Florida · Handbook chapter 3 · 4 min read

How health, distraction, alcohol, drugs, drowsiness, road rage and emotions affect a Florida driver, plus registration, required equipment, window rules, brakes, driver assistance systems and loads.

Why this chapter matters

Most serious crashes come down to the driver: impaired, drowsy, distracted, speeding or aggressive. The vehicle matters too, and Florida sets exact standards for lights, horns, mirrors and tires that can appear on the exam.

You, the driver

Distracted driving

There are three kinds of distraction:

1. Visual: eyes off the road.
2. Manual: hands off the wheel.
3. Cognitive: mind off driving.

Texting involves all three, which makes it one of the most dangerous habits. Texting while driving is illegal in Florida, and using a handheld phone at all is banned in school crossings, school zones and work zones. Eating, grooming, pets, adjusting controls and daydreaming are distractions too.

Alcohol

• Alcohol passes from the stomach lining into the blood and reaches the brain within minutes.
• Judgment is the first thing affected, before you notice anything else.
• Even one drink raises your crash risk. No one can drink and drive safely, however experienced.
• If you are the designated driver, do not drink at all.

Drugs

Driving impaired by drugs carries the same penalties as alcohol. Many prescription and over-the-counter medicines, such as allergy and cold remedies, affect driving. Mixing them with alcohol multiplies the effect: one drink plus a cold tablet can act like several drinks.

Drowsy driving

Drowsiness slows reactions and can cause micro-sleeps. Its two main causes are poor sleep and driving when you would normally be asleep. On long trips, take a break every 100 miles or 2 hours, and pull over for a nap if you feel sleepy.

Road rage and emotions

If another driver threatens you, stay calm, slow down, let them pass and avoid eye contact. Call \*FHP (\*347) or 911 if you need help. Anger, worry or excitement can make you overreact, so calm down before you drive.

Older drivers

Regular eye and medical checks, asking about medicine side effects, and avoiding dusk, night, bad weather and rush hour all help older drivers stay safe.

Your vehicle

Registration

Your car needs a Florida registration and plate. A non-resident who takes a job or enrolls children in a Florida school must register within 10 days. Registrations usually expire at midnight on the first owner's birthday and can be renewed up to 90 days early.

Required equipment

Side windows may not reflect more than 25 percent of light and the rear window more than 35 percent. If the rear window is not see-through, you need mirrors on both sides.

Equipment not allowed

Red lights visible from the front, blue lights, sirens, bells or whistles, a muffler heard more than 50 feet away, stickers on the windshield not required by law, a TV screen the driver can see, and headphones worn by the driver.

Brakes and driver assistance

• With anti-lock brakes (ABS), press hard, hold the pedal down and steer. Pumping turns ABS off.
• With conventional brakes, pump the pedal if the wheels lock and the car slides.
• Collision warning systems only warn you; intervention systems, like automatic emergency braking, act for you. A backup camera never replaces turning to look.

Loads and towing

• A load that could fall or blow off (dirt, sand, gravel) needs a close-fitting cover.
• A load sticking out 4 feet or more past the rear needs red flags at least 18 inches square by day, and red lamps visible from 500 feet at night.
• A tow bar may be no longer than 15 feet; a chain, rope or cable tow needs a white flag at least 12 inches square.
• A passenger car may not carry a load past the left fenders, or more than 6 inches past the right fenders.