ORLANDO, Fla. – News 6 traffic safety expert Trooper Steve answers viewer questions and shares tips about the rules of the road, helping Central Florida residents become better drivers by being better educated.
Trooper Steve on Tuesday was asked, “My car broke down on I-4 and it’s on the shoulder and out of the way. How long do I have before it gets towed?”
If you’ve ever driven I-4, you already know this stretch of road doesn’t mess around.
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Let’s start with what Florida law actually says. Under Florida Statute 316.194, a vehicle can be considered abandoned if it’s left unattended on a public roadway or right-of-way. In general terms, a vehicle left within 30 feet of the roadway for more than 48 hours may legally be removed as abandoned.
But here’s the part that surprises a lot of people.
That 48-hour guideline does not give you protection on an interstate like I-4.
Interstates and other limited-access highways are treated differently because of safety. The shoulder isn’t a parking spot, it’s an emergency lane. Disabled vehicles on high-speed roadways are one of the biggest contributors to secondary crashes, which is why Florida Highway Patrol and FDOT have the authority to act quickly.
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If your vehicle is unattended on the shoulder of I-4, it can be towed immediately if it’s determined to be a safety concern. There doesn’t need to be a countdown clock or a warning tag first.
So, what should you do if your car breaks down on I-4? Turn on your hazard lights right away. Call for help immediately. If it’s safe to do so, stay with the vehicle or accept assistance from Road Rangers or law enforcement. Leaving the car and planning to “come back later” is often how people return to an empty shoulder.
Big takeaway: while Florida law does outline timeframes for abandoned vehicles, I-4 plays by safety rules first.
If you leave it, don’t assume it will still be there when you get back. That tow truck usually shows up faster than you think.