ORLANDO, Fla. – Many Florida drivers are likely all too familiar with hectic traffic on the state’s various highways.
Some drivers may start to scooch from lane to lane without warning, weaving in and out of traffic and causing plenty of confusion in the process.
But while most drivers are aware that turn signals are mandatory, there’s actually a little bit more to that rule.
WHAT THE LAW SAYS
According to Florida statutes, turn signals are required whenever a driver changes direction on the road.
However, the signal is supposed to be given continuously for at least 100 feet before you actually change lanes.
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The only exception to this is for bicyclists, who don’t have to follow the 100-feet rule if their hands are otherwise needed to control their bicycles.
That’s not the only signal rule Florida drivers should keep in mind, though.
SLAMMING ON THE BRAKES
There are plenty of other situations where drivers may see a turn coming up that they want to take, but they’re going too fast to safely make it.
For situations like this, Florida law also states that the driver may not suddenly stop or slow down without first giving an “appropriate signal” — such as using brake lights — if the opportunity to do so is available.
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PASSING SIGNAL
Furthermore, Florida law prohibits drivers from using a turn signal to act as a “do pass” signal for others behind them.
Instead, turn signals must be used to indicate an intention to turn, overtake or pass a vehicle.
WHY DON’T I EVER SEE ANYONE GET PULLED OVER?
In 2024, a viewer asked Trooper Steve, “Are turn signals required in Florida? I see them not being used all the time — and never being enforced."
While turn signals are indeed required, Trooper Steve answered that it’s largely a matter of officers being able to identify these situations.
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“I would answer this with a question: How often do you see someone actually being pulled over for any violation?” Trooper Steve said. “Then I would ask: Are you calling that law enforcement officer to ask them why they conducted that traffic stop? I’m not trying to be sarcastic. Traffic stops are conducted all day, every day in Florida, but the chances of us actually seeing them are very slim.”
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