Every year across the United States police issue around 41 million speeding tickets. That works out as an average of one every second!
And these add up to a total value of between 25 and 50 billion dollars a year. So people all across America are paying the price for speeding.
But maintaining your speed limit across America can be challenging. This is because every state has different road traffic regulations. So what are the rules in Florida?
Well, that’s where we can help. Read on to find out everything you need to know about Florida speeding laws.
The Speed Limit in Florida
Like in most states, the speed limit in Florida depends somewhat on where you’re driving.
Most roads, including highways, across Florida, maintain a strict maximum speed of 55 MPH. If the speed limit for a particular road is different then this should be signposted on your route. So it’s important to keep your eyes peeled while driving.
There are some specific speed restrictions that you should be aware of.
In municipal areas, business or residential areas or around schools the limit is lower. Most municipal, business and residential areas have a Florida speeding law limit of 30 MPH. And school zones have a limit of 20 MPH.
Rural interstate highways and limited access highways have a higher speed limit. This is often 70 MPH.
However, these limits may be subject to change. Specific road conditions or lane closures might affect the speed limit.
If you’re driving on a road for the first time, don’t second guess the speed limit. It might drop down without explanation. But this is often because the road conditions are due to change.
Trust the limits that are in place and stick to them.
Exceeding Florida Speeding Laws
If you are caught exceeding the speed limit in Florida, a court will issue you with a penalty fine. Florida speeding fines vary depending on your speed.
They are measured depending on how far over the speed limit you are. The faster you are driving, the bigger the fine.
Exceeding the speed limit by 10 to 14 MPH carries a fine of $204. But if you exceed by this much in a school or construction zone, the fine increases to $304.
Exceeding the speed limit by 15 to 19 MPH will cost you $254. However, in school or construction zones, this penalty leaps up to $404.
Finally, if you exceed the speed limit by 20 to 29 MPH then you will be fined $279. But like the others, this fine is more if you speed in school or construction zones. If you get caught speeding here it’ll cost you a huge $454!
Hopefully, you won’t exceed the speed limit at all. Or if you do it won’t be by over 30 MPH. If you do then you face even more severe penalties.
Exceeding the Limit by More Than 30 MPH
Exceeding the speed limit by more than 30 MPH can be treated similarly to felony speeding in Florida. So it can be an extremely serious offense.
This is because exceeding the speed limit by this much poses a serious threat to human life. Some judges may even deem this a dangerous driving offense. Any officer who pulls you over for exceeding the speed limit by this much won’t be lenient.
Accordingly to the speeding laws in Florida, this type of speeding offense will often come with a mandatory court summons. If this is a case, hiring a traffic ticket attorney in a very good idea. Judges won’t look on your actions favorably so don’t try to give excuses.
If you exceed the speed limit by over 30 MPH in a school or construction zone, your fines automatically double. This means you could have to pay nearly $1,000.
It’s also extremely likely that you will have to attend a traffic school course on dangerous driving. This option can mean you don’t get points on your license.
If you already have points on your license then the consequences may be more severe. You may have your license suspended or even removed altogether.
Driving Too Slowly Is Also Against the Law
But exceeding the speed limit in Florida isn’t the only driving offense that can land you with a fine. In fact, driving too slowly can also come with a penalty.
This is because anything that disrupts the flow of traffic on the road poses a threat to road safety. Driving too slowly can prevent other road users from driving at safe speeds.
But to receive a ticket for driving too slowly you do have to be significantly below the speed limit. And these often only apply on highways.
For example, on a highway where the speed limit is 70 MPH, the minimum speed limit is 50 MPH. So you have a fairly wide window for adjusting your speed.
Judging Your Speed
Obviously, you can use your dashboard to measure your speed. And you can use the appropriate signage you follow the speed limits.
But Florida speeding laws also expect you to use your own judgment when on the roads. This means adjusting your speed based on the road features and conditions.
You should slow your speed when:
- You approach and cross over an intersection or railway crossing
- You approach and go around a bend in the road
- You approach and go over the crest of a hill
- The road becomes narrow or winding
- Weather affects the road conditions
- You are aware that pedestrians may require you to slow
- You become aware of any other specific hazards, such as road collisions or animals on the road
Making these judgments will help to keep you and other road users safe at all times.
Other Driving Penalties
Florida traffic laws are extensive and complex. But there are a few other instances you can watch out for when on the roads that could avoid you receiving a ticket.
These include:
- Only passing other vehicles at appropriate times. This involves correctly observing the lines in the center of the road.
- Not responding correctly, or following instructions if a fireman or law enforcement officer asks you to pull over. They will give you clear instructions and you should follow them to the letter.
- Not observing a safe distance between your car and the cars in front of you.
- Inconsistent or erratic driving.
All of these actions pose a threat to public safety and therefore can come with a hefty fine or remand. So bear them in mind when you’re out on the road.
The Bottom Line
If you stay within Florida speeding laws you shouldn’t experience any difficulties while out on the roads.
But if you have any more questions, or have recently received a speeding ticket, get in touch today. We’re here to help!