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So you’re thinking about getting a new (or new-to-you) car. Great! It’ll feel pretty good cruising Florida highways. Before you buy, though, there are a few things you need to know so you don’t get ticketed.
Before you can start driving that sweet automobile, you’ll need to have insurance. You can’t take the car off the lot without it! Florida is a no-fault state and requires all drivers to carry personal injury protection (PIP) and property damage liability (PDL) insurance through a Florida insurance agent.
If you already have a covered vehicle, call your agent and let them know you plan to buy a new car. They can tell you what’s covered and when. If you don’t currently have insurance, it’s time to get some! To transfer a vehicle’s tag and title to you, you must provide proof of insurance.
If you buy a vehicle through classifieds or Craigslist, the previous owner likely won’t ask about your insurance. However, if you buy a vehicle and are caught driving without insurance, your license will be suspended, and you’ll have to pay a fee or get a traffic ticket for no proof of insurance.
While a skilled Florida traffic ticket lawyer may be able to get you out of your ticket, don’t risk it! Make sure you have the right coverage to protect you and your new vehicle.
Unless you bought your car outright, you won’t have a paper title stating those wheels belong to you. Most new car owners have an electronic title, at least until they pay off their auto loan.
You need a title to properly register your car. If you are buying a vehicle from an individual, you must get the title from them. The title clearly states that you now own the vehicle. You’ll need the former owner to sign the vehicle over to you so you can get a new title and register it. (Looking for information on getting a title?
If you buy your vehicle from a licensed dealer, they will help you get new tags. However, if you buy from other dealerships or individuals, you’ll need to take your title and proof of insurance to a local driver’s license and motor vehicle service center. Bring along your wallet to pay the appropriate registration fees for your vehicle.
Failing to register your vehicle can result in a fine and other serious consequences. It can even affect your insurance rates.
Ok, a lemon won’t get you ticketed (unless you abandon it somewhere), but we did want to make you aware that as a new car owner (whether it was purchased new or used), you have rights! With any car, document all repairs.
If your car malfunctions in a way that affects your ability to drive safely, you must get it fixed or you may be subject to a faulty equipment ticket. (For example, your wipers must work if it’s raining.)
Before cruising along the beach, make sure you have everything you need. Understand your rights and responsibilities so you can enjoy your new vehicle with confidence.
If you accidentally forget to take care of something—hey, we’re all busy—and get ticketed, know that there’s a skilled team of Florida traffic law lawyers ready to fight for you. The Florida Ticket Firm has helped clear millions of traffic tickets, and we’re ready to clear another million. If you’ve been ticketed, contact us immediately to start the appeals process.
