Florida Driver License Handbook
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OFFICIAL FLORIDA DRIVER LICENSE HANDBOOK INTRODUCTION The Official Florida Driver License Handbook is produced by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV). This guide has the information you need to prepare for the Florida Driver License Class E Knowledge Exam and Driving Skills Test and to help you drive safely and lawfully. DISCLAIMER The Official Florida Driver License Handbook contains many condensed and paraphrased points of Florida laws and provides safety advice not specifically addressed in the laws. The handbook is not a legal authority and is not intended for use in court. This handbook will not reflect any changes made by the Florida Legislature after the last revision date (located at the bottom of this page). WARNING Florida law prohibits using a false name, making a false statement, concealing a material fact or otherwise using fraud in an application for a driver license or ID card. The penalty can be up to five years in prison, a $5,000 fine, and suspension of any existing driving privilege for at least one year. In addition, it is illegal to permit or authorize an unlicensed person to drive a motor vehicle and doing so can result in a 60 day jail sentence and a $500 fine. If the vehicle is involved in a crash resulting in bodily injury or death of any person, the person who permitted the unlicensed person to drive may (unless this is an automatic mandatory suspension) have his/her license suspended for one year. PUBLIC RECORDS Florida law requires the FLHSMV to collect certain personal information during the licensing process. This information, which identifies licensed individuals, is used for records management, driver improvement, financial responsibility, and law enforcement purposes. If you do not provide the required information, you will not receive a driver license or ID card. Florida’s Public Records Law makes all records made or received by FLHSMV in the course of its official business available for inspection, unless specifically exempted by law. Your personal information, including name, address, and driver license number is exempt from public disclosure, but may be given to law enforcement agencies and other entities permitted by law to get the information. Your medical information, social security number, and emergency contact information are available only as specifically authorized by law. FLHSMV strives to ensure the accuracy of the information obtained during the licensing process. If you discover any incorrect information, please call us at (850) 617-2000 or mail your request with your complete name, date of birth, driver license number, information about the error, and any documentation to support your request to: Chief of the Bureau of Records, 2900 Apalachee Parkway MS 89, Tallahassee, FL 32399-0575. Some information, such as reports of convictions received from a court, can only be corrected if notification from the court is received that the report was in error. The Official Florida Driver License Handbook—rev. 05/22/2020 i PENDING FLORIDA STATUTE CHANGES FOR 2020 As of the printing of this handbook, the following legislation has passed the Florida Legislature and is contingent upon becoming law, or further action taken by the Governor. Section 322.57, F.S.: Effective July 1, 2020, requires FLHSMV to waive the requirement to pass the commercial driver license skills tests for certain servicemembers and veterans. Sections 316.003, 316.008, 316.027, 316.083, 316.1995, 316.2065, 316.20655, 316.306, 316.613, 316.614, 320.01, 320.08, 322.01, and 324.021, F.S.: Effective July 1, 2020, creates regulations governing the operation of electric bicycles. Sections 322.08, 322.14, F.S.: Effective October 1, 2020, requires application forms for driver licenses and identification cards to include language allowing a voluntary contribution to Live Like Bella Childhood Cancer Foundation. Additionally, authorizes an optional “D” designation on the driver license of a person who has been diagnosed with a developmental disability. Sections 320.06, 320.0657, 320.08, 320.08053, 320.08056, 320.08058, 320.08062, 320.08068, 320.0807, 320.089, 320.0891, 320.0894, F.S.: Effective October 1, 2020, amends several provisions of law related to specialty license plates (slps). Authorizes new slps and caps the number of slps in the state. Revises the presale requirements for the issuance of a slp. Additionally, authorizes the election of a permanent registration period for certain vehicles. Section 318.18, F.S.: Effective January 1, 2021, increases the minimum civil penalty for failure to stop for a school bus from $100 to $200. For a subsequent offense within five years, FLHSMV must suspend the driver license of the driver for not less than six months and not more than one year. The bill also increases the minimum civil penalty for passing a school bus on the side that children enter and exit from $200 to $400. For a subsequent offense within five years, FLHSMV must suspend the driver license of the driver for not less than one year and not more than two years. ii ©2020 Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles TABLE OF CONTENTS Contact Info ....................... Inside Front Cover Traffic Signs ............................................................15 Introduction ..............................................................i Traffic Sign Colors ................................................15 Public Records .........................................................i Traffic Sign Shapes ...............................................16 Law Changes for 2020 ............................................ii Regulatory Signs ...................................................16 Warning Signs ........................................................18 PART 1: DRIVING IN FLORIDA ........................ 1 Informational Signs ..............................................21 1. Preparing to Drive: Your Vehicle .............. 3 Traffic Signals ........................................................21 Getting Ready to Drive ...........................................3 Steady Signal Lights .............................................21 Equipment Standards............................................3 Flashing Signal Lights ..........................................22 Required Equipment ..............................................3 Lane Signals...........................................................22 Equipment NOT Permitted ...................................4 Ramp Signals .........................................................23 Bumper Height Requirements .............................4 Pedestrian Signals ................................................23 Keep Your Car in Good Condition ......................4 Zones of Caution ..................................................24 Anti-Lock Brake System ........................................5 School Zone Signs & Signals ..............................24 Trailers, Towing, & Load ........................................5 Railroad Crossing Signs & Signals .....................24 Drawbar or Towing Connection ...........................5 Drawbridge Signs & Signals ................................25 Securing the Load ..................................................5 Construction/Maintenance Signs & Signals ....26 Projecting Load .......................................................6 5. Driving Safely ...................................... 27 Slow Moving Vehicle ..............................................6 Speed Limits ..........................................................27 2. Preparing to Drive: You—the Driver ......... 7 Braking Distance ...................................................28 Physical Conditions ...............................................7 Smooth Stops ........................................................29 Drowsy Driving ........................................................7 Making Turns .........................................................29 Emotions ..................................................................7 Three-Point Turn ..................................................30 Road Rage ................................................................8 Intersections ..........................................................30 Distracted Driving ...................................................8 Open Intersections ...............................................30 Drinking & Driving ...................................................9 Roundabouts .........................................................31 Drugged Driving ......................................................9 Driveways ...............................................................31 Older Drivers .........................................................10 Traffic Lanes ...........................................................31 Florida 511 Traffic Info .........................................10 Safe Following Distances ....................................32 Following Distance for Trucks ............................33 3. Occupant Protection ............................ 11 Blind Spots .............................................................33 Seat Belts & Child Restraints ..............................11 Passing ....................................................................33 Leaving Children Unsupervised in Vehicles ....12 Passing on the Right.............................................33 4. Traffic Controls .................................... 13 You Must Not Pass... .............................................34