Florida

Can drivers do that on the road? What Florida law says about texting, eating, road rage

Stories by Miami Herald team, with AI summarization

September 26, 2024 5:00 AM

Florida drivers face an evolving landscape of rules and regulations on the road. Recent changes and clarifications to state laws address various aspects of driving behavior, from distracted driving to interactions with law enforcement. New restrictions aim to enhance road safety, including increased penalties for street racing and fines for speeding near disabled vehicles. The state continues to refine its stance on issues such as eating while driving, proper vehicle registration, and driver age limits.

The summary above was drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All stories below were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists.

Car registration in Florida expires on the birthday of the vehicle owner. Driving with an expired tag is against the law and carries a fine and penalty. Miami Herald File

No. 1: When does your car tag expire? Is it OK to drive with an old one? What Florida law says

Florida drivers have to register their vehicles with the state. | Published June 21, 2024 | Read Full Story

In this file photo from June 12, 2008, Sunny Isles Beach police officer Ricky Reffitt ticketed motorists that violated the Florida Move-Over Law. The law was expanded in 2023. Miami Herald File

No. 2: New Florida laws for drivers, breastfeeding moms, campers, shoppers are now in effect

A new year means new laws in Florida, including ones that affect the way you drive and spend.Among the state laws taking effect in 2024: | Published January 1, 2024 | Read Full Story

Know the rules of the road. C. M. Guerrero

No. 3: Can you eat while driving? Text at a red light? Here are 10 rules of the road in Florida

What to know about the law. | Published August 1, 2024 | Read Full Story by Miami Herald Archives

City of Miami Beach police officers stand watch along Ocean Drive late afternoon during spring break on Miami Beach, Florida on Friday, March 8, 2024. Al Diaz adiaz@miamiherald.com

No. 4: Is it illegal to flip off a driver on a Florida road? Scream ‘Idiot’? What the law says

Will road rage land you in jail? | Published March 19, 2024 | Read Full Story

This is a pro stunt in the Keys, but if you’re not careful behind the wheel while you eat, well ... Miami Herald File

No. 5: Can you eat while driving? What Florida law says about distraction behind the wheel

Is wolfing down a burger the same as texting? | Published May 2, 2024 | Read Full Story by Miami Herald Archives

Florida Highway Patrol Lt. Alex Camacho coordinates a Move Over Law Awareness news conference, as part of a law enforcement initiative in January, to make drivers aware of new state traffic laws. The event was held at FHP Miami Troop E Headquarters at 1011 NW 111th Ave. on Jan. 24, 2024. Howard Cohen hcohen@miamiherald.com

No. 6: You’re warned, Florida cops say. Now you can be fined for speeding next to disabled cars

There’s a new amendment to Florida’s old Move Over law and it’s enforceable. | Published January 24, 2024 | Read Full Story by Howard Cohen

The sudden arrival of deputies at an illegal street race sent hundreds of spectators scrambling, including one who was struck by a driver trying trying to outrun the cops, according to the Lee County Sheriff’s Office. Video screengrab

No. 7: Fines, criminal penalties for street racing in Florida might get a little tougher

“They are creating an incredibly dangerous environment, the worst of which is when they take over an entire intersection,” said South Florida Democrat Jason Pizzo | Published March 5, 2024 | Read Full Story by Alyssa Johnson

In this file photo from Feb. 27, 2009, a car has crashed through the window of an insurance business at East Sunrise Blvd and Flagler Drive in Fort Lauderdale. Miami Herald File

No. 8: Does Florida have an age limit for driving? What the law says about taking the wheel

Can you be too old? Are there restrictions? | Published September 6, 2024 | Read Full Story by Howard Cohen

Members of the Florida Highway Patrol, Florida Department of Transportation, Miami-Dade Fire Rescue, Road Rangers and other first responders gathered outside FHP’s Miami Troop E headquarters in West Miami-Dade on Jan. 24, 2024, to spread awareness of a new addition to Florida’s Move Over traffic law Howard Cohen hcohen@miamiherald.com

No. 9: Do you have to comply with police at a DUI checkpoint? What Florida law says about that

What to know about drunk-driving stops. | Published February 5, 2024 | Read Full Story by Howard Cohen

This report was produced with the help of AI tools, which summarized previous stories reported and written by McClatchy journalists. It was edited by journalists in our News division.