For years Florida officials have warned drivers against using their hazard lights while driving in the rain out of concern for safety of other drivers. Florida officials have issued safety notices, and gone to social media and highway signs imploring drivers not to use their hazard lights. Some of these dangers include confusing other drivers on the road as to your vehicle’s condition when you use hazard lights.
Despite these attempts, drivers have continued to use their hazards lights when weather conditions are less than desirable. In periods of heavy downpours or fog, it is not uncommon to see vehicles being operated with their hazard lights on. Drivers use their hazard lights to bring attention to their vehicle in low visibility conditions. However, what many drivers may not have known is that the use of hazard lights in the rain or in low visibility violated Florida Statute 316.2397. While rarely enforced, if a driver was pulled over for using their hazard lights they could have received a substantial fine.
Come July 1, 2021, that may change if Governor Ron DeSantis signs into law a massive 38-page, 1077-line transportation bill. Buried in that massive bill on lines 250-251, is language allowing drivers to use their hazards lights “[d]uring period of extremely low visibility on roadways with a posted speed of 55 miles per hour or higher.”
WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR FLORIDA DRIVERS
While “extremely low visibility” is vague, this law will allow drivers to use their hazards on Florida’s highways. It will also protect these users from being issued a traffic ticket or having to pay a hefty fine.
With the summer season sure to bring back the notorious afternoon thunderstorms, this bill may have come at just the right time.
To check the status of this bill click HERE.
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If you have been injured in a car accident or recently lost a loved on, contact Presser Law for a free case review with an attorney to determine your legal rights. For over 10 years, Justin Presser has represented car accident and injury victims throughout Central Florida in their times of need and he would be honored to help you as well.
About Injury and Wrongful Death Attorney Justin H. Presser
Justin H. Presser is an award-winning lawyer and founder of Presser Law, P.A. representing clients in the areas of personal injury, car accidents, motorcycle accidents, wrongful death and more. With an office located in Altamonte Springs, Florida, Presser Law, P.A., proudly services clients throughout Central Florida including the following areas: Orange County including Orlando, Ocoee, Doctor Phillips, Apopka, Winter Garden, Winter Park, Maitland, College Park, Thornton Park; Seminole County including Altamonte Springs, Longwood, Winter Springs, Lake Mary, Oviedo, Casselberry, Chuluota; Lake County including Clermont, Mount Dora, Eustis, Tavares, Leesburg, Sorrento; and Brevard County including Melbourne, Merritt Island, Cocoa Beach, Titusville, Palm Bay.
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