jail time and license suspension or revocation, especially for repeat offenders.
Typical Car Laws in Florida
Drivers are required to hold a valid driver’s license and carry personal injury protection (PIP) insurance. Their vehicle must be registered with the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and maintain active registration and valid license plates at all times.
Because Florida is a no-fault state, drivers have to carry PIP insurnace to cover medical expenses caused by accidents, regardless of who is responsible. The minimum coverage requirement for PIP insurnace in Florida is $10,000 in bodily harm coverage and $10,000 in property damage coverage.
Commercial Truck Laws
Chapter 320 of the Florida State Statues outlines the definition of various motor vehicles and their associated terms. For example, truck drivers have limits on the acceptable size of their truck depending on the roadway. This is the vehicle’s gross weight, which includes the weight of the vehile and its load.
Florida imposes a maximum gross weight limit of 80,000 pounds on commercial vehicles, and drivers are not permitted to drive more than 16 hours each shift or 70 hours within a 7-day working period.
These laws help prevent drivers from driving while tired, which increases the risk of falling asleep at the wheel. All drivers who operate commercial trucks in Florida must hold a valid commercial driver’s license (CDL).
Motorcycle Laws
Motorcyclists in Florida need to hold a valid license. They can obtain this through the Department of Motor Vehicles. They must complete the Basic RiderCourse (BRC) or Basic RiderCourse updated (BRCu) to obtain their license.
Riders may have a motorcyle-only license or a motorcycle endorsement added to an existing valid driver’s license.
There are many traffic rules that govern motorcyce operation on Florida’s roadways. They help protect drivers and other motorists from serious injury on the road. It is crucial that motorcyclists always follow traffic laws and understand the unique rules they have while operating their bike.
What to Do After an Accident
If you have been involved in a car, truck or motorcycle accident in Florida, the best thing to do is consult with an attorney. They can help you understand your rights and pursue compensation for damages, such as medical bills, emotional suffering and lost wages.
A car accident lawyer deals with all types of vehicular law, and they have the ability to help clients build strong cases against individuals who have caused them harm on the road.