Is Your Music Too Loud For Florida’s Roadways?

In 2010, Florida’s legislators will be reviewing a proposed Bill, which would make driving with loud music a more severe crime and carrying harsher punishment. State Representative D. Alan Hays (R-Umatilla) introduced House Bill 137 to the Florida House of Representatives in September. If passed, this Bill, would modify the current loud stereo statute by imposing double the fines and making the offense a moving violation. If cited 3 times for this offense, the House Bill 137 would impose 3 points against their license and a $180.00 fine. These points would increase auto insurance premiums for the cited individual.
As it currently stands, it is currently unlawful to drive past a church, school or hospital with a stereo "plainly audible" from 25 feet away or that is "louder than necessary for the convenient hearing by persons inside the vehicle". Law enforcement and politicians are excluded from this law, since politicians often use loud sound devices for "political purposes".
While state law already imposes fines for loud stereos, many cities have already written their own civil ordinances imposing harsher laws and stringent punishment.
Resource: www.thenewspaper.com

Just Moved To Florida? Law Requirements For Driver’s License And Car Registration

Welcome to the Sunshine State! I know you have a busy schedule, but there’s a few things that you should do immediately to ensure you are following the laws of this State. First, you will need to convert your driver’s license to Florida. You can check online to see if you will need to take a written or road test to qualify for a Florida’s driver’s license. Secondly, you should inform your auto insurance carrier immediately of your move and obtain a Florida auto insurance policy from a licensed company. Thirdly, you will need to register your vehicle’s title with the county tax collector’s office. You will need to bring proof you have Florida automobile insurance, your original out-of-state title and physical inspection verification that your automobile’s VIN number is legitimate. You must register your vehicle within ten days of obtaining employment, placing children in public schools or establishing residency.

Resource: Florida DHSMV-New Residents

Florida Driver’s License Emergency Contact Information

You never know when or if you will be involved in a horrific car accident or will need emergency care. When these situations occur, you might not be able to call your loved ones to tell them that you are being transported to the hospital or that you need their help. The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles offers a free service which allows you to provide emergency contact information to law enforcement in the event of an emergency, if you have a current Florida Driver’s License or Florida Identification Card. Having this information accessible saves critical time. The emergency contact information is protected under the “Driver Privacy Protection Act (DPPA) and automatically blocks the release of driver license information, name, address, telephone number, medical or disability information and emergency contact information. Please consider logging onto http://www.flhsmv.gov/index.html and provide your emergency contact information.

Driver Privacy Protection Act. http://www.flhsmv.gov/index.html

Avoid Accidents and Tickets: Know the Rules Of The Road

How many times do you see someone driving below the speed limit in the left lane or driving on the shoulder to beat the traffic? These actions often lead to horrific accidents that could have been easily avoided. Some people know they are breaking the law, but simply don’t care. Others may have forgotten the laws governing our roadways. Most people study the Florida Driver’s Handbook when they are about to get their driver’s license, but years later, few pick up the book to refresh their memory. Knowing how to drive is different from knowing the rules. The Florida Driver’s Handbook has a lot of valuable information and safety tips, such as handling emergencies like breakdowns, tire blow outs, wet brakes, jammed gas pedals, brake failures, skidding and fires. I recommend that everyone freshen up on the rules of the road, it could save lives, including your own.
The Florida Driver Handbook
El Manual de Conductores de Florida

Florida Motorcycle Laws

Florida law does not require motorcycles to be insured, leaving many motorcyclists without insurance to protect themselves and others in an accident. Typically, motorcyclists are often severely injured in accidents and their medical bills quickly escalate while in emergency care. Motorcycle insurance is essential considering the rising cost of healthcare, leaving many Floridians without health insurance or means to pay their medical bills. Without proper insurance, they are faced with enormous medical bills and financial ruin.

Unfortunately, there are many uninsured motorists on Florida’s roadways and with the slowing economy, these numbers are expected to increase over time. Insurance protection can also provide benefits for the motorcyclist when the other driver is at fault for the accident, but does not have automobile insurance. Without proper insurance coverage, a motorcyclist can also be personally sued by the other party for property damages and personal injuries, if they caused the accident.

Although motorcycle insurance is not required in Florida and no one ever expects to be in an accident, there are many benefits in having the insurance coverage when and if needed. Unexpected and uninsured accidents can be devastating emotionally and financially. I recommend that all motorcycle owners purchase insurance coverage that will offer them adequate protection and benefits.

Out-of-State Resident and Arrested for DUI?

Just because you get arrested for DUI and are not from Florida doesn’t mean there won’t be consequences in your home state. The Interstate Drivers License Compact shares driving record information among several states and requires the State of Florida to notify your home state of your DUI arrest or license suspension. This could even result in your driving privileges being suspended in your home state because of reciprocity agreements.

If you are from out-of-state and were arrested in the Tampa Bay area for DUI, contact me so I can help you understand the laws which may affect you in your home state.

When Would I Have to Install an Ignition Interlock Device?

DUI CONVICTION	DEVICE REQUIREMENT
First Conviction	If Court Ordered
First Conviction if 0.15 or Minor in Car	At least 6 months
Second Conviction	At least 1 year
Second Conviction if 0.15 or Minor in Car	At least 2 years
Third Conviction	At least 2 years

These requirements are set forth by Section 316.193, Florida Statutes.

Recent DUI Arrest

When you are pulled over for allegedly driving under the influence, you may be required to take a breath test. If you refuse the breath test or blow over .08%, you have ten days to file for a hearing to try to keep your license. If you were driving with a valid license then it is legal to drive for ten days following the arrest.

If you’ve been recently arrested in the Tampa Bay area for DUI, call my office so I can secure the possibility of preserving your driving privileges.

Traffic Citation in the Mail

Over a dozen jurisdictions in Florida are placing cameras at intersections to catch people who are running through red lights or not making a complete stop before attempting a right hand turn during a red light. Violators who are caught by the camera receive their traffic citation in the mail, along with a picture of their vehicle taken during the violation. Fines for a person’s first two violations are $125 each. All violations after that are $250 each. Lakeland and Temple Terrace are among the cities with cameras in place.
http://www2.tbo.com/content/2009/jul/29/tickets-red-light-cameras-bring-delayed-lesson-law/news-metro/